How To Catch A Squirrel In My House

So, you've got a little furry roommate, huh? A squirrel, of all things, has decided to move into your house. Now, don't get me wrong, I love our bushy-tailed friends as much as the next person, but they're not exactly the best houseguests. They're noisy, they're messy, and they've got a habit of chewing through things that aren't exactly squirrel-friendly, like your electrical wires. Yikes!

But fear not, dear reader! We're not going to harm our little intruder. We're just going to give him a gentle nudge and remind him that he's got a perfectly good tree out there waiting for him. Let's dive into the fun world of squirrel eviction, shall we?

Why Should You Care?

Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. Why should you care about evicting a squirrel? Well, apart from the whole 'chewing through your house' thing, squirrels can carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonellosis. They can also bring in fleas and ticks, which can make your life a whole lot less comfortable. Plus, they're not exactly known for their sparkling cleanliness. So, while it might seem mean to kick him out, it's really for the best.

Think of it like having a party guest who's overstayed their welcome. They're great fun at first, but after a while, you start to miss your peace and quiet. And let's face it, you don't want to be the one cleaning up their mess the next morning. So, let's give our furry friend a polite nudge and send him on his way.

Understanding Your Furry Intruder

Before we start our eviction process, let's try to understand what's brought our squirrel into your home. Squirrels are looking for two things: food and shelter. They're especially active in the fall when they're preparing for winter, so if you've got a squirrel in your attic, it might be because he's found a cozy spot to store his nuts.

Now, I know what you're thinking. 'But I don't have any nuts in my attic!' Well, that's where you're wrong. Squirrels will hoard just about anything they can get their paws on. I've heard stories of squirrels storing everything from acorns to coins to even small toys. So, if you've noticed some strange items turning up in your house, it might be your squirrel's stash.

Evicting Your Squirrel: The Humane Way

Alright, now that we've got our squirrel's motivations figured out, let's talk about how to get him out of your house. The key here is to make your house less appealing to him while making the outside more inviting. It's like when you're trying to get your kids to go outside and play - you've got to make the outdoors sound like the best thing ever.

Step 1: Seal the Entry Points

First things first, you've got to seal up any holes or cracks that your squirrel might be using to get into your house. Squirrels can squeeze through incredibly small spaces, so don't underestimate their entry skills. Use steel wool, foam sealant, or hardware cloth to block up any potential entry points.

How to Catch a Squirrel with a Live Animal Trap – HousePetsCare.com

Now, I know what you're thinking. 'But how am I supposed to know where the entry points are?' Well, that's where a little detective work comes in. Follow the path of destruction - look for chewed-up wires, damaged insulation, or other signs of squirrel activity. That should give you a good idea of where your furry friend is getting in.

Step 2: Make Your Attic Less Cozy

Once you've sealed up the entry points, it's time to make your attic a little less cozy. Squirrels love attics because they're dark, quiet, and full of nooks and crannies to hide in. So, let's make it a little less appealing.

Start by cleaning up any clutter. Squirrels love to hide in piles of stuff, so the less clutter you have, the less appealing your attic will be. You can also try installing a motion-activated light or a radio that plays soft music. The sudden light or sound might startle your squirrel and encourage him to leave.

Step 3: Make the Outside More Inviting

While you're making your house less appealing, it's also a good idea to make the outside more inviting. Remember, squirrels are looking for food and shelter, so if you can provide that for them outside, they might be more likely to leave your house alone.

Try putting out some birdseed or nuts in your backyard. You can also try installing a squirrel box - these are like little birdhouses, but they're designed specifically for squirrels. If you can provide a safe, comfortable place for your squirrel to live outside, he might just take you up on the offer.

What to Do If Your Squirrel Won't Leave

Alright, so you've sealed up the entry points, you've made your attic less cozy, and you've provided a comfortable alternative outside. But your squirrel still won't leave. What now?

Squirrel Making House

Well, it's time to call in the big guns. Or, more accurately, the little hands. If you've got kids, they might be able to help. Squirrels are often more afraid of humans than we are of them, so if your kids can go up into the attic and make some noise, they might be able to scare your squirrel out.

If that doesn't work, it might be time to call in a professional. There are wildlife removal services that specialize in humanely removing squirrels and other critters from homes. They've got the tools and the know-how to get your squirrel out safely and without causing any harm.

Preventing Future Squirrel Visits

Alright, so you've finally got your squirrel out of your house. Now what? Well, it's time to make sure he doesn't come back. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Start by trimming any trees that are close to your house. Squirrels are excellent climbers, so if they can climb onto your roof, they can climb into your house. You should also make sure that your gutters and downspouts are in good repair - squirrels love to nest in damaged gutters.

And, of course, make sure that you're not accidentally inviting squirrels into your house. Keep your pet food inside, don't leave any food out on your counters, and make sure that your trash cans are securely sealed. If you can make your house less appealing to squirrels, you're less likely to have any unwanted visitors.

But hey, if you do find another squirrel in your house, don't worry. You're now a certified squirrel eviction expert! You know what to do, and you know how to do it safely and humanely. So, go forth, dear reader, and reclaim your house from the furry intruders!