The presence of squirrels is widely accepted in our society and they often overlook the fact that they are rodents. Most within this species are cute and cuddly with long, fluffy tails that can provide hours of entertainment as they leap from tree to tree and battle rival squirrels. Some are even trained to eat from a human’s hand or are kept indoors as a pet, and many have found that squirrels can learn tricks just like a dog. With everything the squirrel has going for it in its relationship with people, one would think they would be welcome almost anywhere; but you would also be very wrong. Many squirrels often cross the line when they invade our homes and build nests inside attics or crawl spaces.
Why would a squirrel want to live in your attic? Well, mainly for the same reasons that we live indoors. It offers protection from the elements, is typically free from predators, and food sources can be safely stored indoors while we care for our young. Ultimately, all animals seek the same conditions, and squirrels are one of the few creatures smart enough to get away with it. The problem is that squirrels are very messy and territorial; once they move in, they are not likely to move in without a fight. As they build their nests, squirrels will rip and chew on building materials to build their den and will often find plastic-coated wiring to be the perfect item for sharpening their teeth. Bird feeders will practically become your public domain, as will trash cans, pet food, and other forms of livelihood left in the home.
Getting rid of squirrels from your residence can be challenging, but fortunately there are several non-lethal methods that have worked well for other homeowners in the past. The trickiest start would be to seal any exterior openings that allow squirrels to easily access your home. This may involve caulking / sealant in small openings or possibly replacing wood in others, but all entrances must be removed or the squirrel will eventually find them. The next step would be to focus on your food supply. Make sure trash can lids lock in place, remove bird or pet feeders for now, and keep your barbecue grill clean. Every temptation that is removed makes your home much less attractive to the squirrel and hopefully they will move on. Then comes some heavier artillery. If this rodent is digging in your garden or invading your attic, a strong motion detector may be your best friend. Squirrels will identify loud noises as a larger predator claiming the area and will run for cover. Other homeowners have had some success putting animal hair or urine in their attics to the same effect.
Even with all these efforts, the squirrel may still refuse to leave. In that case, you may need to contact an exterminator to address the problem more directly. The pest control specialist will use traps to capture the squirrels and ultimately move them to another environment.