How do you keep squirrels out of an attic?
Quick Answer
Because squirrels usually enter attics through roofs, one way to keep them out of an attic is to trim trees to at least 6 feet away from the roof so that the animals cannot leap to it. Sealing exit and entry points also keeps squirrels out.
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Full Answer
Attics are appealing to squirrels because they provide shelter from weather and predators. Squirrels are unwelcome house guests because of the damage they cause and because they can spread disease.
Squirrels sleep at night and forage during the day, so the best time for a homeowner to check for entry and exit holes and seal them is during the day, when the animals are outside and the light reveals the holes. Squirrels also use drainpipes and chimney areas to gain access, and these places may need baffles to keep squirrels out.
If squirrels are already in an attic, sealing entries into the house below and setting up pans filled with ammonia or other foul-smelling substances may get the animals to leave. Once they are gone, the homeowner can remove the pans and seal the exit holes. An alternative is live trapping and relocating the animals. After the squirrels have left and you have sealed their access holes, clean the attic and check all wires and cables for damage, replacing any chewed wiring.
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