Q&A for How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in Your House

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  • Question
    What smells do squirrels hate?
    Chikezie Onyianta
    Pest Control Specialist
    Chikezie Onyianta is a Pest Control Specialist and the Owner of EcoFusion Pest Control, serving communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. With over 5 years of experience, he specializes in pest control in both residential and commercial spaces. A graduate of Essex County College, Chikezie and EcoFusion assist in rodent, roach, and ant pest control as well as bed bug services.
    Pest Control Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Squirrels don't like the smell of their predator's urine, such as fox or coyote urine.
  • Question
    How can I prevent squirrels from getting into my house in the first place?
    Chris Parker
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Expert Answer
    It's really important to keep your home sealed up. Also, don't feed them, and make sure there aren't bird feeders they can access in your yard. You should also try to keep any trees and bushes around your home trimmed so there's at least a 6-foot gap.
  • Question
    What is the best bait for a squirrel trap in my attic?
    Community Answer
    raw peanuts, sweet nuts like pecans, fleshy fruit (pears,peaches,etc.) or commercial baits all work.
  • Question
    Is there some kind of bait I can use?
    Community Answer
    Raw peanuts, sweet nuts like pecans, fleshy fruit (pears, peaches, etc.) or commercial baits all work.
  • Question
    Do sonic repellers work?
    Community Answer
    No. In my experience, squirrels quickly get used to those and ignore them.
  • Question
    We have a large house. Where should I search for the squirrels?
    Community Answer
    Squirrels feel safer up high (upstairs, rafter, attic) rather than down. You would not find one in your basement, but you may find a squirrel near a food source so you can possibly find them in a first floor kitchen.
  • Question
    How do I get a squirrel out of my house humanely?
    Louisa G.
    Community Answer
    Try using a broom or something to coax the squirrel to get out.
  • Question
    How big of a hole does a squirrel need to get into a home?
    Community Answer
    Most squirrels could probably enter your home through a hole that's smaller than a baseball.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a mouse trap or a one-way door?
    Community Answer
    Mouse traps for squirrels don't work -- they're pretty smart and will spring the trap prior to taking the bait. The best method is to make your home as unappealing as possible to the bugger. Play talk show radio 24/7 for a week, spray a hot pepper solution around the boards he will run on daily, and if you can, borrow a big dog for a day or two. Squirrels are scared to death of big dogs. Wait for him to leave and seal up however he got in.
  • Question
    If I trap a squirrel and take it to a park miles away, will it come back?
    Nina Zhan
    Community Answer
    Not very likely. Unless there is a hole or a scent in your house that attracts them.
  • Question
    How do I get a stuck squirrel out of my fireplace?
    Community Answer
    Drop a heavy rope down from the top. It allows them to see a new way out and think they aren't stuck. Go for a rope that is coarse and thick, to enable ease of climbing.
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