Exterminating Squirrels: A Comprehensive Guide Without Expensive Traps

Are you at wits' end dealing with pesky squirrels that seem to hide in easily concealed parts of your attic? Frustrating as it might be, there are practical and economical methods to manage these squirrels without resorting to expensive traps. Read on for a detailed guide on how to deal with squirrels effectively, ensuring your attic remains squirrel-free without breaking the bank.

Inspecting Your Home: Identifying Entry Points

The first and most crucial step in controlling squirrels is a thorough inspection of your home. Squirrels can find their way into your attic through tiny gaps and holes that are often overlooked. Pay close attention to the perimeter of your roof and any other areas where squirrels might squeeze through. It's not just the obvious holes that you need to look for; even the narrowest gaps can serve as entry points for these agile creatures.

Blocking Squirrel Access Points

One of the most effective methods to prevent squirrels from entering your attic is to block their access points. Start by covering these holes with metal sheeting. The choice of material is critical; squirrels are known for their strength and can rip through layers of weaker materials. Use sturdy metal to ensure that they cannot bend or spread it.

In addition to covering holes, consider using exclusion methods. Observe the squirrels' behavior to understand their schedule. Squirrels are typically active in early mornings and late evenings, so this is the ideal time to install barriers. They tend to spend the day out foraging for food and will return close to twilight. Place sturdy materials over access points during these times.

Capture and Relocation of Squirrels

While exclusion is a key approach, sometimes you may need to capture a squirrel for relocation. Use a large live trap, ensuring that the entrance is wide enough for the squirrel's tail to fit. This rule of thumb is crucial; squirrels will not enter if the trap is too small. Once you have captured a squirrel, it's imperative to release it as soon as possible, especially if you live in a hot climate like the southern United States.

Attic temperatures can soar to over 120°F, making water and food sources scarce. Failure to release the squirrel within 12-36 hours can lead to certain death. It's not just the heat that poses a threat; trapped squirrels may also suffer from thirst and malnutrition. Therefore, plan and execute your trapping and relocation process as quickly as possible.

Using a Protective Dog for Squirrel Control

For those with a large, protective dog like an Akita, you might find an even more natural and effective solution. My service/protection dog, a 120-pound Akita named TED, is highly trained and effective in deterring squirrels. The family line of these Akita dogs has been with me since 1970, and I have never seen a squirrel on this dog's territory.

The success of using a protective dog is not limited to just squirrels. Many other unwelcome visitors, such as salespeople, snakes, and even strangers without proper introductions, are also deterred by TED. This underscores the importance of training and the strong bond between the dog and its owner. My daughter’s ability to walk and play soccer, despite skepticism from experts, further demonstrates the potential of a trained dog in protecting your home from unwanted intrusions.

In conclusion, while the task of managing squirrels in your attic can be daunting, there are several practical and cost-effective methods to address the issue without relying on expensive traps. By combining thorough inspections, strategic exclusion, and smart trapping techniques, you can effectively eliminate these pests from your home. And, as shown by the success of protective dogs, nature itself can offer powerful solutions to common household challenges.