Introduction
Squirrel Removal: Are squirrels making your home their personal playground? Between gnawed electrical cables and round-the-clock scratching in your ceiling, these bushy-tailed trespassers create both property damage and endless headaches. If you’re looking for a safe, effective and humane way to get rid of squirrels, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s your complete roadmap for solving squirrel problems once and for all:
Why squirrels invade homes (and how to spot the signs)
Proven removal methods (DIY and professional)
Top-rated products to keep them away forever
Prevention tips to avoid future infestations
By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step action plan to reclaim your space without harming wildlife. Let’s dive in!
Why Squirrels Become a Problem
Squirrels may look cute, but once they move into your attic, walls or garden, they quickly become destructive pests. Here’s why they’re a problem:
- Property Damage
Chewed wires (fire hazard)
Cracked insulation (reduces energy efficiency)
Gnawed wood and siding (expensive repairs)
- Health Risks
Feces and urine can spread bacteria (e.g., leptospirosis).
Fleas and ticks can get into your home.
- Noise and Disturbance
The telltale pitter-patter of tiny feet overhead, accompanied by persistent scratching and rustling as they build their nests.
Aggressive behavior if they feel threatened (especially during childbirth).
Signs that you need to remove squirrels immediately
✔ Holes in roof eaves or roof edges (entry points).
✔ Piles of acorns/nesting material in the attic.
✔ Chewed wires, wood or insulation.
✔ Frequent sightings around your home.
Don’t wait when you spot these red flags – squirrels multiply fast, and what starts as a minor issue can snowball into a full-blown infestation before you know it.
Humane and Effective Squirrel Removal Methods
A. DIY Squirrel Removal (Budget-Friendly Solution)
- Live Trapping (Most Effective Method)
Best Trap: Havahart Cage Trap – Safe, reusable and humane.
Baiting Tips: Use peanut butter, walnuts or sunflower seeds.
Placement: Set up near entry points or along their travel routes.
Relocation: Release squirrels at least 5 miles away (check local laws first).
⚠ IMPORTANT: Never leave trapped squirrels in extreme heat/cold, and check traps twice a day.
- Natural Repellents (Deterrents That Work)
Pepper-based spray (Critter Ridder – affiliate link) – irritates paws/nose.
Predator urine (fox/coyote) – creates fear response.
Ultrasonic device – emits high frequency sounds (works best in small areas).
🔹 Pro tip: rotate repellents – squirrels adapt quickly!
- Exclusion Techniques (Seal them Permanently)
Install chimney caps (prevents entry).
Seal gaps with steel wool + caulk (they can’t chew through metal).
Cover attic vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth.
B. When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, DIY isn’t enough. Call a professional if:
Never remove an adult squirrel without checking for babies first – orphaned pups will starve behind your walls.
The infestation is severe (multiple squirrels in the walls/attic).
You are unsure about sealing entry points (miss even one, and they will come back).
💡 Affiliate Tip: Companies like Terminix offer wildlife removal guarantees (great for peace of mind).
Prevention: How to Keep Squirrels Out Forever
Preventing squirrels from getting into the house in the first place is the best long-term solution.
- Secure food sources
Upgrade to squirrel-proof feeders like the Brome Squirrel Buster (our top pick) – their clever weight-activated mechanism keeps your birdseed for the birds.
Keep garbage in sealed bins.
Pick up fallen nuts/fruit from your yard.
- Modify your landscape
Keep tree limbs trimmed back at least six feet from your roofline to eliminate squirrel highways.
Install metal baffles on poles/trees to prevent climbing.
- Strengthen your home
Make it a habit to check your roof and soffits every six months for potential entry points.
Reinforce weak spots with heavy-duty materials.
Top 5 Products for Squirrel Removal
Product Who it works best for
Havahart Live Trap Humane, Reusable, Effective Safe Trapping
Critter Ridder Spray Natural Pepper Deterrent Gardens and Entry Points
Great Stuff Pestblock Expands to Seal Gaps Keeps Squirrels Out
Brome Squirrel-Proof Feeder Weight-Activated Lock Bird Lover
Wakeebee Ultrasonic Repeller Silent to Humans, Annoying to Pests Indoor/Outdoor Use
FAQs (Voice Search and Featured Snippet Optimization)
Q: What is the fastest way to remove squirrels?
Answer: Live trap + exclusion – catch them humanely, then seal all entry points.
Question: Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel damage?
Answer: Sometimes. Most policies cover repairs (e.g., chewed wires) but not the cost of removal.
Question: Do mothballs repel squirrels?
Answer: No! They are toxic and ineffective. Use a pepper-based spray instead.
Conclusion
Squirrels are sneaky, but with the right strategies, you can evict them for good. Start with humane traps, fortify your home, and use deterrents to keep them away.
For severe infestations, consider a professional wildlife service (Terminix affiliate link) for guaranteed results.
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