How to Get Rid of Squirrels

Squirrels are cute but also very smart little critters that naturally live in nests (called DREY) that are built on trees. Unfortunately, during winter season, squirrels do move into people’s homes; interloping in the attic, flowerbeds, birdfeeders, garden, landscape, even motor engine hoods.

So just how do you get rid of squirrels?

The first noble thing is to uncover how they got into your property. Were there any damaged walls, holes in the roof or attic? How long have they been present in the house? You’ll know this by the extent of damage caused to cables, metals, pipes, nails, wood and others.

You'll want to know how they got there in the first place to fix the problem where it started.  Here are a few tips:

Block to exclude them out: Start repairing or replacing damaged parts, block holes in walls and attics, and other places. Make a solid circuit around the house, and use hardware cloth (galvanized steel wire) as your screening. Make sure you monitor every corner, on a regular basis, until you’re sure they’ve gone out. 

Trap them: If the squirrel infestation is big, coupled with the exclusion method described above you can trap them with good baits.  Squirrel traps can be rented or borrowed with usage instructions. Most hardware and feed stores sell or rent traps.

And, you can also visit these websites to see different trap models:

For more instructions on squirrel baiting, visit this website: http://www.unexco.com/gallery/baittrap.html

Or for trapping tips, visit: http://www.havahart.com/nuisance/troubleshooting.htm

Don’t feed the wild birds:  And even your own pets should be fed inside. Don’t leave pet dish outside as they’ll attract squirrels to your yard, and they'll eventually seek ways into the inner rooms to get more foods. 

Trim your trees: Trim every tree within 8-ft to the building, as this will discourage squirrels from climbing onto your roof.  Also cut back the branches.