If you’ve discovered a squirrel inside your walls, it’s important to act quickly. Squirrels can cause a great deal of damage to your home by chewing on wires, insulation, and even wood. They can also leave droppings and spread diseases, making it essential to safely and effectively remove them. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get a squirrel out of a wall and prevent future infestations.
Step 1: Identify the Problem and Locate the Squirrel
Before you can get the squirrel out of your wall, you first need to confirm that it’s there. Here’s how to identify if there’s a squirrel in your wall:
- Hearing Scratching Noises: Squirrels are most active at dawn and dusk, and you may hear scratching or scampering sounds coming from inside the walls.
- Visual Signs: Look for droppings around the area, gnaw marks on wood or electrical wires, and holes or cracks near the walls.
- Chewed Materials: Squirrels will chew on almost anything, including insulation, wood, and wires. Check for damaged materials inside or outside the wall.
Once you’ve confirmed that a squirrel is trapped inside, it’s time to figure out how to get a squirrel out of the wall.
Step 2: Find the Entry Points
Squirrels can squeeze through very small holes, so it’s essential to find where they entered the wall. Inspect the outside of your home for any potential entry points. Look for:
- Holes or Gaps: Around vents, pipes, chimneys, and windows.
- Rooflines: Squirrels often gain access to walls by entering through gaps in the roof or soffit.
- Cracks and Openings: Look for gaps in the foundation or areas around cables and wires.
Once you’ve located the entry point(s), you’ll have a better idea of where the squirrel might be entering and exiting. This information will help you know where to focus your efforts.
Step 3: Set Traps to Capture the Squirrel
To get a squirrel out of the wall, you’ll need to use humane traps to capture it. Here’s how to set the trap:
- Choose the Right Trap: Use a live trap specifically designed for squirrels. These traps are available at most hardware stores or online.
- Place the Trap Near the Entry Points: Set the trap where you’ve noticed activity or near the area where you suspect the squirrel is entering or exiting the wall. If possible, place the trap close to where you hear the noises.
- Use Proper Bait: Squirrels are attracted to nuts, seeds, or peanut butter. You can place a small amount of peanut butter on a piece of bread or a handful of sunflower seeds in the trap to lure the squirrel inside.
- Check the Trap Regularly: It’s essential to check the trap frequently, at least every few hours, to ensure you don’t leave the squirrel trapped for too long. Once caught, relocate the squirrel far from your home to prevent it from returning.
Setting the trap properly is crucial in how to get a squirrel out of the wall. The more strategic your placement, the higher the chances of success.
Step 4: Seal Off the Entry Points
Once the squirrel is safely trapped and removed, you must prevent it from returning. Here’s how to seal the entry points:
- Seal Cracks and Holes: Use caulk, foam, or wire mesh to seal any cracks, gaps, or holes around the roofline, vents, and any other potential access points. Make sure the materials you use are durable and will prevent squirrels from gnawing through them.
- Install Chimney Caps: If the squirrel was entering through the chimney, install a chimney cap to keep them out.
- Repair Vent Covers: Make sure all vent covers are secure and in good condition, as these are common entry points for squirrels.
By sealing the entry points, you’ll ensure that squirrels can’t get back into the walls. This step is critical for how to get a squirrel out of the wall and prevent future issues.
Step 5: Use Deterrents to Keep Squirrels Away
Once you’ve successfully removed the squirrel and sealed the entry points, consider using deterrents to discourage other squirrels from trying to enter your home in the future. Some effective squirrel deterrents include:
- Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant for squirrels but inaudible to humans. Placing these near the entry points can deter future visitors.
- Predator Scents: You can use scents like predator urine (from animals like coyotes or foxes) around your home to make it seem unsafe for squirrels.
- Peppermint Oil: Squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points.
These deterrents can complement your efforts in how to get a squirrel out of the wall and keep them away for good.
Step 6: Monitor for Further Activity
After you’ve removed the squirrel and sealed up your home, it’s important to monitor the area for any signs of new squirrel activity. Continue to listen for scratching noises or inspect for droppings or damage.
If you find new signs of squirrels, it may be necessary to recheck the entry points or set additional traps. Regular monitoring will help you ensure that the problem doesn’t recur.
Step 7: Call a Professional
If you’ve followed all these steps and still can’t get the squirrel out of your wall, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. These experts have the experience and tools necessary to safely remove squirrels from difficult-to-reach areas like walls and attics.
Conclusion
Getting a squirrel out of your wall requires a combination of proper identification, trapping, sealing entry points, and using deterrents. By following the steps above, you can safely remove the squirrel and prevent future infestations. If you’re unable to solve the problem on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional to help resolve the issue.
By taking action quickly and effectively, you can protect your home from further damage and keep squirrels out of your walls for good.