Pest Extermination or Squirrel Removal From Rafters

Squirrels may invade your rafters in the winter.

Squirrels are a nearly ubiquitous presence in areas that contain trees, and most of the time they are little more than passersby. However, in cold winters, or when a mother squirrel wants to protect her babies, squirrels can work their way into your attic or roof rafters. You will know they are there by the scurrying noises, and most homeowners are not content to coexist with squirrels in their homes.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• Mesh hardware cloth
• Nails or screws
• Drill or hammer

Instructions

1. Inspect the interior and exterior of your home to spot any openings or holes through which the squirrels are getting inside. You will need to seal these up after you remove the squirrels to prevent them from returning.

2. Bang on the exterior of your roof or go up into the attic and bang around on the rafters, creating as much noise as possible. Walk around in the attic so that the squirrels see and hear you. This will chase the squirrels out of your rafters temporarily.

3. Search the attic for the squirrel's nest. As long as there are no baby squirrels in the nest, remove it and dispose of it. Wear protective gloves if you find and remove a nest to keep your hands free of dirt, food or feces.

4. Seal up the gaps or holes in your roof with ¼ to ½ inch mesh hardware cloth, secured in place with nails or screws. The holes in this mesh are too small for the squirrels to fit through and the cloth is too hard for them to chew through. As long as you seal up all holes, the squirrels will no longer be able to enter your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Some retailers that sell outdoorsmen's equipment will sell cages or traps for squirrels. Before you attempt to use one of these, consult with a professional for tips and instructions. Improper use of these tools can result in death of the animal.

• If you find a squirrel nest with babies in it, do not attempt to remove the nest or the mother squirrel. This will result in the deaths of the babies and possibly the mother as well. You must wait until the babies are mature enough to leave the nest themselves (when you find no squirrels at all in your rafters) or call an animal control professional for help.

• Never attempt to poison a squirrel in your home. Poisoning animals is illegal in many areas, and the poison can spread to other animals, including pets. If none of your removal efforts work, contacting an animal control professional.

References

• Compassionate Action Institute: Squirrels
• AAA Animal Control: Squirrel Nest in Attic