How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Air Space of Home

They might look cute, but if squirrels have invaded your home they can wreak havoc.

Squirrels are particularly tough to get rid of. These territorial rodents sometimes chew through the roof and the siding of your house to get into the air shafts throughout the home, and once they settle in they won't leave voluntarily. Squirrels are not known to eat poison, so the absolute best way to catch them and permanently remove them from your air spaces requires live traps and perhaps a trip to relocate them.

Things You'll Need

• Trap big enough to fit squirrels
• Bait
• Place to release squirrels away from property
• 1/4-inch mesh cloth

Instructions

1. Buy or rent a squirrel trap from the local hardware store or order one online. Make sure the trap is about 18 inches long, since a trap that's too small will allow the squirrels to snatch the bait and run away free.

2. Set the traps by placing bait on the trigger plate. Good bait will look and smell appealing to the squirrels, so try peanut butter, apples, popcorn, cereal or peanuts.

3. Remove the vents from the air spaces in your walls and ceilings. Place traps as far inside as possible, ideally in the path of squirrel activity.

4. Check traps often. One reason for this is if other squirrels see a trapped squirrel, they may avoid traps in the future.

5. Take trapped squirrels at least five miles from your house and release them.

6. Close up squirrel entryways with quarter-inch mesh cloth once you have reduced or eliminated their population.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure the gate on the trap before picking it up, using tape or bungee cords.

• Handle trapped squirrels with care. Wear gloves, and avoid sticking fingers in or near the cage.

References

• Jim's Home Repair Stuff: Squirrels In Your Belfry
• Do-It-Yourself Pest Control: Squirrel Traps | Ground and Attic Squirrel Control