get rid of squirrels


How to Get Rid of Squirrels 

 

 

 

If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of your bird feeder being ravaged by a couple of hungry squirrels or had a family of squirrels end up in your attic, then you know the struggle is real! Amid all the frustration, your biggest question is how to get rid of squirrels, and who to call for help? 

Squirrel damage is no joke. Even a single squirrel can destroy a home if it gets inside. Just ask the couple in Atlanta, Georgia who went on Christmas vacation, only to return to a home that had been chewed, destroyed and soiled by a squatting squirrel who had found his way in through the chimney. The family struggled with the insurance company to recoup thousands of dollars in damage caused by one little squirrel.

If the story above makes you consider how important it is to squirrel-proof your home, you aren’t alone. More homeowners are taking precautions in wildlife exclusions and squirrel-proofing their homes to avoid costly damages further down the road. If you are wanting to know the best ways to get rid of squirrels and prevent them from getting into your home, walls or attic, read further. 

Best Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels

1. Humane trapping and releasing to an area without homes is the safest, most effective way to remove squirrels from your property. Many pest control companies may suggest laying our poisons, but this is neither safe for other pets, wildlife or family -nor is it humane. A wildlife control company who removes squirrels and other wild animals will responsibly catch and release wildlife humanely. 

 2. Create an environment that doesn’t support their needs (i.e. abundant bird feeders or squirrel feeders). Removing bird feeders is helpful if you want to detract the critters from making your home a favorite hot spot for gathering seeds. Squirrels are only doing what nature tells them to do: Eat and gather as much food for the winter as possible! Taking away their food source means they won’t be hanging around your house. 

3. Use deterrents to discourage squirrels from getting close to your home. Some homeowners get creative with motion-sensor sprinklers, use mesh wires in and around their gardens, and squirrel baffles on poles that support bird feeders. Dogs are a great deterrent, too. But often times, this is just a temporary fix.

4. Plant flowers that deter squirrels. The best ones are daffodils, hyacinth, and peppermint. 

 Best Ways to Prevent Squirrels from Getting Inside 

 

 1. Install flashing on your roofline. Flashing is a thin metal plate that prevents water, debris and animals from getting into your roof by chewing and making holes. 

 2. Attach metal grid screens or coverings over all vents, chimneys and other openings in the walls or roof. This will keep squirrels from getting into your attic or home. 

 3. Keep tree limbs and growing vines trimmed to prevent squirrels from having easy access to your roof. 

 4. Use squirrel repellant sprays in your attic as a deterrent