How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic (6 Steps)

Squirrels may seem harmless outside, but in your attic, they become a noisy, destructive nuisance. If you hear scratching or gnawing above, you likely have unwanted guests. They chew through insulation, wiring, and wood, creating fire hazards and costly repairs. Their droppings and odors can also make your attic an unhealthy space. Fortunately, you can remove them safely and humanely. This article will tell you how to get rid of squirrels in your attic for good.

Article Highlights:

• Identify entry points and check for baby squirrels before acting. Look for small gaps, chew marks, and listen for squeaks that could indicate a nest.
• Use humane removal methods like exclusion doors and deterrents. Install a one-way door to let squirrels out, and make the attic unwelcoming with light or noise.
• Seal all access points and clean up to prevent future infestations. Close entry holes with durable materials and remove nesting debris to deter return visits.

1. Identify Entry Points and Check for Baby Squirrels

Before you do anything, you need to figure out how the squirrels are getting inside. These agile creatures can squeeze through holes as small as a golf ball, so inspect your roof, vents, soffits, and eaves for chew marks or gaps. The best time to observe activity is early morning or late afternoon, when squirrels are most active.

If it’s spring or late summer, be cautious, there may be baby squirrels inside. Listen for high-pitched squeaks or look for nesting materials. If babies are present, you may need to wait a few weeks until they’re old enough to leave with their mother.

Sealing the attic too soon can trap babies inside, leading to a distressed mother chewing her way back in, or worse, abandoned young that will die inside your attic.

2. Remove Food Sources and Make the Attic Unlivable

Squirrels prefer warm, dark, and quiet spaces, so making your attic less inviting can encourage them to leave on their own. Turn on bright lights to eliminate dark hiding spots and play loud music or talk radio throughout the day to disrupt their peace. Strong-smelling deterrents, like apple cider vinegar-soaked rags or commercial wildlife repellents, can also drive them away.

Outside your home, easy access to food can keep squirrels coming back. Bird feeders, pet food left outdoors, and unsecured trash cans all provide an easy meal. If you want to keep squirrels away for good, remove or secure these food sources to make your yard less appealing to them.

3. Install a One-Way Exclusion Door

Once you’ve confirmed that all adult squirrels can exit freely and that no babies remain inside, it’s time to install a one-way exclusion door over the main entry point. This specialized device allows squirrels to leave but prevents them from getting back in, making it one of the most effective and humane removal methods.

The door works by providing an easy exit while blocking re-entry, using a flexible flap or funnel-like design. Over a few days, all squirrels will naturally leave in search of food and be unable to return. After confirming they’re gone, the device should be removed, and the entry hole sealed permanently.

You can buy your own squirrel exclusion door online to make the process of removing squirrels from your attic easier.

4. Clean and Sanitize the Attic

After the squirrels are gone, your job isn’t over yet. These animals leave behind droppings, urine, nesting materials, and even parasites like fleas and mites. If left untreated, these remnants can cause foul odors and potential health risks.

Start by removing any visible nesting materials and vacuuming droppings with a HEPA-filter vacuum. Sanitize the area thoroughly using a disinfectant spray designed for wildlife contamination. If insulation has been heavily soiled or damaged, consider replacing it to remove lingering odors that could attract new squirrels.

5. Seal All Entry Points for Good

With the squirrels removed and the attic cleaned, it’s time to make sure they can’t return. This is the most important step in preventing another infestation. Even if you sealed the original entry point, you’ll need to check for other potential weaknesses where squirrels might break in.

Use steel mesh, hardware cloth, or metal flashing to cover all openings, as squirrels can chew through wood, plastic, and even weak metal screens. Pay special attention to roof edges, vents, and eaves, reinforcing any areas that look like they could become new entry points. Tree branches hanging over your roof should also be trimmed back at least 8-10 feet to prevent easy access.

6. Call a Professional as a Last Resort

If you’ve tried these steps and still have persistent squirrel activity, or if dealing with a mother squirrel and her young seems overwhelming, it may be time to call a professional wildlife removal expert.

A reputable professional will assess the situation and use humane trapping and relocation methods to remove the animals safely. Be cautious of exterminators who offer poisoning or lethal traps, not only is this inhumane, but it can also leave you with the unpleasant task of dealing with dead squirrels inside your attic.

Final Thoughts

Squirrels in your attic can be a frustrating and costly problem, but with the right approach, you can get rid of them humanely and prevent them from coming back. Identifying their entry points, making the space uninviting, using an exclusion door, and sealing up your home are all key steps to keeping your attic squirrel-free.

By following these methods, you’ll protect your home from damage and avoid unnecessary stress, all while ensuring the squirrels find a more suitable home elsewhere. If you’re dealing with a stubborn infestation, act quickly before the problem gets worse!

Would you try these methods first, or have you dealt with squirrels in your attic before? Let me know what worked for you!