Squirrels may seem cute at first, but when they start raiding your garden, chewing on wires, or making their way into your attic, they quickly become unwanted pests. These clever creatures are excellent at finding food, shelter, and water in and around your home, which makes them persistent and hard to get rid of. Whether you’re dealing with squirrels in your attic or trying to stop them from invading your yard, knowing the right steps to take can help prevent further damage. This guide will walk you through the best ways to deal with unwanted squirrels and keep them from becoming a recurring problem.
Why Squirrels Become Unwanted Pests
Squirrels typically become a problem when they find easy access to food, shelter, and water. A bird feeder stocked with seeds or a garden full of fruits and vegetables can quickly attract squirrels to your property. Their ability to climb trees, leap between branches, and scurry across roofs makes them skilled at finding entry points into attics or other enclosed spaces. Once they gain access to your home, squirrels may build nests, chew on wires, and cause structural damage, leading to costly repairs.
Another reason squirrels become unwanted pests is their tendency to reproduce rapidly. A single pair of squirrels can produce several litters per year, and each litter can consist of up to six babies. If you have one or two squirrels entering your attic or living in your yard, it’s likely they could quickly become a much larger problem if not dealt with promptly. Their constant gnawing on wood and wires can lead to serious damage to your home, and their droppings can introduce bacteria that pose health risks to you and your family.
Lastly, squirrels are known for being persistent. Once they’ve found a comfortable environment with access to food and shelter, they’ll often return, even after initial attempts to remove them. That’s why it’s essential to take a proactive approach to squirrel control and ensure that all potential entry points are sealed, and that their attraction to your property is eliminated. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more difficult it becomes to remove them effectively.
Preventative Measures to Keep Squirrels Away
The best way to deal with squirrels is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. Implementing a few simple measures around your home and yard can discourage squirrels from nesting in your attic or chewing up your garden. Prevention is all about removing the things that attract them and securing potential entry points. Here are some key strategies to keep squirrels at bay.
1. Seal Entry Points to Your Home
Squirrels are expert climbers and can easily access your attic or other parts of your home through small openings. The first step in preventing squirrels from entering your living space is to thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes, especially around the roofline, vents, and chimney. Even the smallest opening can be an invitation for a curious squirrel to move in. Use materials like steel mesh or caulk to seal off these entry points and prevent them from finding a way in.
Additionally, ensure that attic vents are equipped with squirrel-proof mesh. These mesh screens allow airflow but prevent squirrels from squeezing through. Don’t forget to check around windows, doors, and utility lines as these can also be potential entry points. Keeping your home well-sealed not only prevents squirrels from entering but also makes your space less inviting for other wildlife.
2. Remove Food Sources and Sheltering Opportunities
Squirrels are drawn to easily accessible food and shelter, so eliminating these sources can help keep them away. Start by cleaning up any fallen nuts, seeds, or fruits in your yard. If you have bird feeders, consider using squirrel-proof models or moving them to higher, more difficult-to-reach locations. This will make it harder for squirrels to access the food, while still allowing birds to enjoy it.
Equally important is reducing potential shelter options. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof or attic, as squirrels can easily leap from these branches to your home. Additionally, remove piles of leaves, firewood, or debris near your foundation that may attract squirrels looking for nesting material. By removing these food and shelter options, you make your property less appealing to squirrels and discourage them from taking up residence.
3. Use Squirrel Repellents
Natural repellents can also help keep squirrels away. Scents like peppermint oil, garlic, or hot pepper are known to be unpleasant for squirrels, and they can be used effectively as deterrents. You can create a DIY spray using essential oils mixed with water and spray it around areas where squirrels tend to frequent. Some people also place bags of these strong-smelling substances around their gardens or attic to keep squirrels at bay.
If DIY options aren’t appealing, there are commercial squirrel repellents available as well. These products often contain capsaicin, the active compound in hot peppers, which squirrels find intolerable. While repellents can be effective, it’s best to combine them with other preventative measures for maximum success. Regular reapplication may be needed, especially after heavy rain or wind, to ensure long-lasting protection.
Related: What do squirrels hate the most?
Ethical Ways to Handle Unwanted Squirrels
When dealing with unwanted squirrels, it’s important to prioritize humane methods of removal. Whether you prefer to handle the situation yourself or call in professionals, ethical approaches focus on preventing harm to the animals while resolving the issue. Here are some effective and ethical ways to remove squirrels from your home or property.
1. Live Trapping and Relocation
One of the most humane ways to handle a squirrel infestation is through live trapping. Humane traps, such as cage traps, allow you to capture squirrels without causing them harm. These traps are often baited with food like peanut butter or sunflower seeds, making it easy to lure the squirrel inside. Once captured, the squirrel can be safely relocated to an area far from your home where it won’t cause further trouble.
It’s important to check local regulations before relocating squirrels. In many areas, there are laws about where and how squirrels can be released, to ensure they aren’t exposed to danger or become a problem for others. You may need to release the squirrel at least several miles away from your home, ideally in a wooded area or public space where it can find shelter and food.
2. Professional Wildlife Removal Services
If you’re uncomfortable handling the trapping and relocation process yourself, or if the infestation is particularly large, professional wildlife removal services are a great option. These experts have experience in safely removing squirrels and ensuring they’re relocated properly, minimizing the risk of harm to the animal or damage to your property. Hiring a professional also guarantees that the job will be done efficiently and humanely, and they can help you seal any entry points to prevent future infestations.
Additionally, wildlife removal specialists are familiar with local laws and regulations surrounding animal relocation, ensuring that they comply with all rules and guidelines. While hiring a professional may cost more than DIY methods, the peace of mind knowing that the process is being handled ethically and safely is often worth the investment.
3. One-Way Doors for Safe Exit
A one-way door system is a great option for ensuring that squirrels can exit your home but are unable to return. This method involves installing a device that allows the squirrel to leave the attic or other enclosed spaces without being trapped. Once the squirrel exits, the door is sealed, preventing its return. This method ensures that the animal is not harmed and is able to leave your home without being trapped inside.
One-way doors are particularly useful when you’re dealing with a few squirrels already inside. It’s important to ensure that all babies or hidden nests are safely removed before installing the one-way door, to prevent the animals from being trapped inside. While this method is humane and effective, it’s crucial to also secure any potential re-entry points around your home to avoid future invasions.
Long-Term Solutions to Deter Squirrels
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate problem of unwanted squirrels, the next step is to implement long-term solutions to prevent future infestations. Preventing squirrels from returning requires a combination of habitat modification, ongoing deterrents, and maintenance. By making your property less attractive to squirrels, you can discourage them from taking up residence in the future.
Start by addressing the environment around your home. Trim back any tree branches that are close to your roof, as squirrels are expert climbers and can easily leap onto your home from these branches. Additionally, ensure that there are no easy food sources available to them, such as bird feeders, pet food, or fallen fruit. By removing food and shelter options, you make your property less appealing and decrease the chances of squirrels returning.
Another key to long-term success is maintaining the seals on your home. Even after removing squirrels, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your roof, vents, and foundation for any new cracks or gaps. A single unnoticed opening can quickly become an invitation for squirrels to re-enter. Consider installing more permanent barriers, such as metal mesh or wire mesh, around vulnerable areas like attics, chimneys, and vents. By staying proactive and vigilant, you can effectively keep squirrels from making your home their permanent residence.
Contact AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix
If you’re struggling with a squirrel infestation or simply want to ensure your home is secure from these pesky creatures, AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix is here to help. Our team of trained squirrel control professionals specializes in humane squirrel removal and long-term deterrent solutions to ensure your home stays safe and secure. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen—contact us today for expert assistance. With our efficient and compassionate services, we’ll make sure your home is squirrel-free and protected for the future.
