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Squirrels In Attic

Summary: Squirrels are difficult to catch in the confined spaces of an attic unless you can specifically identify their path of entry and exit. Otherwise, setting up trapping cages is a lot easier to do in the open space of a rooftop.

Angie J; Wyoming, OH asks: I think I have a squirrel in my attic. I'm worried that if I put out poison it will die and cause a terrible smell. What can I do to get rid of it?

Dear Angie: It is most difficult catching squirrels in attic spaces unless you can place the trap in front of the point of entry. Plus, unless you are a professional and properly equipped, you may come face to face with a squirrel and find yourself in an unwanted fight for the space.

It's much easier and cleaner to catch a squirrel in a cage that has been placed outside the entry hole. So, the first step is to determine the exact location where the squirrel is gaining entry. Look for damage to siding or eaves caused by the gnawing they do to keep their teeth in good condition.

Then, set up a live trap or two on the roof directly outside the hole where the squirrel is getting into the attic. A professional might actually secure the trap directly over the hole, forcing the squirrel into the trap as it exits the attic

Squirrel Damage

space. If the trap is not attached to cover the hole you will need to bait it with sunflower seeds, apples or peanut butter, all favorite of squirrels.

Once you catch the critter it is best if it is euthanized, otherwise it will attempt to return to its home in your attic. Check with your State Department of Natural Resources for trapping rules. Most states do not permit the release of trapped animals.

There is one extra step to take and that is closing up the entrance hole. This may require extensive repair work, so you may want to consult with an expert such as a roofer or siding company.

If you call in a professional pest control company expect them to charge you for the initial set up of the roof trap(s) plus charges for follow up visits to remove the captured animal(s). Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the service.

Watch this short video on trapping squirrels.

Comments

bill carmody
09 Feb 2009, 21:05

I have been told that putting traps almost anyplace on the roof will take care of the squirrels in my attic. My thought is won't you be possibly be catching squirrels that are not even residing in my attic. I am going to be paying $59.00 per visit when the squirrels are caught. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Bill Carmody

Ask the Exterminator
15 Feb 2009, 17:09

If a trap is properly baited and you have a recognizable squirrel population you will catch squirrels.

$59 per visit is a whole lot cheaper than rewiring your attic and repairing your roof.

Personally, I am not comfortable climbing around on my roof, so I set squirrel cage traps on the ground where I see squirrels digging in my yard. I bait the traps with sunflower seeds and, presto, I catch squirrels. I do this every Spring to reduce the squirrel population, otherwise, they will tear into my roof without fail.

Lon McPherson
09 Mar 2009, 02:57

I live in an old house with a VERY complicated roof.

There are tiny parts of attic all over the place - most of which are too small to get into and/or have no point of human entry.

I know what to do once I find the entry point of the squirrels - but how do I find it?

Is there something I can spread around so I can see there tracks or something?

Any other suggestions?

Keep in mind, much of the attic is inaccessable.

Thanks.

Ask the Exterminator
09 Mar 2009, 12:39

Most attic holes can be closed from the outside using various materials. If you simply cannot close up all the holes you must consider thinning out the squirrel population by trapping and euthanizing. It all depends upon your tolerance levels.

Personally, when squirrels are in my attic chewing up the wiring, there is no choice, but to go on the offensive.

Lon McPherson
09 Mar 2009, 12:53

I live in the woods.

We are talking a endless supply of squirrels - theoretically.

I have no problem with killing them, by the way.

But if I could make them leave footprints, somehow, I could take care of the entries - even if it's cumbersome.

By the way - what do you think of those strobe lights that are supposed to run them out?

Again, the way my attic is all chopped up, it's not feasible, but what is your opinion of them?

Thanks!

Ask the Exterminator
10 Mar 2009, 00:31

You can certainly use any kind of talc powder to track the squirrel's movements. I have never used the strobe lights, but logically they should work if the light hits every corner. If the squirrels can hide from the lights, then the strobe won't work as well.

donald desantis
10 Apr 2009, 20:38

Do you think it is worth the cost to put in strobe lights?

Ask the Exterminator
11 Apr 2009, 23:57

All depends upon what you've tried. The strobe light is worth the expense if you've tried and failed to keep squirrels out of your attic using other techniques.

Disturbed Homeowner
28 May 2009, 01:04

Recently, we have been hearing scratching and scuttling noises coming from our ceiling. Looking into the attic the trapdoor, we did not find any evidence of squirrel activity. Our insulation is on the floor of the attic, so we did bother venturing further. We tried setting up a live trap with peanut butter bait up there, but it was fruitless even after several days.

We have seen squirrels running around our property and even on our roof; however, we do know know if the they are in the attic, in our eavestroughing, or elsewhere. Should we call a roofer or eavestrough specialist to take at look?

Ask the Exterminator
28 May 2009, 08:56

You will not trap squirrels by setting up live traps inside. They forage for food (a mixture of seeds) outside. Set up your traps outside and you will catch squirrels. You also need to determine where the squirrels have chewed a hole in your roof or siding and make repairs after you have trapped them.

mr.fish
20 Jun 2009, 14:30

can you use moth balls to keep squirrels out of my attic or is this a myth

Ask the Exterminator
20 Jun 2009, 14:48

The mothballs "melt" and the vapors are supposed to repel animals. However, to repel animals would require a lot of mothballs. So much that the odor of mothballs coming from the attic would be too strong for you to remain in the house. It is not safe for humans or pets to breath in mothball vapors over an extended period.

squirrels are glorified rats
16 Nov 2009, 13:32

I had squirrels knock in my gable and set up home in my attic. They ripped up all the insulation and now exterminators want $500 to set up a one way out trap and additional $4000 to reinsulate the entire attic. I sprung for the one way out system which they made from wire meshing that I probably could have made myself for under $20. We tried the traps with peanut butter and also a few boxes of moth balls and neither of these worked. Well we finally got rid of the squirrels up there but now I need to reinsulate my entire attic. The same squirrels are still harassing the house trying to get in by chewing every screen I have on all my windows. If I do ever get a hold of these squirrels, I'm not going to dispose of them in a nice way!

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Squirrels In Attic

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