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Washington DC Wildlife Removal Tip of the Month: Removing Squirrels Humanely

Dealing with an animal infestation can be frustrating work for homeowners, but while some will choose to use lethal methods of dealing with the problem, in many cases of wildlife infestation mitigation, humane methods can be more effective. Squirrel infestations can be common in areas that are close to woodlands or parks, and squirrels can cause a reasonable amount of damage if allowed to remain unchecked in a property.

Identifying a Squirrel Infestation vs. Other Rodents

While many animal pests have an ability to find their way into an attic, it is exceedingly rare to find a squirrel infestation in any other area of the property, as squirrels prefer to nest above ground level. If you can hear animals moving about in the attic, squirrels are naturally much lighter on their feet than rats or mice and will tend to move more quickly. If you do go up into the attic and find signs of feces, one way to tell the difference is that while rat droppings tend to be pointy at the ends, a squirrel’s droppings are more rounded. District Wildlife Solutions can help to manage and mitigate squirrel infestations as well as those of other types of rodents.

Examine the Attic to Discover Entry Holes

The first step to dealing with a squirrel infestation humanely is to examine the attic thoroughly to find all the holes they are using to get in and out, and it is common that squirrels will have found or created several access holes. You should examine the interior of the attic during the daytime, as the light coming into the attic can make it easier to find these entry holes. It is also worth carrying out an external examination of the roofline as well, to try and find as many of these holes as possible.

Use Exclusion Funnels to Remove Squirrels

An effective method of getting rid of squirrels in your attic is to use exclusion funnels. These are small plastic funnels with a hole at the end which allow squirrels to push their way out of the attic, but stop them from pushing their way back in. You should seal most of the holes that you have found around the attic, using sturdy materials such as metal flashing or wire mesh, and then install one or two of the exclusion funnels over the remaining holes that you have discovered. Within a day or two, the squirrels should have departed the attic, and will have to find a new nesting spot.

Use Repeater Traps to Relocate Squirrels

Repeater traps are cage traps that allow several animals to be contained within the one cage, which is useful as there are typically multiple squirrels found infesting an attic. For this method, seal all but one of the holes that the squirrels use to get in and out of the attic, then mount the repeater trap over the remaining hole. Next, create a tunnel of wire mesh that will guide the squirrel from their exit hole into the trap. You should then monitor the trap regularly and relocate any trapped squirrels far away from your home.

Make Repairs Once Squirrels Have Been Removed

Once you have resolved a squirrel infestation, we recommend you repair and clean the attic to complete the process. At District Wildlife Solutions, we can provide the repair services you need. All entry holes should be sealed with an appropriate material, and you should also examine the woodwork and any electrical wires for signs of gnawing and replacing them as required. You should also remove any squirrel feces, and if any insulation has been heavily soiled, you may need to replace this. Once cleaned, it is also worth fumigating the attic with a disinfectant to make sure that any remaining harmful bacteria are killed.

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District Wildlife Solutions offers comprehensive and humane wildlife removal services for residents in Washington DC, Montgomery County MD, and Prince George’s County MD. We specialize in humane animal trapping, animal removal, and wildlife damage repair and prevention. Our team of experts is well-trained in dealing with a wide range of animals including raccoons, opossums, bats, groundhogs, squirrels, skunks, snakes, and foxes. We take pride in using humane and eco-friendly methods to ensure that all animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve. We understand the importance of protecting your property and ensuring the safety of your family, which is why we provide our services with the utmost professionalism and care. With District Wildlife Solutions, you can rest assured that your wildlife problems will be solved efficiently and effectively.