It’s best to use this repellent alongside others to maximize its effectiveness. If you don’t have ammonia, you can use another strong household cleaner instead. Pepper-based and mint-scented repellents may also be effective. [1] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloMMPC, Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
Just like with ammonia, it’s best to use this repellent alongside other techniques to increase your chances of success. If you know exactly where the squirrel nest is, you can direct the light toward the nest. In this case, you only need a flashlight to get the job done.
If you find the nest, put the radio as close as you can to the nest. You don’t need to turn up the radio loud enough for the entire house to hear. As long as the sound fills the attic, the radio is loud enough. Using multiple repellents at one time will provide the best results.
Make sure you’re using the product as directed. You can find a squirrel repellent at a hardware store or online.
In some areas, mothballs are illegal to use against squirrels, so check your local laws if you’d like to use them anyway. [3] X Research source
Before you attempt to trap a squirrel, contract a wildlife specialist in your area to ensure it’s safe and legal to do so. [4] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloMMPC, Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019. Make sure your trap is specifically intended for squirrels, as the wrong type of trap may cause unintended harm to the squirrel or allow it to escape. You can find a squirrel trap at a local hunting and fishing supply store, hardware store, or online. If you’re handy, you can build your own trap. However, some areas have laws concerning squirrel trapping, so it’s best to use commercial cages that comply with regulations.
If you don’t have peanuts or peanut butter, you can also use walnuts, soda crackers, bread crusts, and apple slices as squirrel bait. If you’re using a catch and release trap, you’ll need to take the squirrel outside as soon as you can. A deathtrap will kill the squirrel humanely after the trap is triggered.
Check your local laws and ordinances to find out if you are able to remove the squirrel from your property, or if you have to release it near your home. Although it’s best to release the trapped squirrel at least 10 miles (16 km) from your home so it’s less likely to find a way back into your attic, this is not always permitted.
You may want to seal the dead squirrel in a trash bag to minimize the smell. As another alternative, you can bury the dead squirrel on your property. However, this will become very laborious if there are multiple squirrels in your attic.
You can find a wildlife removal expert online through a simple Internet search. Alternatively, ask friends and family for referrals to professionals in your area.
Squirrels will use tree branches as a bridge to your attic. They may even live in the tree most of the time but venture into your attic for nesting supplies or comfort during bad weather. If you aren’t experienced in cutting tree branches, hire a professional to do it. Not only could you get injured, you could also accidentally cause damage to your roof.
If you’re not sure how to repair the holes, hire a general contractor to do it for you. They’ll also be able to double check that every hole is covered. Ask around for a referral to a good general contractor, or conduct an online search to find one in your area.
These screens will not interfere with the effectiveness of your vents. A general contractor can also help you install the mesh screens, if you’re having trouble doing it yourself.
Since squirrels are rodents, they can squeeze through very small holes. Additionally, they can gnaw around an existing hole to make it larger. As with the other repair jobs, you may want to hire a general contractor to take care of this for you.
This allows the smoke to escape your chimney but prevents squirrels from using your chimney as an entrance to your home. Make sure you don’t leave debris around the chimney, as this could become a fire hazard. Clean your chimney cap or mesh screen every few months during use, as well as before winter arrives. Soot buildup can cause damage or may become a hazard. [12] X Research source If you live in the UK, there are rules and regulations for how chimney caps are installed. Once it’s in place, a building inspector will need to check your chimney cap to make sure it’s installed correctly. For this reason, it’s best to hire a professional to do it. [13] X Research source
Ideally, the large end of your funnel should have a diameter of around 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm). The small end should be slightly smaller than the hole the squirrel is using to enter and exit your home. Make the length of your tunnel about 12 inches (30 cm) long.
You don’t need to use bait, as the squirrel will eventually leave to collect more food. However, using bait can encourage the squirrel to leave your home sooner.
