Effortless: Get Rid Of Squirrels In House
Discovering squirrels in your house can be a startling and disruptive experience. These agile creatures, while often charming in their natural habitat, can cause significant damage and become a real nuisance when they breach your home’s defenses. The good news is that with a strategic approach, you can effectively and humanely get rid of squirrels in house and prevent future invasions. This article will guide you through understanding why squirrels enter homes, how to safely remove them, and crucial steps for sealing entry points.
Why Are Squirrels Invading Your Home?
Squirrels are primarily driven by instinctual needs: shelter and food. They are opportunistic foragers and will readily investigate any perceived opportunity for warmth, safety, and sustenance. Attics, wall voids, basements, and even chimneys can become attractive nesting sites, especially for pregnant females seeking a secure place to raise their young or for squirrels looking to escape harsh weather conditions. Small openings, gaps in siding, or damaged roof tiles can act as invitations for these persistent animals. Understanding their motivations is the first step in a successful eviction process.
Humane Ways to Get Rid Of A Squirrel In Your House
The most humane approach to removing a squirrel from your house involves encouraging it to leave on its own, rather than trapping it inside.
Creating an Unwelcome Environment
Squirrels are generally wary of humans and loud noises. One of the simplest methods is to make the area where the squirrel is residing as uncomfortable as possible.
Noise Disruption: Turn on radios or play loud music in the vicinity of the squirrel’s activity, especially during the daytime when they are most active. This can startle them and encourage them to seek quieter accommodations elsewhere.
Light It Up: Squirrels prefer dark, secluded spaces. Placing bright lights in their nesting area can deter them. Consider using work lights or motion-activated lights to create a consistently unsettling environment.
Unpleasant Odors: While less scientifically proven, some anecdotal evidence suggests that certain strong scents can be off-putting to squirrels. Ammonia-soaked rags or mothballs placed near their suspected entry or nesting points are sometimes recommended. Be cautious with mothballs, however, as they can be toxic if ingested by pets or children.
Encouraging Exit
If you can pinpoint the entry point the squirrel is using, you can facilitate its departure.
One-Way Doors: One of the most effective and humane methods is installing a one-way exclusion device or funnel over the entry point. These devices allow the squirrel to exit but prevent it from re-entering. These can often be purchased at hardware stores or online, or a handyman can fashion one. Ensure the device is securely attached to prevent further damage.
Openings and Obstructions: If the squirrel is trapped inside a room and you know its entry point, open doors and windows leading outside to create a clear path for escape. Temporarily remove any clutter that might impede its movement. Once it has left, immediately secure the opening.
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY methods are often successful, there are situations where professional intervention is necessary.
Difficulty Locating Entry Points: If you can’t find how the squirrel is getting in, professional wildlife removal services have the expertise and tools to identify and seal all potential entry points.
Presence of Young Squirrels: If you suspect a mother squirrel has nested with young, it’s crucial to allow the babies to become mobile before attempting removal. Removing a mother while her young are dependent will likely lead to the young perishing, and could also result in the mother becoming aggressive. Professionals can humanely handle such situations, ensuring the safety of both the mother and her offspring.
Aggressive Behavior: If the squirrel appears sick, injured, or exhibits aggressive behavior, do not attempt to handle it yourself. These could be signs of rabies or other diseases. Contact a professional wildlife removal service or your local animal control immediately.
Persistent Infestations: For ongoing or severe infestations, professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions and long-term prevention strategies.
Preventing Future Squirrel Invasions
Once you’ve successfully managed to get rid of a squirrel in your house, the most critical step is preventing them from returning. Prevention is always easier and far less stressful than removal.
Sealing Entry Points
Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior for any potential entry points. This includes:
Roof and Eaves: Check for damaged shingles, gaps in soffits, and holes in fascia boards.
Vents and Chimneys: Ensure all vents (attic, dryer, kitchen) are covered with sturdy mesh. Install a chimney cap to prevent access.
Siding and Foundation: Look for cracks, holes, or loose siding near the foundation and where utility lines enter the house.
Windows and Doors: Repair any damaged screens or weather stripping.
Use durable materials like galvanized steel mesh, heavy-gauge wire, or metal flashing to repair these openings. Squirrels have sharp teeth and can chew through wood or plastic with relative ease.
Eliminating Attractants Around Your Home
Squirrels are drawn to areas that offer easy food sources and comfortable shelter.
Bird Feeders: While a joy for many, bird feeders can be a significant attractant. Use squirrel-proof feeders, place them at least 10 feet away from any jumping-off points, and consider removing them for a period if you have ongoing issues. Clean up spilled seeds regularly.
Trash Cans: Ensure your garbage cans have secure, tightly fitting lids. Store them away from the house if possible.
Fallen Fruit and Nuts: Regularly clean up fallen fruit and nuts from trees in your yard.
Gardens: If you have a vegetable or fruit garden, consider fencing it with poultry wire or other sturdy materials.
Pet Food: Do not leave pet food outdoors overnight.
* Clutter: Remove piles of wood, debris, or overgrown vegetation near your home, as these can provide shelter for squirrels.
By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach, you can not only effectively get rid of squirrels in your house but also ensure your home remains a sanctuary for your family, free from unwanted furry visitors. Remember, patience and consistency are key to achieving a squirrel-free living environment.