The first step to squirrel control is to decide which kind of squirrel you have. The common gray squirrel makes noise at dusk and at dawn when they enter and exit an attic. The flying squirrel makes noise in the middle of the night, since they are nocturnal animals.
Once the kind of squirrel is determined, there are only two choices: block all holes so the animals can not get into the attic – or trap the animals and remove them.
Traps squirrel s that catch the squirrels and don’t harm them are best if you’re looking to trap and release them. However, you should either be properly trained in handling and catching squirrels or work with a professional that is. You should never attempt to get rid of squirrels on your own, because you might risk your safety and health in the process. Squirrels are mean to people and they carry all kinds of bacteria and diseases. If you get bitten by a squirrel, you could become very ill and risk contracting rabies, which is a very common disease among squirrels. Rabies in people can be deadly, so it’s important to know what you’re doing or hire a professional that does.
Some companies will help you with traps squirrel, while others will offer different solutions for squirrel removal. It all depends on who you call and the services that are available in your area. You should take the time to research your options and find a service that is professional, knowledgeable, and who will stand behind their work for years to come. Having 100% removal of squirrels from your home can be done without traps, but only by a qualified specialist who knows what they’re getting into.
Recommendations:
Removal of any diet source: bird seed for example, because they attract the squirrels is the first order of business.
Gutter guards and covering down spouts will reduce the amount of squirrels entering through the roof top and facia boards.
There are no poison baits on the market that squirrels will eat and none are labeled as squirrel bait…just mice and rat bait. Live trapping squirrels is the only way to remove unwanted squirrels.
Locate the trap along the path of entry and places of known foraging activity.
You may want to consider local ordinances for trapping squirrels, in that they differ. Sometimes a professional trapper with a nuissance control license is needed to not only capture the squirrel, but relocate it as well.
Go about 4-5 miles away to relocate the squirrels or it will find it’s way back to your area.
Trapping a squirrel is really the only way to get rid of it in your attic, once it has chewed a hole.
It is important to seal up and repair all entry points after trapping the squirrels so they no longer have access.
Steps to prevent squirrel entry in crawl space, basement or attic:
Trim tree branches that may overhang the roof line.
Remove firewood stacked against the building.
If there are cracks in the foundational wall, repair them.
Traps Squirrel used:
Havahart 1088 Collapsible One Door Cage Trap for Rabbits, Skunks and Large Squirrels for all squirrel types :
the Red Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, and the larger Gray Squirrel.
This trap also traps rats well.
Squirrels (red and flying), rats, weasels, chipmunks and similar sized animals. Single door rigid live trap. Automatic locking doors to provide an almost escape proof catch every time.
Rat and squirrel lure would be a excellent attractant-made exclusively for professional trappers.
It is fruit based with walnut oil.
And always use work gloves when handling the traps with a squirrel inside.
Some trappers like to use a technique called “pre-baiting”….leaving the trap out, and wired open(so it won’t shut) with the bait so that they can get used to the object in their environment, gaining confidence. Most of the time, this technique is not needed. Place traps where you hear or see the activity. Using a Rat/Squirrel lure (walnut oil based) on a cracker or piece of fruit behind the trip pan is very helpful as a lure. You may also try peanut butter. Next use sunflower seeds on top of that and trail a line of sunflower seeds out the front door of the trap so that there are “free” seeds a couple of feet in front of the trap. This will help overcome any anxiety the squirrels may have about entering the trap. For trapping gray squirrels you will want to place their traps along their pathways or points of entry…such as along the roof, at the base of a tree, or base of the building they are entering.
Flying squirrels would need to be trapped inside the attic areas, in that they glide into the attics. Look for their areas of activity..such as droppings, when placing the traps. The insulated areas, with their tunnels and nests that look like piles is another place to set up the traps.
After trapping and relocating the squirrels you can seal the openings with 1/4″ mesh hardware cloth or metal flashing. Look for all possible entry points. If you are not handy with tools, many nuisance wildlife control companies will seal entry points with a year’s guarantee for a fee.
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