Squirrels, while seemingly harmless, can cause significant damage to homes and gardens when they become unwelcome guests. The following guide provides essential Squirrel Control tips for identifying, preventing, and removing squirrels effectively to protect your property and peace of mind.
Common Pest Management Overview
Managing pests requires targeted strategies to address their unique behaviours and habitats. The table below provides a concise guide to pest control tips for different types of common invaders:
| Pest Control Type | Focus Description |
| Mice Control Tips | Strategies to manage and prevent mice infestations. |
| Rat Control Tips | Effective ways to block and deter rats. |
| Bed Bug Control Tips | Solutions for eradicating and preventing bed bugs. |
| Carpet Beetle Control Tips | Tips to protect fabrics and carpets from beetles. |
| Cockroach Control Tips | Methods to eliminate cockroaches safely. |
| Ant Control Tips | Steps to prevent and treat ant invasions. |
| Wasp Control Tips | Ways to safely remove nests and avoid stings. |
| Flea Control Tips | Protect pets and homes from fleas effectively. |
| Moth Control Tips | Prevent damage to clothes and stored goods. |
| Squirrel Control Tips | Prevent squirrels from damaging roofs and wires. |
| Rodent Control Tips | Comprehensive techniques to manage rodents. |
| Mosquito Control Tips | Minimize mosquito bites and breeding sites. |
| Midges Control Tips | Manage swarms and prevent bites effectively. |
| Insects Control Tips | General methods to keep pests out of homes. |
Why Squirrels Are More Than Just a Nuisance
Squirrels may appear cute, but their presence can lead to several problems:
- Property Damage: Squirrels chew on electrical wiring, insulation, and wooden structures, potentially causing fire hazards and costly repairs.
- Garden Destruction: They dig up plants, eat fruits, and raid bird feeders.
- Nesting Issues: Squirrels can nest in attics, chimneys, and walls, leaving behind droppings and odors.
Early Signs of Squirrel Infestation
Detecting an infestation of squirrels early can prevent significant damage and make removal easier. Here are the detailed signs of squirrels in house to watch for:
- Scratching and Scampering Noises: Squirrels are active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. You may hear scratching, scampering, or gnawing sounds in attics, walls, or ceilings as they move or build nests.
- Droppings: Squirrel droppings resemble those of rats but are slightly larger. You may find them near nesting sites, in attics, or around food sources.
- Chewed Wires and Wood: Squirrels have strong teeth and chew on electrical wires, wooden beams, and siding, which can cause fire hazards and structural damage.
- Nesting Materials: Look for shredded insulation, paper, leaves, or fabric in attics, chimneys, or other hidden areas where squirrels may build their nests.
- Tracks and Smudge Marks: Squirrel tracks in dusty or muddy areas may reveal their presence. Smudge marks from their oily fur may appear along frequently used entry points or travel routes.
- Visible Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for holes or damage near the roofline, vents, or chimneys. Squirrels often create or enlarge entry points to access indoor spaces.
- Destroyed Gardens: If squirrels are present outdoors, you might notice uprooted plants, missing fruits, or raided bird feeders as they forage for food.
- Unusual Pet Behavior: Pets, particularly dogs or cats, may become fixated on certain areas of your home where squirrels are active, such as attics or walls.
Identifying these early signs can help you take immediate action to prevent squirrels from causing further damage to your home or property.
Where Do Squirrels Hide?
Squirrels are resourceful and seek shelter in places that provide warmth, food, and safety. Understanding their hiding habits can help target removal efforts effectively. Here are the common hiding spots:
- Attics: Warm, quiet spaces make attics ideal nesting areas for squirrels. They often enter through roof vents, gaps, or damaged shingles.
- Chimneys: Squirrels often use chimneys as entry points or nesting spots, especially when they lack caps or proper covers.
- Wall Voids: Some squirrel species may nest inside walls, creating scratching noises and leaving behind droppings that can attract other pests.
- Trees and Gardens: Squirrels build dreys (nests) in tree branches or burrow in gardens to store food. They often prefer trees close to homes for easy roof access.
- Under Decks or Sheds: These areas provide shelter and protection from predators, making them a common hideout for squirrels seeking safety.
- Garages and Storage Areas: Squirrels may find shelter in cluttered garages or storage spaces, particularly those with food or pet supplies.
How to Control Squirrel Infestation?
Keeping squirrels out of your home and garden requires consistent efforts and a proactive approach. Here’s a detailed explanation of each prevention method:
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home thoroughly for gaps, cracks, and holes in the roof, walls, and vents. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, roof edges, and attic vents. Use durable materials like steel mesh, caulk, or metal flashing to block these entryways. Regularly check and maintain these seals to ensure they remain effective.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Squirrels are agile climbers and can easily jump from trees to your roof. Trim back any branches that are within six to eight feet of your home. This not only reduces access but also discourages squirrels from nesting in trees close to your house.
Install Chimney Caps
Squirrels often use chimneys as entry points to your home. Install sturdy, squirrel-proof chimney caps to block access while maintaining ventilation. Ensure the caps are made of durable metal that cannot be chewed through.
Protect Bird Feeders
Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders. Use squirrel-proof feeders that are designed to prevent access or place feeders far from your home and at least five feet off the ground. Adding baffles to poles can also deter squirrels.
Remove Food Sources
Squirrels are attracted to easily accessible food. Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids, clean up fallen fruits and nuts in your yard, and avoid leaving pet food outside. Regularly clean outdoor dining areas and grills to remove food residues.
Maintain Landscaping
A tidy yard reduces potential hiding spots and nesting areas for squirrels. Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris. Store firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and away from your home’s foundation. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed to limit cover near your house.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your House
If squirrels have already invaded your property, a strategic and humane approach to removal is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to effective squirrel removal methods:
Use Live Squirrel Traps
Set up humane squirrel traps in areas where squirrel activity is evident, such as attics, gardens, or near entry points. Bait the traps with foods that squirrels find irresistible, like peanut butter, nuts, or seeds. Once captured, relocate the squirrels at least 5 miles away from your home to prevent them from returning. Check Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to ensure compliance with trapping and relocation laws.
Install One-Way Exclusion Doors
Install exclusion doors at entry points. These devices allow squirrels to exit the space but prevent them from re-entering. Before sealing off entry points, ensure there are no young squirrels left behind in nests, as this could lead to further issues.
Apply Natural Squirrel Deterrents
Use natural repellents such as peppermint oil, vinegar, or predator urine to make the area unattractive to squirrels. Spray these deterrents around nesting sites, entry points, or areas of frequent activity. Reapply regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Ultrasonic Devices
Place ultrasonic devices in attics, garages, or other affected areas. These emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but inaudible to humans. While results can vary, these devices are a chemical-free option for repelling pests.
Block Nesting Materials
Remove any easily accessible materials squirrels may use for nesting, such as shredded paper, insulation, or fabric. This discourages them from settling in your home.
Seek Professional Help
For large or persistent infestations, consult a pest control professional. Experts can safely and effectively remove squirrels using advanced techniques while ensuring compliance with wildlife regulations. They can also offer solutions to prevent future infestations.
How to Remove Squirrels from Your Attic
Removing squirrels from your attic requires a careful and humane approach to ensure they are safely relocated and do not return. Start by identifying how the squirrels are entering. Common entry points include roof vents, damaged shingles, and gaps in soffits. Once identified, install one-way exclusion doors to allow the squirrels to leave but prevent re-entry. Check for any nests or young squirrels before sealing off entry points.
When to hire a Squirrel Control Company
If DIY methods are not enough, professional assistance may be necessary. Contact a pest control service when:
- Infestation is Widespread: Squirrels are present in multiple areas of your home or property.
- Structural Damage Occurs: Significant damage to wires, insulation, or wood requires immediate attention.
- Health Risks Arise: Squirrel droppings and nesting materials may pose health risks to your family.
Tips to Avoid Squirrels in the Future
Preventing squirrels from returning involves consistent efforts and proactive measures. Here are detailed strategies to ensure they stay away:
Regular Inspections
Conduct routine checks of your home’s exterior and interior for any signs of squirrel activity or potential entry points. Pay close attention to roof edges, vents, chimneys, and attic spaces. Early detection of vulnerabilities can prevent infestations before they begin.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keep your property free of food scraps, debris, and other attractants. Clean outdoor dining areas and grills after use, and ensure that birdseed or pet food is not left outside unattended. Securely store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids to deter squirrels from scavenging.
Reinforce Entry Points
Regularly inspect and reinforce previously sealed entry points to ensure they remain secure. Materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, and caulk can help block even the smallest gaps that squirrels might exploit.
Manage Outdoor Food Sources
Remove fallen fruits, nuts, and other potential food sources from your yard. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders and place them away from the house to reduce attraction.
Maintain Landscaping
Trim tree branches that are within 6-8 feet of your home to prevent squirrels from leaping onto your roof. Remove piles of wood, leaves, or other debris where squirrels might hide or build nests. Keep firewood elevated and away from your home’s foundation.
Educate Your Household
Ensure that everyone in the home is aware of the steps needed to prevent squirrels from returning. This includes securing food, closing doors and windows, and reporting any signs of squirrel activity.
Use Natural Squirrel Deterrents
Apply natural repellents, such as sprays made with peppermint oil or vinegar, around areas where squirrels are likely to enter. Reapply regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if squirrels are nesting in my attic?
Look for signs like scratching or scampering noises during the day, chewed wires, shredded nesting materials, and visible entry points near your roof or attic.
Are squirrels dangerous to humans or pets?
While squirrels are generally not aggressive, they can transmit diseases like Leptospirosis through droppings and urine. They can also pose fire hazards by chewing on electrical wires.
What is the most effective way to keep squirrels out of my home?
Seal all entry points using durable materials like steel mesh and caulk, trim overhanging tree branches, and use chimney caps to block access.
Can I use repellents to keep squirrels away?
Yes, natural repellents like peppermint oil, vinegar, or predator urine can deter squirrels. Apply these around entry points and nesting areas, reapplying regularly.
What should I do if I find baby squirrels in my attic?
If you find baby squirrels, it’s best to wait until they are old enough to leave the nest (about 8-10 weeks). Then, install one-way exclusion doors to ensure they exit safely without re-entry.
When should I call a professional for squirrel control?
Call a professional if you’re dealing with widespread infestations, significant structural damage, or if DIY methods fail to resolve the problem effectively.