Squirrels are often attracted to homes and yards due to food availability, such as birdseed, nuts, and fruits, as well as potential nesting sites in attics. They can enter your home through openings in the roofline or eaves or by chewing through materials to create entry points. If you’re struggling with how to get rid of squirrels, it might take more than just DIY efforts to tackle these agile intruders. Specialized wildlife removal services are often the best and safest solution to evict these animals and ensure they don't return.

squirrel on tree

Tips to help keep squirrels away from your yard

Squirrels can be a nuisance in your yard or garden, eating fruit, vegetables, birdseed, and chewing tree bark. Squirrels also have a way of making their way into your attic or crawlspaces and setting up nests. Here’s how to get rid of squirrels in the yard and keep them out of your home.

  • Don’t feed them. If you feed them, they will come. Food in your yard is fair game for roaming creatures or those already calling your property home.

  • Remove what attracts them. Regularly rake your yard to remove fallen fruit, nuts, and seeds, and use garbage cans with secure lids to deter squirrels.

  • Spray them. Motion-activated sprinkler systems may help keep squirrels away from your yard.

  • Exclude them. Keep squirrels out of your yard by blocking their entry points. For lasting protection against squirrels, try Terminix’s Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Services.

  • Repel them. Treat seeds, bulbs, and flowers with a squirrel repellent such as capsaicin or commercially available chemical repellent. Reapply these substances after it rains. Don’t use repellents on vegetables or fruit you’re planning to eat.

  • Plant flowers squirrels hate. Squirrels don’t like the taste of daffodils, snowdrops, allium, or hyacinth, so planting those spring bulbs can help to deter squirrels away from your yard.

Removing squirrels from your attic, crawlspace, and walls

Squirrels can be a frustrating and persistent problem for many homeowners, often causing them to turn to DIY methods to help eliminate them. Some of the most common methods to get rid of squirrels include using traps, baits, and sealing all entrances except one with a one-way door. However, seeking help from a professional squirrel removal service is often the best option. 

Professional squirrel removal

When figuring out how to get rid of squirrels, the task can quickly become overwhelming for homeowners. Squirrels are persistent and can cause significant damage to your property. That's where the expertise of a professional squirrel removal service like Terminix comes in. At Terminix, our technicians have the necessary knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively and humanely remove squirrels from your property, ensuring they don't return. We understand these rodents' behavior and can identify and seal off entry points you might miss, providing a long-term solution to your squirrel problem. Get started with Terminix Wildlife Removal Services today!

gutter protection

Baits and traps

Some people try taking matters into their own hands by attempting to remove squirrels from their property. A popular squirrel removal method uses a squirrel trap with bait such as peanut butter, whole peanuts, and apple chunks. After the lure is placed inside, traps are positioned along rooftops, heavily traveled routes, inside attics, porch railings, and more. Despite this seemingly harmless technique, it’s not recommended.

Create openings

Creating openings to get rid of squirrels from your property might seem like an easy solution to help steer them out. However, this method is often ineffective. Squirrels are highly adaptable and territorial animals; they are likely to return or create new entry points once they've found a safe and resourceful environment like your attic or garden. While trying to direct squirrels out, you might also unintentionally make your property more accessible to other unwanted wildlife.

Protect your home from pests

At Terminix, we understand the havoc squirrels can wreak in your home, particularly in attics and crawlspaces. To get rid of squirrels effectively and humanely, trust Terminix Wildlife Removal Services. Our squirrel removal experts use humane and practical solutions to help mitigate squirrel invasions, ensuring they are removed safely from your premises. Our thorough approach, from the initial inspection to expert exclusion techniques, helps ensure your home remains protected from these unwanted pests.

If you need help with how to get rid of squirrels, get started with a wildlife inspection!