Do you have a squirrel problem? If so, you’re not alone. Squirrels can be very pesky creatures, and they often find their way into homes in search of food or shelter.
If you live in an area where squirrels are common, it’s likely that you’ll eventually have to deal with one or more of these furry critters getting into your attic. If you’re having trouble getting the squirrels out of your attic, don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to get rid of squirrels from your attic.
Contents
Why Do Squirrels Go In Attics?
Well, think about it from the squirrel’s point of view. It’s a hard world out there. Your lovely attic can look very appealing for the following reasons:
- Your attic is toasty warm and dry.
- Your attic provides shelter from the weather.
- It’s an elevated position, which means they have more protection from predators.
- AND, they’re family-oriented animals. They’re looking for a place to start a family.
There are many reasons why squirrels might enter your attic. Whatever the reason, once they’re in, it can be difficult to get them out.
7 Reasons You Should Never Ignore A Squirrel In Your Attic
If you have a squirrel in your attic, it’s important to take action to get rid of the animal as soon as possible. While they may seem cute and harmless, squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your home and property, so it’s important to get them out as soon as possible.
Here are seven reasons why you should never ignore a squirrel in your attic:
- Squirrels can cause significant damage to your home. Squirrels love to chew on things, and that includes the wood and insulation in your attic. Over time, this damage can add up to big repair bills.
- Squirrels can carry harmful diseases, like rabies and typhus. And their droppings can contain parasites that can infect humans and pets.
- The longer a squirrel is in your attic, the more likely it is to have babies. Baby squirrels are even more destructive than adults and can be very difficult to remove from your home.
- Squirrels can trigger allergies in some people.
- Squirrels can be a nuisance, making noise, keeping you up at night, and leaving droppings behind.
- Squirrels can start fires. Chewed electrical wires are a serious fire hazard.
- Ignoring a squirrel in your attic could eventually lead to an infestation of other pests, such as rats and mice.
If you have a squirrel in your attic, don’t wait to take action. They’re not easy to get rid of. Once squirrels move in, they’re usually there to stay. That’s why it’s important to take action as soon as you suspect you have a problem.
How To Know If You Have Squirrels In Your Attic
If you think you might have squirrels in your attic, there are a few ways to tell for sure. Signs of squirrels in the attic include:
- You hear noises in your attic – If you hear scurrying, scratching, or chewing noises coming from your attic, it’s likely that you have some furry critters up there.
- You see damage to your home – Squirrels can cause damage to your home as they gnaw on wood and wires. If you see any chew marks or holes in your walls or ceilings, it’s a good indication that squirrels are present.
- Squirrel droppings in your attic – Another sure sign of squirrels (or any other animal) in your attic is the presence of droppings.
- You see squirrels entering or exiting your home – If you actually see squirrels going in and out of your home, there’s no doubt that they’re nesting in your attic.
- You smell a musky odor in your attic – Squirrels (and other animals) often leave behind a musky odor that can be detected in your attic. If you notice this type of odor, it’s a good indication that you have an animal problem.
Squirrel Habits
Are Squirrels Nocturnal?
Squirrels are primarily active during the daytime, but they can be active at night if there is a food source or predator present. While squirrels are not strictly nocturnal, their activity levels do tend to peak during dawn and dusk hours. If you are hearing noises in your attic at night, there It’s unlikely that a squirrel is the culprit.
Do Squirrels Leave The Attic During The Day?
The answer to this question depends on the time of year and what the squirrels are doing in the attic. If it is winter, the squirrels will likely stay in the attic all day to keep warm. However, if it is summer, the squirrels may come out during the day to cool off.
Additionally, if the squirrels are raising young in the attic, they may leave during the day to forage for food. If there is a lot of human activity in the attic, the squirrels may also come out during the day and explore their surroundings.
What Time Do Squirrels Come Out?
Squirrels are most active in the morning and evening, so they are likely to be in your attic during those times. If you hear noises in your attic at night, it’s probably a raccoon or an opossum.
Will Squirrels Leave The Attic On Their Own?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If the squirrels have been living in the attic for a long time, they may be reluctant to leave. This is because they have become used to their surroundings and may see the attic as their home.
Additionally, if there are baby squirrels present, the mother will likely want to stay put in order to care for them.
That said, it is possible for squirrels to be convinced to leave an attic on their own. One way to do this is by making the environment less inviting for them. This can be done by removing any food sources and sealing up any holes or cracks that they might use to enter.
How To Find Out Where Squirrels Are Getting In
If you have squirrels in your attic, you’re probably wondering how they got there in the first place. Unfortunately, squirrels are very good at getting into attics – they can squeeze through tiny spaces and climb really well.
Finding squirrel entry points takes a bit of observation. Here are a few ways to figure out where the squirrels are getting into your attic:
- Inspect your home for any possible entry points that the squirrels could be using. This includes looking for cracks or holes in the exterior of your home, as well as gaps around chimneys, vents, or any other openings.
- Look for signs of damage on the outside of your home, such as gnawed holes or scratches.
- Listen for noises coming from the attic, especially when squirrels are most active.
- Check for droppings in the attic, which can help you identify where the squirrels are spending most of their time.
Speaking Of Squirrel Poop….
What Does Squirrel Scat Look Like?
If you see squirrel poop in your attic, it’s a good indication that there are squirrels present. Squirrel scat is small, tubular and usually black in color. It may contain seeds, nuts or other undigested food items. Sometimes it can be lighter in color, depending on what the squirrel has been eating.
Can You Get Sick From Squirrel Poop?
Yes, you can get sick from squirrel poop. Diseases that can be spread by squirrel feces include salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. All of these diseases can be deadly if left untreated, so it is important to take any necessary precautions to avoid contact with squirrel feces. If you must clean up squirrel droppings, always wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure.
How Do You Clean Up Squirrel Poop?
Squirrel droppings are full of dangerous bacteria, so take care when you clean it up.
- Make sure your kids and pets don’t touch it.
- Be sure to wear gloves and a respirator mask.
- Thoroughly disinfect the area where the droppings were found.
How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In An Attic
There are a few different ways to go about getting squirrels out of your attic, but the most important thing is to be patient and consistent.
One Way Trap Door For Squirrels
- Once you’ve found the entry points, seal all of them up EXCEPT ONE with hardware cloth, caulk, or another type of sealant. This will prevent the squirrels from being able to get back inside once they’re out.
- Set up a one-way door at one of the entry points. This will allow the squirrels to exit but not re-enter your home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when setting up the door.
- Leave the one-way door in place until all of the squirrels have been removed from your attic.
- Once the squirrels have left your attic, remove the one-way door and seal up the entry point again to prevent them from coming back in.
If you have squirrels in your attic, you know how destructive and noisy they can be. Getting rid of them is not always easy, but it is possible with the right tools and products.
The One Way Door Excluder Valve for Squirrels is one such product that can help you get rid of these pesky critters for good.
This device works by allowing the squirrel to exit the attic but not re-enter. It is made of heavy-duty galvanized metal and is weatherproof, so it can withstand the elements.
One Way Door Excluder Valve for Squirrels is an effective and humane way to get rid of squirrels in your attic. It is easy to use and install, and it will keep them out for good.
You can see it in action in the videos below.
Here is the squirrel leaving the attic….
Here is the squirrel trying to get back inside….
What Smells Do Squirrels Hate?
Coyote Urine – Squirrels Will React Like The Roadrunner!
Coyote urine is an effective way to get rid of squirrels for two reasons. For one, the scent of coyote urine is very strong and can easily scare off smaller animals like squirrels because it’s the smell of a predator.
Additionally, coyote urine contains a chemical that can actually deter squirrels from entering an area. This makes it an ideal solution for getting rid of squirrels in your attic or any other area of your home.
You can get a spray bottle of coyote urine on Amazon.
Vinegar – Vinegar Is Another Smell That Squirrels Dislike
White vinegar is another effective way to keep squirrels away. The strong smell of vinegar is unpleasant for squirrels and will deter them from entering your home. You can use vinegar in a spray bottle to squirt around the perimeter of your house, or anywhere else you think squirrels might try to enter. If you spray it near your garden, take care not to squirt your fragile plants.
Apple cider vinegar is a great way to get squirrels out of your attic. The strong smell deters them from wanting to stay, but it can also attract flies. If you have a fly problem, you may want to try another method.
Peppermint – The Smell Of Peppermint Keeps Squirrels Away
Peppermint is another scent that squirrels cannot stand. You can use peppermint oil in a diffuser or diluted in a spray bottle to keep squirrels away from your home. The strong smell of peppermint will deter squirrels from entering, and the scent will also freshen up your home.
Citrus – The Smell Of Citrus Fruits Is Unpleasant For Squirrels
The strong smell of citrus fruits is unpleasant for squirrels and will deter them from entering your home. You can use citrus-scented cleaning products around your house, or you can place citrus peels in strategic locations. The smell of citrus will keep squirrels away and also make your home smell fresh and clean.
Ammonia – Another Strong Smell That Squirrels Hate
Ammonia is another strong smell that squirrels hate. You can use ammonia in a spray bottle to squirt around the perimeter of your house, or anywhere else you think squirrels might try to enter. The strong smell of ammonia will deter squirrels from entering your home.
Here’s what you need to know about using ammonia to get rid of squirrels out of your attic.
- You’ll need to purchase some pure ammonia. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when handling it.
- Once you have the pure ammonia, pour it into a bowl and place it in the attic near where the squirrels are active. The strong smell will encourage them to leave.
- You’ll need to replenish the ammonia regularly, as the scent will dissipate over time.
If you’re consistent with it, using ammonia can be an effective way to get rid of squirrels in your attic.
Garlic – The Smell Of Garlic Keeps Squirrels Away
The strong smell of garlic is unpleasant for squirrels and will deter them from entering your home. You can use garlic cloves in a diffuser or diluted in a spray bottle to keep squirrels away from your home. The strong smell of garlic will deter squirrels from entering, and the scent will also freshen up your home.
Coffee Grounds – Another Effective Way To Keep Squirrels Away
The strong smell of coffee is unpleasant for squirrels and will deter them from entering your home. You can use coffee grounds in your attic to discourage them, or in your garden to deter them. And your garden will love the grounds because they are a natural fertilizer.
Cinnamon – The Smell Of Cinnamon Keeps Squirrels Away
The strong smell of cinnamon is unpleasant for squirrels and will deter them from entering your home. Use ground cinnamon to keep squirrels away from your home, or spread it around your attic.
Cinnamon has a habit of blowing away, so you’ll need to reapply frequently.
Pepper – The Smell Of Pepper Keeps Squirrels Away
The strong smell of white or black pepper is unpleasant for squirrels and will deter them from entering your home. It will be need to be reapplied as necessary.
Chili Powder – Squirrels Don’t Like Spicy!
One of the best ways to keep squirrels away is by using capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their spicy taste. When applied to surfaces, it acts as a natural repellent for squirrels and other pests.
Be sure to reapply every few weeks as needed. Sprinkle chili powder around the perimeter of your home or garden to deter squirrels, or spread it in the attic if they have already taken up residence.
Dryer Sheets – Yes, Really!
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to your dryer sheets. But did you know that they can actually be used for more than just keeping your clothes static-free? That’s right – dryer sheets can also be used as a squirrel deterrent!
Now, you might be thinking that there’s no way a little piece of fabric could possibly deter a pesky squirrel from getting into your attic or chewing through your wiring. But believe it or not, dryer sheets have been proven to be effective at keeping squirrels away.
Here’s how it works: Squirrels are extremely sensitive to smell, and the strong scent of a dryer sheet is enough to keep them away. So, if you place a few dryer sheets in your attic or around your home, you’ll likely see a reduction in the number of squirrels trying to get inside.
Do Mothballs Get Rid Of Squirrels?
Using mothballs to try to get rid of squirrels can actually be harmful or even fatal to humans and animals, and they are dangerous to the environment.
As you would know, squirrels pick things up and move them and hide them, depositing them where your children or pets could easily find them.
Mothballs are made of chemicals that are designed to repel moths and other insects. However, these chemicals are also toxic to mammals, including squirrels. If a human or animal ingests even a small amount of mothball chemical, it can cause serious health problems or even death, and as such, they are banned in a lot of countries.
How To Keep Squirrels Away?
One of the best ways to keep squirrels away from your house is to trim back any trees or shrubs that are close to your home. Squirrels love to climb, and they will use any opportunity to get closer to your house. If you have any branches hanging over your roof, trim them back so the squirrels can’t use them as a bridge to your home.
Another way to keep squirrels away is to seal up any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior. Squirrels are able to squeeze through incredibly small spaces, so it’s important to make sure there are no openings for them to get inside. Check around your windows and doors, and if you see any gaps, seal them up with caulk or expanding foam.
Finally, you can also try to deter squirrels by making your yard less inviting to them. Remove any bird feeders, as these are a major attractant for squirrels. And, pick up any fallen nuts or fruits from your trees so the squirrels don’t have anything to eat.
What Do Squirrels Like To Eat The Most?
Squirrels love to eat nuts and seeds. They will also eat fruits and vegetables. In the wild, they eat mostly acorns, but in captivity, they will eat just about anything. Squirrels are very active animals and love to play. They are also very curious and will investigate anything new that they see.
Nuts and seeds are a big part of a squirrel’s diet. There are many different kinds of nuts that squirrels like to eat, including acorns, hazelnuts, chestnuts, and peanuts.
Squirrels will also eat sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other types of seeds. Fruits and vegetables are also part of a squirrel’s diet. They will eat apples, bananas, berries, and carrots. In the wild, squirrels eat mostly nuts and seeds, but when they are hungry, they’ll eat just about anything.
Don’t set out a buffet for your local squirrel population! Keep your garbage tins tightly secured and if possible, feed your pets inside. Pick up any fallen fruit and keep your vegetable garden protected.
What Sounds Do Squirrels Hate?
One of the sounds that squirrels hate is a loud, high-pitched noise. This can be achieved by using an airhorn or even a simple whistle. When the noise is sounded, the squirrels will usually flee the area immediately.
Another sound that deters squirrels is ultrasonic sound waves. These are inaudible to humans but can be very irritating to animals like squirrels. There are many devices that emit ultrasonic sound waves avialable and can be used to keep squirrels away from your home.
What Are Squirrels Afraid Of?
Squirrels are generally afraid of predators, such as dogs, cats, and birds of prey, especially owls. They are also afraid of being trapped or confined.
Loud noises can also startle and scare squirrels, as they are not used to hearing them.
Some people believe that squirrels are also afraid of snakes, but this is not always the case. Squirrels have been known to coexist with snakes in some areas.
Finally, unfamiliar environments can be overwhelming for squirrels, as they may not know where to find food or shelter. This is another reason to act quickly when you know you have a problem. Don’t let them think of your house as a familiar safe haven!
Last Resort
If you don’t have time to deal with the squirrels in your attic, the most effective method is to hire a professional wildlife removal company. These companies will use humane methods to remove the squirrels and prevent them from returning.
Conclusion
If you have squirrels in your attic, it’s important to get them out as soon as possible. Not only are they damaging your property, but they can also pose a health hazard to your family and your pets.
