Finding a wild animal in your home can be a nightmare, but getting them to leave without hurting them (or getting hurt yourself) is easier than you may think. If you see or hear a squirrel running through your home or occupying the darker spaces of your house (i.e. attic, walls, or a crawlspace), this squirrel removal guide is for you.
6 Steps to Humanely Remove a Squirrel From Your Home
The best way to safely and humanely remove a squirrel is by hiring a reputable wildlife removal specialist. They can ensure the squirrel is removed without harm and seal all areas of your home where the squirrel may enter. However, in some cases, you may be able to remove the squirrel yourself. Below is a six-step process you can try if you notice a squirrel in your house.
Determine the Entry Point
You should first locate the entry point before you attempt to remove the squirrel. This could be somewhere near where you first saw or heard the squirrel, or it could be in another area of the home. This can make it easier to encourage the squirrel to leave and helps ensure you properly seal the entrance after the squirrel is gone.
To locate the entry point, search for any openings in your home. Walk around the perimeter of your house, check your chimney for signs of squirrel entry, and inspect the exterior eaves, vents, roofs, and inside of the attic.
Determine If the Squirrel Has Babies
Squirrels with babies often seek the warmth a house provides during the winter months. For the most humane removal possible, you must determine if the squirrel has a nest with babies before removing them from your home. Squirrels often create a nest from insulation, cardboard, and/or leaves.
If you locate a nest, then it may be best to wait a couple of weeks until the babies have grown and are able to leave on their own. Removing only the mother or relocating the family yourself could put the babies lives in jeopardy. If you cannot wait, then you will need to hire a wildlife removal specialist.
Ensure the Squirrel Has an Escape Route
Avoid causing excessive panic for the squirrel, which could lead to them attempting to chew or scratch their way out of where they are, causing damage to your home. The escape route could be the same as the entrance point. However, this may not be an option in all cases. If there are no realistic escape points for the squirrel, then you may need to create one or work with a wildlife specialist to assist with the humane removal process.
Encourage the Squirrel to Leave
Squirrels do not want to live with humans. If you let them know you are there and they are unwanted, they will likely seek a way out if they are not nesting. If you determine that there are no baby squirrels, then the removal process is much simpler. There are several safe methods you can try, such as:
- Create loud noises – You can try banging pots and pans around the area the squirrel occupies. This could cause them to leave so long as they have an easy exit point.
- Place bright lights – Squirrels hate bright lights. This method particularly works well if the squirrel occupies a dark and hidden area of your house.
- Use cider vinegar – Squirrels are also not fans of vinegar. If they smell it, they will likely try to find a new home.
Of course, you can try all three methods at once. If these methods do not work after a few days, then it is time to call in the experts for a professional removal.
Confirm the Squirrel Has Safely Left
You must confirm the squirrel (and all its babies) are gone before you seal the entry and exit points. If you did not see them leave, then you should conduct a thorough check in all areas.
Seal All Entry Points to Avoid Future Squirrels
Once you verify they have left, then you can seal all entry and exit points. This keeps them away long-term. If necessary, consider hiring a professional to inspect the area as well.
Spartan Animal & Pest Control Humanely Removes Squirrels
Do-it-yourself squirrel removal can be dangerous for the homeowner and the squirrel(s). We always recommend consulting with a specialist before attempting a DIY removal. If there are babies or if the job is complex, then it is recommended to work with a wildlife removal specialist.
Spartan Animal & Pest Control has experience removing squirrels and other animals. We safely remove the squirrel and help ensure they can not return. If you are in the South Coast and Cape Cod regions of Massachusetts and in need of a wildlife removal specialist, then call today for a fast and free estimate.
