How to Evict Your Furry Tenants: Getting Squirrels to Move Out
Getting squirrels to move out requires a multi-pronged approach centered on making your property less attractive and physically excluding them. This involves removing food sources, sealing entry points, and potentially using humane deterrents.
Understanding the Squirrel Situation
Squirrels, while undeniably cute to some, can be a major nuisance when they decide to take up residence in your home. From gnawing on wires and insulation to creating messy nests, their presence can lead to significant property damage and potential health hazards. Understanding their behavior and motivations is crucial to effectively evicting them. Squirrels are primarily motivated by two things: food and shelter. They are opportunistic creatures, meaning they will readily exploit any easy access to these resources.
Why Squirrels Choose Your Home
Several factors can make your home particularly attractive to squirrels:
- Easy access points: Unsealed cracks, holes in siding, gaps around pipes, and poorly maintained chimneys all serve as potential entryways.
- Abundant food sources: Bird feeders, pet food left outdoors, unsecured garbage cans, and fruit trees attract squirrels to your property.
- Suitable nesting sites: Attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and even wall cavities offer safe and sheltered environments for nesting and raising their young.
- Overhanging branches: Trees and shrubs that touch your roof provide a natural bridge for squirrels to access your home.
The Humane Eviction Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The most effective and ethical approach to getting squirrels to move out involves a combination of preventative measures and humane deterrents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Thorough Inspection: Carefully examine your property, inside and out, to identify all potential entry points. Look for gnaw marks, droppings, nests, and other signs of squirrel activity.
- Seal Entry Points (Almost Last Step): Important: Before sealing any entry points, ensure that all squirrels have left the building! The best method to assure this is to install one-way exclusion devices over the entry points. These devices allow squirrels to exit but prevent them from re-entering. Wait several days (ideally a week) after installing these before sealing all entry points with durable materials like sheet metal, hardware cloth, or caulk.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Remove all potential food sources that might be attracting squirrels to your property. This includes:
- Taking down bird feeders (at least temporarily)
- Securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
- Picking up fallen fruit from trees
- Storing pet food indoors
- Deterrent Strategies: Utilize humane deterrents to discourage squirrels from returning.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These can startle squirrels and deter them from approaching your home.
- Ultrasonic repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels (though their effectiveness can vary).
- Scent deterrents: The scent of predator urine (available commercially) or strong spices like cayenne pepper can repel squirrels. Be mindful of where you spray the cayenne pepper – around pets and children can be dangerous.
- Shiny, moving objects: Hanging aluminum foil strips or CDs can scare squirrels away with their movement and reflection.
- Habitat Modification: Make your property less appealing to squirrels by:
- Trimming tree branches that overhang your roof
- Clearing away brush and debris near your home
- Installing tree guards to prevent squirrels from climbing trees.
- Final Seal: Once you are absolutely certain that all squirrels have vacated, and after using exclusion devices for at least a week, thoroughly seal all identified entry points using robust and weather-resistant materials. This is the most crucial step in preventing future infestations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Successfully getting squirrels to move out requires careful planning and execution. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Sealing entry points with squirrels inside: This is cruel and can lead to squirrels causing significant damage as they desperately try to escape. Always verify that the squirrels have left before sealing any openings.
- Using poison: Poison is inhumane and can pose a risk to other animals, including pets and children. Humane methods are always the preferred approach.
- Neglecting preventative measures: Simply removing squirrels without addressing the underlying causes of the infestation will likely result in a repeat problem.
- Ignoring structural damage: Squirrels can cause significant damage to your home. Repairing this damage promptly will help prevent future infestations and maintain the structural integrity of your property.
Costs Associated with Squirrel Removal
The cost of getting squirrels to move out can vary significantly depending on the severity of the infestation, the extent of damage, and the methods used. DIY approaches can be relatively inexpensive, involving the cost of materials for sealing entry points and purchasing deterrents. However, professional squirrel removal services can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, especially if extensive repairs are needed. It’s best to get a professional quote.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, there are situations where professional help is necessary:
- Extensive infestation: If you have a large or persistent squirrel problem, a professional can quickly and efficiently assess the situation and implement a comprehensive removal plan.
- Difficulty accessing entry points: If entry points are located in hard-to-reach areas, a professional has the equipment and expertise to access and seal them properly.
- Uncertainty about identifying entry points: A professional can conduct a thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points, including those that may be hidden or difficult to detect.
- Structural damage: If squirrels have caused significant damage to your home, a professional can assess the damage and recommend appropriate repairs.
- Concerns about humane removal: If you are unsure about how to remove squirrels humanely, a professional can ensure that the process is carried out ethically and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will squirrels eventually leave on their own?
While squirrels may temporarily leave, they are likely to return to a familiar and safe nesting site. Simply waiting them out is generally not an effective long-term solution. Active intervention is usually required to get squirrels to move out permanently.
What is the best time of year to get rid of squirrels?
The best time to evict squirrels is generally in the late summer or early fall, after the young have matured and left the nest, and before the weather turns cold and they seek shelter for the winter. Avoid evicting squirrels during breeding season (typically spring and late summer) to avoid separating mothers from their young.
Do squirrels carry diseases that I should be concerned about?
Yes, squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and pets, including rabies (rarely), tularemia, leptospirosis, and ticks. Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Are there any legal restrictions on removing squirrels?
Regulations regarding squirrel removal vary by location. Some areas may have restrictions on trapping or relocating squirrels, so it’s important to check with your local wildlife authorities before taking any action.
How can I tell if squirrels are in my attic?
Common signs of squirrels in the attic include scratching or scurrying sounds, especially during the day, droppings, gnawed wires, and insulation damage. You may also notice a musky odor.
Will mothballs deter squirrels?
While mothballs have been used as a deterrent, they are not very effective and can pose a health hazard to humans and pets. Safer and more humane deterrent options are available.
Is it possible to trap and relocate squirrels?
Trapping and relocating squirrels is generally not recommended because it can be stressful for the animals and may disrupt local ecosystems. Relocated squirrels often struggle to survive in unfamiliar territory. Furthermore, it can be illegal. It’s better to deter them from entering your property in the first place.
What kind of damage can squirrels cause to my home?
Squirrels can cause a variety of damage, including gnawing on wires and insulation, damaging roofing materials, creating nests in attics and walls, and contaminating areas with their droppings. This damage can lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
How often should I inspect my home for squirrel activity?
Regular inspections are crucial for preventing squirrel infestations. Inspect your home at least twice a year, in the spring and fall, to identify and address any potential entry points or attractants.
What are some natural repellents that I can use to deter squirrels?
Natural repellents that may deter squirrels include cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, and garlic. These can be sprinkled around entry points or used to create a spray. However, their effectiveness can vary.
How can I prevent squirrels from nesting in my chimney?
To prevent squirrels from nesting in your chimney, install a chimney cap made of durable metal. This will block access while still allowing for proper ventilation. Regularly inspect the cap for damage and repair as needed.
What do I do if I find baby squirrels in my attic?
If you find baby squirrels, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They can safely remove the babies and reunite them with their mother, or provide care for them if necessary. Avoid handling baby squirrels yourself, as they may be carrying diseases or parasites, or the mother may become aggressive. It’s also important to note the season. If you can wait until the babies are fully grown before attempting squirrel removal that is ideal.