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

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

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.

Chikezie Onyianta

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

Squirrels don't like the smell of their predator's urine, such as fox or coyote urine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
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.

Chris Parker

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 18
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 6
Question

Do sonic repellers work?

Community Answer

No. In my experience, squirrels quickly get used to those and ignore them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 7
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 8
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 6
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0