Squirrels love to chew through insulation, gnaw on wires, and turn your attic into a noisy headache. Most folks want a quick, straightforward fix that won’t just shuffle the problem around.
The best way to keep squirrels out of your attic? Seal up their entry points and use humane exclusion. That way, squirrels can leave, but they’re locked out for good. You’ll nip the issue right at the source.
Here’s how to get squirrels out safely, which steps and tools actually work, and what you can do to keep them from coming back. These tips are practical, pretty simple, and they’ll give you some peace of mind.
How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Attic
Move quickly if you think squirrels have moved in. First, spot where they’re getting in, then make your attic less appealing, and use humane exclusion or traps if you must.
If you find babies or just don’t feel confident, it’s best to call a pro.
Identify Signs of Squirrel Infestation
Listen for scratching or thumping sounds, especially at dawn and dusk. Walk around and check for fresh chew marks on wood, torn soffits, or gaps near vents.
Peek at the insulation for clumps of shredded paper, fabric, or leaves—classic squirrel nest material. You might also spot small, dark droppings in corners or near rafters.
Squirrel droppings are a bit bigger and more tapered than regular rodent pellets. If you catch a strong, musky odor or see urine stains, that’s a sign squirrels have been there a while.
Don’t forget to check outside. Look along the roof and trees for chewed bark, fresh tracks, or greasy rub marks.
Mark every possible entry point so you can seal them up later.
Scare and Repel Squirrels Humanely
Try light, sound, and scent—stuff squirrels just can’t stand. Set up a motion-activated light in the attic and leave a radio playing softly for a few days.
Change up the timing so squirrels don’t get used to it. Repellents like commercial sprays or household scents (think peppermint oil or ammonia-soaked rags) work near nests and entry points.
You’ll need to reapply those scents a lot, since airflow and weather can wipe them out fast. Store your stuff in plastic bins and get rid of food temptations like birdseed or fallen fruit in the yard.
Skip poisons. They’re illegal for wildlife removal in many places and can hurt pets or other animals.
Use Exclusion Devices and Traps
Before you seal anything, make sure no babies are inside. Watch for a day and listen at night.
If you spot young squirrels, wait until the adults leave to feed, or get a professional to help so you don’t leave any little ones behind.
Pop a one-way exclusion door on the main entry hole. Adults can get out, but they can’t get back in.
Wait a few days and, if you don’t hear any more activity, close up the hole with metal flashing, hardware cloth, or sheet metal. For small gaps, steel wool and caulk do the trick.
If you have to trap, use live-capture traps sized for squirrels and check them at least twice a day. Always wear gloves when handling traps and release squirrels at least a mile away—if that’s allowed in your area.
Check local laws, since some places only let professionals relocate wildlife.
When to Call a Wildlife Removal Professional
If you find a nest with babies, notice serious damage, or nothing’s working, call a licensed wildlife removal pro. They’ll install one-way doors, remove nests safely, clean up droppings, and repair holes.
Pick a company that uses humane methods and has the right permits. Ask about inspections during the day, how they deal with young animals, and if sealing and cleanup are included.
Get a written estimate that covers exclusion, cleanup, and follow-up checks so you know what you’re paying for.
Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Squirrels From Returning
If you want squirrels gone for good, block every entry, use tough materials squirrels can’t chew, remove food and nesting sites, and keep an eye out for new problems.
Seal Attic Openings and Entry Points
Walk around your house and check the rooflines, soffits, vents, and eaves for holes as small as 1.5 inches. Patch those gaps with 26-gauge galvanized flashing or metal mesh.
Wrap roof edges and vents with metal flashing to stop chewing. Replace any rotted wood and tighten up loose trim with screws that resist corrosion.
Cover attic vents with 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth and secure it tightly with metal straps. Fit chimney caps and seal pipe stack gaps with high-temp metal flashing.
Inside, remove any shredded insulation or nesting stuff before sealing up holes—you don’t want to trap anyone in there.
If you notice chew marks on rafters or wires, cut the power to that area and call an electrician to check and fix any damage before you seal things up. Only use one-way exclusion doors after you’re sure no babies are inside.
Upgrade Home Defenses With Durable Materials
Swap out quick fixes for materials that actually stand up to squirrels and the weather. Use stainless steel or heavy-gauge galvanized hardware cloth for vents and crawlspace openings.
Wrap tree trunks and utility poles with 24–36 inches of metal flashing, starting 2–3 feet above ground, so squirrels can’t climb up to your roof.
For soffits and fascia, pick rot-resistant boards and back them up with metal flashing at the joints. When you seal gaps, use metal-backed foam or a metal saddle over seams—not just caulk.
Install stainless steel chimney caps and bird-proof screens on roof vents. If possible, invest in a tamper-resistant attic door and metal hatch covers.
These upgrades make it much harder for squirrels to break in, and honestly, most of them will just give up and look elsewhere.
Eliminate Outdoor Attractants and Sources
Get rid of anything outside that makes your home tempting. Switch to squirrel-proof bird feeders or move them at least 10–12 feet away from trees and fences.
Stop feeding peanuts or corn on the ground, and pick up fallen fruit right away. Keep your trash sealed tight and compost in enclosed bins.
Store pet food and birdseed in a shed or metal bin. Trim tree limbs so they’re at least 6–8 feet from your roof—don’t give squirrels a bridge.
Clear away dense brush piles and close up hollow stumps where squirrels might nest. If you garden, cover young bulbs and veggies with hardware cloth until they’re established.
Tweak these things, and you’ll give squirrels a lot fewer reasons to hang around or try to get inside your attic.
Maintain Your Property for Ongoing Protection
Check your roof and eaves twice a year, and always after big storms. Keep an eye out for loose flashing, torn vents, or any new gaps—fix those right away with metal flashing or by swapping in fresh hardware cloth.
Make yourself a checklist. Jot down dates for gutter cleaning, tree trimming, and checking any feeding stations.
Take a look in the attic for fresh droppings, new nesting material, or chew marks that weren’t there before. You might want to set up a motion-activated camera, or maybe try an ultrasonic repellent, but only use those if your physical barriers aren’t enough.
If you use deterrent scents, go easy on them—they’re not a cure-all.
Honestly, a little effort now saves you a lot of hassle (and money) down the road. Staying on top of repairs keeps your metal flashing, hardware cloth, and seals doing their job, and it makes it a lot harder for squirrels to sneak in.
