How To Get Rid Of Squirrels

Squirrels are clever, persistent, and surprisingly destructive, but a focused, methodical DIY plan will stop most homeowner/business infestations without needing poisons or risky approaches. Here's how to get rid of squirrels:

Start with a careful inspection: Walk the exterior and interior (attic, crawlspaces, roofline, soffits, vents, chimney) and look for entry points, chew marks, droppings, nesting material, grease trails, or daylight at night. Squirrels commonly enter at roof eaves, loose fascia, gaps around plumbing/vent stacks, damaged vents or chimney openings, and where tree branches touch the roof. Note every suspected access point and photograph them — you’ll need that map to plan your exclusion efforts.
Exclude and seal permanently wherever possible: this is the single most effective long‑term fix. Use heavy‑gauge metal materials (galvanized or stainless hardware cloth / welded wire and sheet metal flashing); do not rely on chicken wire or plastic screening (squirrels chew through those). Patch holes with metal flashing or hardware cloth secured to framing, fasten with screws and washers, and seal gaps with an exterior-grade caulk where appropriate. Replace or install chimney caps and cover soffit and gable vents with durable metal screening. Remember: squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps and will chew softer materials, so err on the side of larger, sturdier metal repairs.
If you have squirrels already inside (attic or walls), use a one‑way exclusion strategy rather than trying to seal them in. Install a professionally made one‑way door/device over the active entry (these allow squirrels to exit but not re‑enter) and leave it in place for several days to ensure the rodents have left. After observing no activity for 2–3 days, permanently seal the opening. Never seal an occupied structure (this risks orphaning young and causing noise/damage). If you’re uncomfortable installing a one‑way or the access points are complex, hire our wildlife control specialists for this stage.
Trapping can be used when exclusion isn’t immediately possible or when squirrels need to be removed before repairs. Opt for live, box‑style cage traps sized for tree squirrels (medium to large live traps). Bait with peanut butter mixed with birdseed, sunflower seeds, or small pieces of apple or nut. Place traps along known travel routes (along rafters, near attic access, on narrow ledges). Check traps frequently — at least twice daily — and wear leather gloves when handling. IMPORTANT: laws about relocating wildlife vary by state and locality; many areas prohibit releasing captured wild animals or require releases only on site. Before trapping, check your state/local wildlife regulations or call your local animal control or wildlife agency.
Avoid poisons and rodenticides for squirrels: They are ineffective for tree squirrels, present high risk to pets and non‑target wildlife, and are often illegal for use on non‑target wildlife. Likewise, ultrasonic devices and most “repellents” (predator urine, capsaicin sprays) have inconsistent, short‑lived results; they can be part of a larger plan but should not be your primary strategy.
Clean up and sanitize after removal: Squirrel nesting material and droppings in attics carry parasites and bacteria. Wear a respirator (N95 or better), gloves, and eye protection when removing nests and droppings. Wet surfaces with a disinfectant before scooping to minimize airborne dust; package and discard contaminated insulation or nesting material according to local disposal rules. Repair insulation where needed and consider installing an attic access cover that seals tightly.
Prevent reinfestation through habitat modification and routine maintenance: Trim tree branches so they are at least 6–8 feet from the roofline (squirrels can jump). Secure bird feeders (use baffles, keep feeders away from structures) and remove easily accessible food sources: secure trash, pet food, and compost. Schedule an annual exterior inspection and maintain metal screens and flashing; small problems are easier and cheaper to fix early.
Safety, legal, and practical caveats: squirrels can bite and may carry rabies or parasites (rare but possible), so avoid direct contact and seek medical advice for any bite. Laws about trapping, relocating, or dispatching wildlife vary — always confirm local regulations before trapping or moving animals. If you encounter a den with dependent young, or if the squirrels are difficult to access, bring in our licensed wildlife control professionals.
When to hire our pros: if animals are in walls/ceilings you can’t safely access, there are repeated re‑entries despite DIY efforts, you find a large colony, or you’d prefer guaranteed exclusion and repair work backed by a warranty. Our professional wildlife technicians also handle complicated roof/soffit/chimney retrofits safely and can manage legal euthanasia or rehabilitation if required.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Squirrels

Hiring our professional pest control team for squirrels is the most effective, safe, and long-term solution for several reasons. While DIY methods can sometimes work, squirrels are intelligent, agile, and persistent, which makes them difficult for homeowners or business owners to fully eliminate without expertise. Here’s why our professional squirrel control is superior:

Expert Identification and Inspection

Our professionals can accurately identify the species, determine the extent of the infestation, and locate all entry points. Squirrels can enter through extremely small gaps (as small as 1.5 inches), and often exploit multiple entry points in attics, soffits, chimneys, vents, and roofs. Missing even one opening can render DIY efforts ineffective.

Safe and Legal Removal

Removing squirrels involves risks:

Health hazards: Squirrels carry parasites, fleas, and can transmit diseases such as leptospirosis or, rarely, rabies.
Legal considerations: Trapping, relocating, or euthanizing wildlife is regulated in many areas. Our professionals are licensed and knowledgeable about local wildlife laws, ensuring compliance and avoiding fines.

Our professionals also use safe, humane removal methods (live trapping, one-way exclusion devices) to avoid harming the animals while preventing re-entry.

Permanent Exclusion

A major failure point in DIY squirrel control is incomplete exclusion. Our professionals:

Seal all access points with durable materials (metal flashing, hardware cloth) that squirrels cannot chew through.
Install one-way doors or exclusion devices to let squirrels exit but not return.
Address potential problem areas that are easy to overlook, such as chimneys, roof gaps, or tree-to-roof access points.

This ensures the infestation is fully resolved, reducing the chance of repeat problems.

Damage Assessment and Repair

Squirrels can cause significant damage to:

Roofs, eaves, and vents
Wiring (a serious fire risk)
Insulation and stored goods
Attic structures and ductwork

Our professionals not only remove the squirrels but can assess and repair damage to prevent future infestations, which homeowners often underestimate.

Time, Convenience, and Reduced Stress

DIY removal requires significant time, effort, and skill:

Inspecting, setting traps, and monitoring activity
Handling potentially aggressive or sick animals
Sealing multiple entry points safely

Our professionals handle all of these tasks efficiently, reducing stress, physical risk, and the likelihood of errors.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

Our experts take a holistic, long-term approach:

Removal: Safely trap or exclude current squirrels
Exclusion: Seal access points and reinforce structures
Prevention: Trim trees, secure feeders, eliminate attractants
Monitoring: Regular checks to ensure no new infestations

DIY methods often focus only on trapping or deterrents, which may temporarily reduce the problem but fail to prevent recurrence.

Our professional pest control ensures a complete, legal, and safe resolution to squirrel infestations. We combine expert inspection, exclusion, safe removal, and damage repair, plus long-term preventive strategies — something most DIY attempts cannot achieve consistently. Attempting it alone risks incomplete control, repeat infestations, property damage, and potential health hazards.

Get Rid Of Squirrels With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!