How to Get Squrrels Out of My Walls

A squirrel is a clever creature that can make its way into your home.

Squirrels are viewed as "cute" when you are observing one eating an acorn from a park bench. This same squirrel, however, will quickly be deemed a "nuisance" when it weasels its way into your home. Once a squirrel finds a small entryway into your house, it may end up in your attic, or – even worse – inside your walls. Since many states have laws against killing squirrels, you will need to resort to more humane ways of removing squirrels from your walls.

Things You'll Need

• Traps
• Peanut butter
• Apple slices
• Walnuts
• Peanuts
• Mesh screening

Instructions

1. Open a door or window in your home so that the squirrel has a route of escape. The University of Missouri recommends this as the squirrels will likely find the way out themselves.

2. Examine the outside of your home in search of holes or small entryways the squirrels may have used to get inside. Set wire or cage traps up over or near the holes to catch the squirrels as soon as they come out, if they don't exit the premises on their own. Setting a trap in your attic is also a good idea, as squirrels are often found making nests in attics.

3. Bait the traps with either peanut butter, apple slices, walnuts or peanuts to help draw the squirrels out of the wall. Once the squirrels smell the bait, they will begin searching for it.

4. Release the trapped squirrels at least 10 miles from your home to keep them from returning to your property. A park or similar wooded area is ideal. You should, however, consult with local authorities before you transport the squirrels, as some counties advise against translocation.

5. Take measures to prevent squirrels from entering your home and getting inside your walls in the future. This includes plugging up all holes, trimming back tree branches that are leaning toward or over your house, cleaning up brush piles and installing mesh screens over your chimney and attic fan. Include checking eaves for rotting wood where holes may have formed to your inspection, as this is another possible entry point for the squirrels.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a sticky substance with polybutenes to the base of your home, as well as any downspouts. This will prevent the squirrels from climbing up your house and entering it through the attic. Polybutenes are adhesives that remain clear in color.

• Placing bait in the squirrel traps without actually setting them is a strategy you can utilize to get the squirrels comfortable visiting the traps. Do this for several days and then set the traps to catch the squirrels.

• Do not use mothballs to repel squirrels. They are not safe to use around humans.

• Allowing squirrels to live in your home is dangerous. Live squirrels may attract raccoons or start electrical fires by chewing on wires. They often carry fleas and ticks. In addition, dead squirrel odors cause such health problems as headaches and nausea.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Tree Squirrels: Managing Habitat and Controlling Damage
• University of California: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Ground Squirrel