How To Get Rid Of Squirrels From The Attic Of Your Phoenix, AZ House

Finding squirrels in the attic can be both alarming and frustrating. These nocturnal wildlife species can cause significant damage to your home, gnawing on wires, chewing through wood, and contaminating insulation with droppings.

Fortunately, there are effective methods to evict them humanely and prevent future infestations. Here’s a step-by-step approach to removing squirrels from your attic, providing both immediate and long-term solutions to keep your Phoenix, AZ home safe.

Recognizing the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Squirrels are primarily active during the day in most neighborhoods, so you may hear scurrying, scratching, or gnawing in your attic during morning and late afternoon hours. Night noises are more often rats or other nocturnal wildlife. Additionally, you might notice droppings, gnaw marks on wood or wires, and nesting materials like leaves or shredded insulation.

Observing these signs early can help you address the infestation before it becomes more severe. Flattened runways through insulation and small entry rub marks near soffits or vents can lead you straight to the access point.

Inspecting Entry Points in Your Home

Squirrels are small and agile, capable of squeezing through surprisingly tiny openings to enter your attic. Common entry points include gaps in the roofline, soffits, vents, and chimney flues. It’s essential to thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior to identify any potential entry points. Focus on meeting points between materials such as stucco to fascia or flashing to shingles where shrinkage can create gaps.

Carefully examine areas where different building materials come together, as these spots are often overlooked and can offer easy entry points for small animals. Conduct this inspection during daylight for improved visibility, and use a flashlight to check darker or hidden areas. A brief dusk watch can confirm active exits so you know exactly where to place one-way doors or traps.

Humane Removal Techniques for Squirrels

Once you’ve identified the presence of squirrels and their potential entry points, the next step is to remove them from your attic humanely. One of the most effective methods is live trapping. To attract the squirrels, you can use live traps baited with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or other nuts. Pre bait traps unset for one night to reduce trap shyness, then set multiple traps at once for a quicker resolution.

Position the traps near suspected entry points or where activity is most noticeable. Regularly check the traps to reduce stress on the captured animals. If kits are present during spring or late summer, coordinate removal so dependent young are reunited with the mother or handled by professionals to avoid cruelty and odor issues. Once a ground squirrel is caught, release it several miles away in a suitable habitat far enough to prevent a quick return, following local rules.

Hiring professional squirrel control services can be a practical solution for those who prefer not to handle wildlife directly or find trapping challenging. They can provide attic sanitization and restoration services and seal entry points properly to prevent future infestations. A complete service should include inspection, removal, exclusion, cleanup, and a follow up visit to verify no reentry.

Securing Your Home Against Future Infestations

Begin by sealing all identified entry points using durable materials like metal mesh or flashing, which squirrels cannot chew through. Cover vents with screens and consider installing chimney caps to block their access. Reinforce soft edges with hardware cloth and seal seams with exterior grade sealant.

Regularly inspect your attic and roofline for new entry points or damage that could provide access to wildlife. Routine maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping squirrels and other pest species out of your home. Additionally, trimming tree branches that are close to your roof can help prevent squirrels from accessing your attic. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can easily use overhanging branches as a bridge to your roof. Keep two to three feet of clearance from all roof edges where possible.

Managing Food Sources Around Your Home

Squirrels are drawn to homes that provide easy access to food. To discourage them, it’s important to manage food sources effectively. Keep bird feed, pet food, and garbage securely stored in sealed containers. Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight, and place bird feeders away from the house.

Consider baffles and catch trays to reduce spillage that attracts rodents and squirrels. Limiting food availability can greatly reduce the chances of squirrels being attracted to your property. Also secure compost bins and rinse recycling so residual food odors do not build up near exterior doors or garages.

Understanding the Role of Professional Wildlife Control Services

If you’re dealing with a severe infestation or if initial removal attempts fail, professional wildlife and pest control offers the expertise required to handle the situation safely and efficiently. These professionals remove the squirrels and provide comprehensive solutions, including sealing entry points, repairing damage, and offering advice on preventive measures.

Working with professionals ensures that the problem is addressed thoroughly, minimizing the risk of future infestations. Additionally, many wildlife control services in Phoenix, AZ offer follow-up visits and maintenance plans to monitor for signs of re-infestation, providing homeowners with peace of mind. Scheduled roofline checks and re-sealing of high stress seams keep proofing effective through heat cycles.

Importance of Regular Attic Inspections

Regular attic inspections are vital for early detection of any signs of wildlife. During these inspections, look for signs of new entry points, droppings, nesting materials, and any gnawed or damaged areas. Early detection can prevent minor problems from becoming major infestations, saving time and money in the long run. It’s also advisable to check insulation for contamination or damage caused by the squirrels, as this can affect your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Deodorize and replace contaminated insulation to remove odors that signal a past den site. If you notice any signs of wildlife during these inspections, act promptly to address the issue. The sooner you take action, the easier and more cost-effective it will be to resolve the problem.

Why Squirrels Choose Attics

Understanding why squirrels are attracted to your attic can help in preventing future infestations. Attics provide a warm, safe, and quiet environment ideal for nesting, especially during breeding seasons. In Phoenix, AZ, mild winters and abundant neighborhood food sources can make attics particularly attractive to squirrels looking for cozy nesting sites.

Addressing these factors by sealing entry points and managing food sources can make your home less appealing to these wildlife species.

Best Pest & Wildlife Control: Your Partner in Pest-free Living

If you’re having trouble removing squirrels from your attic or want to prevent future issues, Best Pest & Wildlife Control is ready to assist. Our team of fully insured professionals specializes in humane removal and thorough exclusion services in Arizona and beyond, keeping your home free of squirrels and other pests. We offer customized solutions, including attic restoration, sanitization, and ongoing maintenance plans, providing peace of mind.

Contact us today for a free home inspection and let our experts assess your situation and provide you with an effective plan to remove squirrels and prevent their return. With our commitment to safe, ethical, and thorough wildlife management, you can trust us to protect your home and restore comfort.