How to Deal With Squirrels in the Siding

Female squirrels more than 2 years old have two litters per year.

Squirrels may find their way into your home and live in your attic or behind your siding. They build nests and raise their young. Many tree squirrel species breed at least twice a year throughout the country. They may breed year-round in warm climates. The gestation period lasts approximately 45 days. Before completely excluding the squirrels, make sure there are no young babies inside your siding that you will seal in and inhumanely kill, which causes greater issues later when the bodies decay.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• One-way door
• 4-inch diameter plastic pipe

Instructions

1. Place crumpled newspaper loosely in any holes you suspect the squirrels are entering and exiting. This includes any opening in the house's exterior. Squirrels may use several entrances and exits.

2. Leave the newspaper in the holes for two to three days. If none of the newspapers have been pushed or pulled out by the squirrels, permanently seal the holes.

3. Place one-way doors over the holes if you are sure there are no baby squirrels too young to go outside with their mother. One-way doors allow the squirrels to exit but not re-enter. If have no access to a one-way door, place a 4-inch plastic pipe in the opening slanting downward to the ground at a 45-degree angle.

4. Repair the holes once all squirrels are out. If the holes are permanent and not created by the squirrels, heavy mesh works.

References

• University of Illinois Extension; Tree Squirrels' Laura Kammin, et al.
• University of Wisconsin Extension; Tree Squirrels in Wisconsin: Benefits and Problems; Scott Craven, et al.
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Squirrels