You might smile while watching a squirrel leap from a tree branch to a roof top, but you know what I see… trouble! Yes, you heard me right. These furry little acrobats are small, cute, and fast, but they are also very destructive once inside your home.
Now, things might start small—scratching noises in the attic, chewed wires here and there, and maybe even some acorns tucked into your insulation. But these are not ways squirrels express love or admiration for your house. These are clear signs of them moving in with no plans to leave anytime soon.
The good news? We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of squirrels and keep them away for good.
What to Do If You Have Squirrels in Your Home
I want you to close your eyes and imagine the following: it’s early morning, and you’re woken up by the chaotic sounds of scratching noises above your head. Spoiler Warning: it’s not ghosts in your attic — it’s squirrels having a block party.
Here’s what you should do:
- Identify the signs: Scratching in the walls or attic, gnawed wires, chewed entry points, or acorn stashes where they don’t belong.
- Stay safe: Don’t try to chase them. These little acrobats will outmaneuver you every time, and you’ll just end up providing them with free entertainment.
- Call a professional: Wildlife removal experts (like Alpha Wildlife) know how to remove squirrels humanely and install exclusion barriers so they don’t move back in.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Squirrels?
If you’re on this page, that means you want these critters gone and you want them gone ASAP. You’re not looking for some ridiculous life hack that might keep these pests gone for a day.
The best way to get rid of squirrels is through professional trapping and exclusion:
- Humane trapping — wildlife specialists use pro-grade equipment to securely trap the critter without causing it harm.
- Sealing entry points — squirrels are notorious chewers and will test every corner of your roofline. Every weak point or access point needs to be properly sealed.
- Cleaning & sanitizing — remove nesting material, droppings, and scent trails so they don’t invite their squirrel buddies over. Once invited, always invited is a saying in the squirrel world. Pack up their luggage, toss out their toys, and kick them out for good.
This method doesn’t just remove them; it keeps them out permanently.
How Do You Keep Squirrels Away?
When squirrels find that special home they want to move into, it’s usually based on the availability of food and ease of access. However, if you take those things away, your home looks like a pile of junk to these crafty critters.
Here’s how to make your home less appealing:
- Lock down food: Keep trash lids tight and don’t leave pet food outside. If they can’t smell the food, they won’t be drawn to it.
- Secure bird feeders: Invest in squirrel-proof feeders and place them far from the house. They’ll try and try to get into it, but they’ll give up eventually.
- Trim branches: Overhanging limbs give squirrels a direct path to your roof. Take these away and they’ll set their sights on an easier target.
- Close entry points: Cap chimneys, vents, and gaps where squirrels can sneak in. Once they notice your home is sealed up, squirrels will move along to the next house.
Things to Try That Actually Work
Some deterrents are just old wives’ tales — but a few tactics do hold up:
- Motion-activated lights or sprinklers: Surprise factor = squirrels scattering.
- Loud Animals: Dogs love to bark and chase after squirrels. The loud noises should scare the little fellas away.
- Exclusion barriers: Chimney caps, vent covers, and reinforced soffits keep them locked out.
- Professional wildlife removal: Because nine times out of ten, DIY ends with the squirrel winning. If you’ve got endless time and money, DIY might be up your alley. If you’re truly looking for a permanent solution, call the professionals.
What Can Keep Squirrels Away Naturally?
So, you are looking to try out natural ways to keep squirrels away. I get it. Your bold and think you can outsmart the common squirrel. I like your style and I wish you the best of luck. Natural repellents have varying results, but the most common are:
- Peppermint oil sprays: Works for a little while, but squirrels adapt.
- Hot pepper/capsaicin sprays: Not pleasant for them (or you, if it gets in your eyes).
- Predator urine: Yes, you can buy this. Yes, it smells exactly how you think.
These might buy you some short-term relief, but they’re not permanent solutions.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep Squirrels Away for Good?
At the end of the day, squirrels are clever, persistent, and determined to chew through anything between them and a cozy attic. Natural repellents and DIY tricks might stall them, but they won’t solve the problem.
The only guaranteed way to keep squirrels away is humane trapping, sealing entry points, and professional exclusion. Anything less, and you’re just hosting a never-ending squirrel party.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels – FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get rid of squirrels in the attic?
A: The best way is humane trapping and exclusion. Wildlife professionals can humanely trap the squirrels, seal off all entry points, and secure the attic to keep them from returning.
Q: Do natural squirrel repellents really work?
A: Natural repellents like peppermint oil, predator urine, or hot pepper sprays may work temporarily, but they’re not a long-term solution and the squirrels will eventually return.
Q: How do I keep squirrels away from my house?
A: Trim overhanging branches, squirrel-proof bird feeders, keep trash secure, and seal all vents, chimneys, and gaps. Prevention is the key to keeping these pests away.
Q: Can I remove squirrels myself?
A: It’s not recommended. Squirrels can bite, scratch, and cause damage if cornered. Wildlife removal experts handle the process safely and humanely.
Q: What keeps squirrels out of bird feeders?
A: Squirrel-proof feeders and strategic placement (at least 10 feet from trees or roofs) are the most effective ways to protect birdseed.
Quick Recap
Squirrels may be fun to watch in the trees, but once inside your home, they’re nothing but trouble. Here’s the bottom line:
- Scratching in the attic? Chewed wires? Stashes of acorns? → You’ve got squirrels.
- The absolute best way to get rid of squirrels is professional trapping and exclusion.
- Lock down food sources, secure bird feeders, and trim branches to keep them away.
- Natural repellents might slow them down, but they won’t solve the problem.
- For long-term peace of mind, professional wildlife removal is the only guaranteed fix.
Whether it’s your attic, walls, or bird feeders — Alpha Wildlife has the humane, effective solution to keep squirrels out for good.
