Squirrels In The Attic ... Not Nearly As Fun as Bats in the Belfry

By Dolly R. Sickles

Posted: March 3, 2008

Okay, so I'm not a winter person to begin with, preferring the outdoor weather of the other three seasons. But this winter, the fauna has just about defeated us. Yes, we've still got squirrels in the attic.

And either it's one squirrel bigger than my husband, or we've got a colony up there. The pines, maples and cypress that were lovely framing our house when we moved in a decade ago have since grown taller than our roof ... and now offer the perfect bridge for squirrels. Cute at a distance, dastardly at the bird feeder, and infuriating in the attic.

They wake with the sun and we find them to be quite inconsiderate on the weekend (they don't know the sleeping late rule). On the rare occasion that I do go in the attic nowadays, I start yelling from the floor below, stomping and carrying on as loudly as possible as I enter the attic. I'll have a heart attack if one of them flies at me à la National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

We bought an owl to place in the garden back in the fall, and every other week or so the mister moves it to a new spot. The package said it would spook the critters who liked to nest around your house, but so far we've come to the deduction that the squirrels and deer and foxes out our way like to visit our model owl. I read an old Ask Fifi, which referenced buying traps, but I really don't want to get that up close and personal ... We've had it with the squirrels, so I'm open to suggestions.

Got any?

18 Comments

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Do WHATEVER you have to do to get them out of there. Squirrels are rodents. And in NC damage from rodents, insects, birds and other vermin is NOT covered by your homeowner's insurance. Which means that if they chew through some wires and start a fire and burn your house down your insurance company could refuse to pay the claim.

_k_1
March 10, 2008 2:41 p.m.

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As the owner of a gutter cleaning and roof repair company I am quite familiar with this problem. It seems to be especially bad this year. The best way to rid home of squirrels is; have your roof and gutters, also facia board inspected to find out where they are getting in. You would be amazed at what they can chew through to get into your house. Then take a radio into the attic, turn in full blast,for several hours, this will get them out. Then seal the hole with Great Stuff, they hate the noise it makes when they chew on it. I have found this method works very well. Next, you need to have the trees trimmed. Not only are they allowing the squirrels access to you roof, they also rub your shingles and cause holes in the roof.

lovecarolinagutters
March 10, 2008 8:50 a.m.

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We had a host of flying squirrels in our attic, and with babies. We trapped over 17 - they come back every year as they remember their home. We found that they hate moth granuals like your Grandmother used - we sprinkle them liberally and you have hear them trying to get out. So far it has worked....best of luck to you.....they make my skin crawl!

denisetaylor
March 5, 2008 3:53 p.m.

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I've raised two babies, one each time, who were orphaned when the homeowner closed all the entrance hole with heavy wire mesh and their Mom couldn't get in. The adults were causing damage, but the babies left behind would die and smell up the place eventually. They are cute and play like kittens. They are wild animals, but aren't vicious like a raccoon. One might run past you to get away, but that's all. There's no reason to be afraid of them.

Silver loves Rebel Red puppies
March 5, 2008 1:43 p.m.

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All good suggestions. I got rid of 19 last summer and fall using a cage trap.

Do get rid of them ASAP, as they can cause considerable damage. 2 neighbors had $800 and $1100 worth of damage to their attics.

Timbo
March 5, 2008 1:23 p.m.

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p.s. This is also why I do not feed the birds in my area. The squirrels always find a way to get to the bird feed and...try to get into your house,...make nests...multiply....you get the idea. Too well, I am sure....

owlady
March 4, 2008 5:58 p.m.

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Your owl did not not work? I will see what I can do....:-) but anyway,

plugging the holes where they come in is the only way to stop it. Unless you want to cut your trees down....NOT,...but, Don't use rat poison because they will die in the walls and ceilings and smell terrible while they decompose. Also, don't leave your garage door open because they like to come in that way too. Good Luck.

owlady
March 4, 2008 5:48 p.m.

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My parents had one in their attic once. I had an old Havahart trap that traps them but does not harm them. I baited it with sunflower seed and caught the little marauder, let it go outside, and promptly sealed all possible holes (attic vents) with lots of hardware cloth. That kept them out. You wouldn't believe the mess ONE made up there.

emaleth
March 4, 2008 2:48 p.m.

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Rat poison works wonders. They were getting into my attic and also ate a hole into my garbage can. I put packets of rat poison where only the squirrels could get them, and within a week, they were all gone. Squirrels are nothing but nasty tree rats anyway.

bigredtruckman
March 4, 2008 2:25 p.m.

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Sweening ... seems like the exact thing my husband would be interested in. We'll check out the site! Thanks!