If you have a squirrel in your house, you may be wondering how to get rid of it in a safe and humane way. Squirrels can be a nuisance, as they can cause damage to your home and create messes inside. However, with the right approach, it is possible to get rid of a squirrel in your house and prevent it from returning.
There are a variety of methods you can use to get rid of a squirrel in your house, ranging from sealing off openings or cracks in your home to setting up humane traps to catch and release the squirrel. It is important to choose a method that is safe and effective, and that does not cause harm to the squirrel.
In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to get rid of a squirrel in your house. By following these steps, you can effectively remove the squirrel from your home and prevent it from returning in the future.
Table of Contents
Step-by-step on How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in Your House
- Identify the entry points the squirrel is using: The first step in getting rid of a squirrel in your house is to figure out how the squirrel is getting inside. Look for openings or cracks in the exterior of your homes, such as around windows, doors, or vents.
- Seal off any openings or cracks in your home: Once you have identified the entry points, the next step is to seal off these openings or cracks to prevent the squirrel from entering your home again. This may involve using materials such as caulk, wire mesh, or wood to block off the openings.
- Set up humane traps to catch and release the squirrel: Another option is to set up humane traps, which allow you to catch the squirrel and release it back into the wild. It is important to use humane traps to avoid causing harm to the squirrel.
- Use repellents to discourage the squirrel from entering your home: There are a variety of repellents available that can be used to discourage squirrels from entering your home. These may include products that emit a strong scent or sound or products that create an unpleasant taste or texture.
- Trim tree branches that allow the squirrel to access your roof: If the squirrel is accessing your home through the roof, it may be helpful to trim any tree branches that are close to your home. This will make it more difficult for the squirrel to climb onto your roof and access your home.
- Block off chimneys and vents to prevent the squirrel from entering: Another way to prevent a squirrel from entering your home is to block off chimneys and vents. This may involve installing a cap on the chimney or covering vents with wire mesh.
- Consider hiring a professional pest control service: If you are unable to get rid of the squirrel on your own, or if you are concerned about the safety of doing so, you may want to consider hiring a professional pest control service. These professionals have the training and experience needed to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your home.
- Prevent future squirrel intrusions by securing trash cans and bird feeders: To prevent future squirrel intrusions, it is important to secure trash cans and bird feeders to prevent the squirrel from accessing food sources near your home. This may involve using lids or securing the cans or feeders to a stable surface.
Identify the entry points the squirrel is using
Once you have identified the entry points, there are a few steps you can take to prevent the squirrel from returning. One option is to seal up any openings or cracks that the squirrel is using to enter your home. This can be done using a variety of materials, such as caulk, weatherstripping, or wire mesh. It is important to make sure that the seal is secure, as squirrels are skilled at finding and exploiting weaknesses in your home’s defenses.
Another option is to install barriers or deterrents at the entry points. These can include things like squirrel-proof vents or screens, or devices that emit a high-pitched noise when the squirrel tries to enter your home. These measures can be effective at keeping the squirrel out, but it is important to make sure that they are properly installed and maintained to ensure their effectiveness.
In addition to these measures, it is also important to remove any sources of food or shelter that may be attracting the squirrel to your home in the first place. This may involve securing trash cans, cleaning up fallen fruit, and removing bird feeders or other sources of food. By taking these steps, you can help to prevent squirrels from entering your home and causing damage or disruption.
Seal off any openings or cracks in your home
It is important to be thorough when sealing off the openings, as squirrels are skilled at finding and exploiting weaknesses in your home’s defenses. You should also make sure to use the appropriate materials for the job, as some materials may be more effective at preventing squirrels from entering your home. For example, wire mesh is a good choice for sealing off larger openings, while caulk or weatherstripping may be more suitable for smaller cracks or gaps.
In addition to sealing off the openings, it is also important to regularly inspect your home’s exterior for any new openings or cracks that may have formed. This can be done by walking around the outside of your home and looking for any areas where the squirrel may be able to enter. If you do find any new openings, you should seal them off as soon as possible to prevent the squirrel from finding its way back into your home.
Finally, it is important to remember that sealing off the openings is just one step in the process of getting rid of a squirrel in your home. You may also need to take other measures, such as installing barriers or deterrents or removing sources of food or shelter that are attracting the squirrel. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can help to ensure that the squirrel stays out of your home for good.
Set up humane traps to catch and release the squirrel
There are a variety of humane traps available on the market, such as cage traps or box traps. These types of traps are designed to allow you to capture the squirrel without causing any injury or stress to the animal. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the trap carefully to ensure that it is set up properly and that the squirrel is not harmed during the trapping process.
Once you have caught the squirrel, it is important to release it back into the wild as soon as possible. You should release the squirrel in a suitable habitat, away from your home, to reduce the chances of it returning. If you are unsure of where to release the squirrel, you may want to consider contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency for guidance.
It is also important to remember that setting up humane traps is just one step in the process of getting rid of a squirrel in your home. You may also need to take other measures, such as sealing off any openings or cracks that the squirrel is using to enter your home, or removing sources of food or shelter that are attracting the squirrel. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can help to ensure that the squirrel stays out of your home for good.
Use repellents to discourage the squirrel from entering your home
One of the most popular types of repellents is the use of natural predators. This can involve placing items around your home that mimic the scent of a predator, such as a coyote urine. The idea behind this method is that the squirrel will be deterred from entering your home out of fear of a potential predator.
Another option is to use repellents that emit a loud noise or flashing light. These types of repellents can be triggered by the squirrel’s movement and can be effective at deterring the animal from entering your home. It is important to make sure that the repellent is placed in an area where it will be effective, such as near an entry point or a known squirrel-frequented area.
It is also worth considering using physical barriers or deterrents to keep the squirrel out of your home. These can include things like squirrel-proof vents or screens, or devices that emit a high-pitched noise when the squirrel tries to enter your home. By using a combination of repellents and physical barriers, you can create a multi-layered defense against squirrels entering your home.
Trim tree branches that allow the squirrel to access your roof
When trimming tree branches, it is important to follow proper safety guidelines. This may involve using a ladder or other safety equipment, and making sure that you are not in danger of falling or being hit by falling branches. You should also be mindful of the health of the tree, and avoid trimming more than is necessary.
It may also be helpful to consider the overall layout of your property when trimming tree branches. If there are other trees or structures nearby that the squirrel could use to access your roof, you may want to trim those branches as well. This can help to create a buffer zone around your home, making it more difficult for the squirrel to gain access.
In addition to trimming tree branches, there are a few other steps you can take to prevent squirrels from accessing your home through the roof. This may include sealing off any openings or cracks in your roof or installing barriers or deterrents to keep the squirrel out. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can help to keep the squirrel out of your home for good.
Block off chimneys and vents to prevent the squirrel from entering
It is important to make sure that the caps or covers you use are properly sized and installed, as squirrels are skilled at finding and exploiting weaknesses in your home’s defenses. You should also regularly check the caps or covers to ensure that they are in good condition and are not allowing the squirrel to enter your home.
In addition to installing caps or covers, it is also important to inspect your chimney and vents for any openings or cracks that the squirrel may be able to use as an entrance. If you find any such openings, you should seal them off using materials such as caulk or weatherstripping. This can help to create a more secure barrier against the squirrel and reduce the chances of it entering your home.
Finally, it is important to remember that blocking off chimneys and vents is just one step in the process of getting rid of a squirrel in your home. You may also need to take other measures, such as sealing off any other openings or cracks that the squirrel may be using to enter your home or removing sources of food or shelter that are attracting the squirrel. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can help to ensure that the squirrel stays out of your home for good.
Consider hiring a professional pest control service
When hiring a professional pest control service, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable company. This may involve reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends or neighbors. You should also make sure to ask about the methods that the company uses to remove squirrels, and ensure that they are humane and safe.
It is also important to discuss your specific needs and concerns with the pest control service before hiring them. This may include any allergies or sensitivities you or your family have or any specific areas of your home that you want the squirrel removed from. By providing this information, you can help the pest control service to tailor their approach to your specific situation.
Finally, it is worth remembering that hiring a professional pest control service is just one option for getting rid of a squirrel in your home. You may also want to consider taking other measures, such as sealing off any openings or cracks that the squirrel is using to enter your home, or removing sources of food or shelter that are attracting the squirrel. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can help to ensure that the squirrel stays out of your home for good.
Prevent future squirrel intrusions by securing trash cans and bird feeders
Another option is to use squirrel-proof trash cans or bird feeders. These products are designed to make it difficult for squirrels to access the contents, while still allowing other animals, such as birds, to feed. Some squirrel-proof trash cans and bird feeders use mechanisms such as weight-activated lids or spinning feeders to deter squirrels.
In addition to securing trash cans and bird feeders, it is also important to remove any other sources of food or shelter that may be attracting squirrels to your home. This may involve cleaning up fallen fruit or removing any debris or clutter that may provide shelter for the squirrel. By reducing the availability of food and shelter near your home, you can help to prevent squirrels from entering your home in the future.
Finally, it is worth remembering that securing trash cans and bird feeders are just one step in the process of preventing future squirrel intrusions. You may also need to take other measures, such as sealing off any openings or cracks that the squirrel may be using to enter your home, or using repellents or deterrents to discourage the squirrel from entering. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can help to keep squirrels out of your home for good.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting rid of a squirrel in your house requires a combination of different approaches. It is important to identify the entry points the squirrel is using and seal off any openings or cracks in your home to prevent it from returning. Setting up humane traps and using repellents can also be effective at getting rid of a squirrel in your house.
Additionally, trimming tree branches that allow the squirrel to access your roof, blocking off chimneys and vents, and hiring a professional pest control service can all be helpful in getting rid of a squirrel. Finally, preventing future squirrel intrusions by securing trash cans and bird feeders can help to keep squirrels out of your home for good. By following these steps, you can effectively get rid of a squirrel in your house and keep it out for the long term.
