What to Do if You have Squirrels in Your Attic

How to get rid of squirrels in your attic

If squirrels have moved into your attic, the first thing to do is stay calm and assess your options.

Two Different Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic

There are two ways to handle squirrels in your attic: attempting to remove them yourself or hiring professionals. Here's how both work:

What to do if you have squirrels in your attic

How Professionals Handle Squirrels in Your Attic

At Alta Pest Control, we use a comprehensive squirrel exclusion process designed to protect your home from top to bottom. Our approach focuses on humane removal and long-term prevention. Here’s how we handle squirrels in the attic:

Step 1: Inspection and Free Quote

  • We begin with a thorough inspection of your attic and exterior to identify all entry points and assess the infestation.
  • After the inspection, we provide a free quote detailing the recommended services.

Step 2: Attic Cleaning and Preparation

  • Trail Knockdown: We remove any trails or pathways squirrels may have created in the attic.
  • Sanitization: Using effective sanitizers, we neutralize bacteria and odors left behind, ensuring your attic is clean and hygienic.

Step 3: Guiding Wildlife Out

  • We use a one-way door method to allow squirrels to exit the attic without trapping or harming them. This method ensures squirrels can leave but cannot return, making it a humane and effective solution.

Step 4: Sealing Entry Points on Roof and Eaves

  • We inspect and secure all access points on the roof and eaves, especially in recessed areas that squirrels and other wildlife commonly use.
  • Eaves, a frequent entry point, are thoroughly reinforced to prevent future access.

Step 5: Ground-Level Protection and Garage Seals

  • Crack and Crevice Sealing: We seal any gaps or openings larger than ¼ inch.
  • Weep Hole Sealing: Open weep holes are covered with durable mesh to block entry while maintaining ventilation.

Step 6: Bait Boxes for Perimeter Protection

  • We install bait boxes around the home’s exterior to deter rodents and wildlife from re-entering.
  • Regular follow-up visits are scheduled every two weeks until the problem is fully resolved.

Step 7: Wildlife Exclusion Add-Ons for Enhanced Protection

  • Excluder Lights: For severe infestations, we offer strobe lights as an added measure to keep persistent wildlife out.
  • Garage Door Seals: Additional garage door seals are available for added reinforcement, especially where ground-level access is a concern.
  • Lifetime Warranty: Available with complete exclusions, offering long-term peace of mind.

With our one-year warranty, we guarantee squirrels and other wildlife won’t return to your attic. If they do, we’ll address the issue at no additional cost.

DIY Methods for Removing Squirrels in Your Attic

If you prefer to handle the problem yourself, here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Inspect Your Attic

Look for signs of squirrel activity, such as nesting materials, chewed wires, or droppings. Identify their entry points, which may include:

  • Roof vents
  • Chimneys
  • Gaps in soffits or eaves
  • Damaged shingles

Step 2: Encourage Squirrels to Leave

  • Noise and Light: Use loud music or bright lights to make your attic less inviting.
  • Natural Repellents: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, or peppermint oil around their nesting areas.
  • Install a One-Way Door: Place a one-way door on their entry point to let squirrels leave but prevent them from returning.

Step 3: Seal Entry Points

Once all squirrels have left, seal their entry points with heavy-duty materials like hardware cloth or caulking.

Step 4: Monitor for Activity

After sealing, watch for signs of activity. If you hear noises again, reassess the situation or consider professional help.

Professional Help vs. DIY: Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits of professional help when you don't know what to do about squirrels in your attic

Professional Help

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive inspection to identify all entry points.
  • Humane removal methods that don’t harm wildlife.
  • Long-term prevention with sealing services and warranties.
  • Saves time and effort with guaranteed results.

Drawbacks:

  • Professional services involve upfront costs, but they often save money in the long run by preventing recurring issues.

DIY Methods

Benefits:

  • Lower immediate cost.
  • Gives you control over the process.

Drawbacks:

  • Time-consuming and requires detailed attention.
  • No guarantees; squirrels may return if not handled properly.
  • Potential for incomplete removal or damage to your home.

Common Questions About Squirrels in the Attic

Will squirrels eventually leave the attic on their own?

Squirrels rarely leave permanently without intervention, especially if they’ve built a nest or found a food source.

Do squirrels in the attic cause damage?

Yes, they chew on wires, shred insulation, and contaminate the area with droppings, causing costly damage.

How long can a squirrel live trapped in an attic?

Squirrels can survive for weeks if they have access to water and food. Without these, they may only last a few days.

Do squirrels come out at night in the attic?

No, squirrels are active during the day. If you hear noises at night, it’s likely another animal, such as a raccoon or rodent.

How much does it cost to get rid of squirrels in your attic?

After a free inspection, we provide a detailed quote based on the infestation and services required.

Why Choose Alta Pest Control

Choosing Alta Pest Control means choosing a team of experienced professionals dedicated to protecting your home. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

  • Comprehensive Services: From attic cleaning to sealing entry points, we handle every step of the process.
  • Humane Methods: Our one-way door method ensures that squirrels are removed without harm.
  • Guaranteed Results: With our one-year warranty, we guarantee that wildlife won’t return to your attic.
  • Proven Expertise: Our team has years of experience in wildlife exclusion and pest control.
  • Local and Family-Owned: As a family-owned business, we prioritize excellent customer service and care deeply about our community.

Contact Alta Pest Control

Don’t let squirrels take over your attic. Let us help you protect your home with humane, effective solutions. Contact Alta Pest Control today to schedule your free inspection and learn more about how we can keep your attic squirrel-free. Call us or visit our website to get started!