If you've discovered a squirrel nest on your property, it's important to address the situation promptly to avoid damage to your home or yard. Squirrel nests can be located in attics, trees, sheds, or even in chimneys. Not only can squirrels cause property damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and wood, but they can also pose health risks through droppings and parasites. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to get rid of a squirrel nest safely and humanely.

Why You Need to Remove a Squirrel Nest

Before diving into how to remove a squirrel nest, it’s important to understand why it’s necessary:

1. Property Damage: Squirrels will chew on wires, insulation, and wood to create their nests. This can cause significant damage to your home, potentially leading to costly repairs.
2. Health Hazards: Squirrel nests and droppings can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites may also be present.
3. Infestation Risk: If not removed, squirrels can continue to breed in your home, leading to an ongoing problem and more nests.

Steps to Remove a Squirrel Nest

1. Identify the Nest Location

The first step in getting rid of a squirrel nest is to locate it. Squirrel nests are often built in places that are difficult to access, such as:

• Attics: The most common place for squirrels to nest is inside attics. Look for holes in the roof or gaps around vents, chimneys, or eaves where squirrels can enter.
• Trees: Squirrels can build nests in trees using twigs, leaves, and other materials.
• Chimneys or Vents: Sometimes squirrels enter chimneys or vent systems to build nests, which can be dangerous for your home’s ventilation system.
• Sheds or Garages: Squirrels can also nest in these spaces if there are easy access points.

Inspect your property for signs of squirrel activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or scurrying sounds in the walls or attic.

2. Check Local Laws and Regulations

Before attempting to remove a squirrel nest, it’s essential to check your local laws. In some areas, squirrels are protected wildlife, and removing them may require a permit or professional assistance. Additionally, if the nest contains baby squirrels, you must wait until they are old enough to leave the nest on their own before taking further action.

3. Seal Entry Points

If squirrels are nesting in your attic, chimney, or other areas of your home, the first step is to prevent further access. This involves sealing any holes or gaps through which the squirrels are entering. Use materials like:

• Steel Mesh or Wire: These materials are difficult for squirrels to chew through and can be used to cover vents, chimneys, or holes in the roof.
• Caulk: Use caulk to seal smaller gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and foundation walls.
• Wood or Metal: For larger gaps or entry points, use wood or metal plates to cover holes.

Ensure that you do this after confirming that no squirrels, especially babies, are still inside. You don’t want to trap squirrels inside, as they could die or cause more damage trying to escape.

4. Remove the Nest Safely

Once you’re sure no squirrels are present inside the nest, you can safely remove it. Here's how to do it:

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and a mask when handling squirrel nests or droppings to avoid exposure to parasites and diseases.
• Dispose of the Nest: Carefully remove the nest and any associated debris. Place the nest and any other items in a sealed trash bag and dispose of it properly.
• Clean the Area: After removing the nest, thoroughly clean the area using a disinfectant to eliminate any potential health hazards, including parasites and bacteria from squirrel droppings.

5. Relocate the Squirrels (If Necessary)

If the nest contains live squirrels, you’ll need to relocate them. This can be tricky, as moving squirrels can be dangerous and should be done humanely. Consider these options:

• Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service: A licensed wildlife expert can safely remove the squirrels from your property and relocate them according to local wildlife laws. This is often the safest and most effective solution, especially if the squirrels are inside your home.
• Use Live Traps: If you decide to trap the squirrels yourself, use live traps to capture them without causing harm. Place the traps in areas where squirrels are active, such as near the entry points to the nest. Once captured, release the squirrels in an area far enough away from your home to prevent them from returning.

6. Prevent Future Nests

Once the squirrels and their nest have been removed, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some tips to keep squirrels away:

• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back so squirrels cannot jump onto your roof or into your attic.
• Install Squirrel Deterrents: Consider installing squirrel-proof devices such as baffles on tree trunks, or using scent deterrents like peppermint oil to repel squirrels from nesting in certain areas.
• Install a Chimney Cap: A chimney cap will prevent squirrels from entering your chimney and creating a nest inside.
• Install Mesh Around Vents: Cover any vents, eaves, and other potential entry points with mesh or steel to prevent squirrels from gaining access to your home.

7. Regularly Inspect Your Property

Even after taking preventive measures, it’s important to regularly inspect your home for any signs of squirrels trying to re-enter. This includes checking your attic, roof, and outdoor areas for potential access points. Prompt action can help prevent the need for another round of nest removal.

Conclusion: How to Get Rid of a Squirrel Nest

Getting rid of a squirrel nest requires patience, caution, and knowledge of the proper techniques. To recap:

• Identify the nest location and determine if it’s active.
• Check local laws to ensure you're following legal requirements.
• Seal entry points to prevent further squirrel access.
• Remove the nest carefully and clean the area.
• Relocate squirrels humanely if necessary.
• Take preventive measures to stop future nests from forming.

Remember, while it might be tempting to deal with squirrels on your own, it’s often best to consult with a professional wildlife removal service to ensure the safety and well-being of both the squirrels and your property.