How to Remove Squirrels and Keep Them From the Attic of a House

Removing and keeping squirrels from the attic is a multi-step process.

Squirrels in the attic are a common problem. They chew on wires, insulation and PVC pipes; leave nest debris; and scatter droppings. Squirrels can gain entry through a variety of points such as roof vents or storm-damaged areas, or they can make their own access points by chewing through rotten wood. Removing squirrels and keeping them from the attic of a house is a multi-step process; you must first catch the squirrels outside the house, because they can be difficult to trap while they are inside the attic.

Things You'll Need

• Squirrel trap
• Bait (fruit or nuts)
• Wire netting
• Wire cutters
• Staple gun
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Chose what type of squirrel trap you want to use: a live-catch trap, a body-catch trap or a "repeater." Body-catch traps work like large rat traps and will remove the animal permanently by humanely killing it. Live-catch traps allow you to release the animal unharmed. A repeater trap is a version of a live-catch trap that will catch and hold multiple squirrels.

2. Inspect all areas of the attic carefully to be certain the trapped adult squirrels did not have a nest with newborn babies, as they will not be able to enter the traps. If you find a nest, remove the babies by carefully placing them in a box with a towel and contacting wildlife authorities to see if the family can be relocated or placed in a shelter.

3. Locate the entry point by looking for cracks, gaps or holes around eves and soffit and fascia boards. Bait the traps with fruit or nuts, and place the traps nearby all potential entry points on the roof or window ledge.

4. Cut a piece of wire netting, and cover the access points by stapling it over the holes until permanent carpentry repairs can be made to the damaged area of the eves, soffits, gutters, fascia boards or siding where the squirrels were gaining access. If the entry point is a vent, remove the vent cover with the screwdriver, and cut a piece of netting with the wire cutters roughly 4 inches larger than the vent. Center the vent cover on the netting, and bend the ends of the wire over the sides of the cover and replace.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use wire netting with small enough holes, such as ¼-inch hardware cloth, that the squirrels will not be able to squeeze through.

References

• Squirrels in the Attic: Guide to Safe Removal

Resources

• How to Get Rid of Things: How to Get Rid of Squirrels