How to Stop Squirrels From Moving Into Your Attic This Winter

During the cold winter months, squirrels behave like humans do, looking for a warm, protected space to nest. They don’t like the elements and prefer an undisturbed place to take shelter, which is where your attic comes in. According to pest control operator Sean Hearn, "Squirrels are opportunists. They’re really not trying to be destructive; they’re just looking for safety, warmth, and a place to raise their babies, and attics check every box."

But as much as you may cherish your neighborhood squirrels, you definitely don’t want them setting up shop in your home, as they can be destructive to your possessions, carry disease, and have a tendency to gnaw through electrical wires, potentially causing household fires. So when you notice their presence, you’ll want to take action. To help, we consulted pest control experts who shared their tips for getting rid of squirrels in your attic, humanely and naturally, so that no one is hurt in the process.

How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic

If squirrels have taken up residence in your attic, there are a few humane ways our pest control experts say to get rid of them.

Hire a Trained Wildlife Professional

When it comes to ridding your attic of squirrels, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional. It may be your swiftest and most effective course of action. "The smartest thing to do is to employ the help of a wildlife professional who can properly address your specific situation and create a bespoke exclusion or removal plan that humanely gets the squirrels out of your house," says pest control expert Jason Burkhart. He emphasizes that it should be done sooner rather than later, so that no diseases are spread by food contamination and any damage to your home is prevented. 

Use Natural Scents As Deterrents

Once you have detected the presence of squirrels in your attic, you can try using repellent sprays infused with scents that squirrels dislike, like chili peppers, eucalyptus, peppermint, garlic, and citrus oils. However, bear in mind that squirrels are unlikely to want to leave a place of safety once they have found it and might grow accustomed to the unpleasant smells, so consistency is key. "For this to be effective, you’ll want to reapply the spray every couple of days near the nesting spots or entry areas," says Hearn.

Expose Them to Light and Noise

To keep your attic squirrel-free, consider installing a bright light and a noise source in the area they tend to inhabit. "Squirrels often prefer dark and quiet areas for nesting and raising their young," points out Hearn. He recommends motion-activated lights for energy conservation and financial prudence, as well as playing soft music or leaving a radio on in the attic for a few days. "It’s uncomfortable for them, which is the goal, and they’ll usually relocate on their own after a few days," says Hearn.

Eliminate Nesting and Food Sources

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using their attic to store junk or unwanted items, says board-certified entomologist Daniel Baldwin. He cautions that items commonly dumped in the attic, such as clothing, cardboard boxes, and paper, are used by squirrels to make nests.

If squirrels have invaded your attic, take time to store items correctly to eliminate potential nesting materials. Baldwin recommends using plastic boxes for storage, vacuum-sealed bags for clothing, and removing any loose materials that are easily accessible to squirrels.

Additionally, attics should never be used as a storage space for food of any kind. And any roof leaks should be repaired as soon as they are detected, as they can serve as a water source for squirrels. Without access to food, water, and materials for nesting, the squirrels will likely find another place to seek shelter. 

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How To Keep Squirrels From Coming Back

Once squirrels have left your attic, you will want to do everything in your power to keep them from coming back. While calling a professional is the best thing you can do to ensure squirrels stay away, there are some additional steps you can take to make your home less enticing to these critters. 

Seal Off Potential Entry Points

Inspect your attic for entry points that squirrels can use to get inside. "Once the entryways have been identified, sealing them off is paramount to prevent further entry. “If you attempt to handle it yourself, be sure to seal off as many entryways as you can find: cracks, gaps, soffits, vents, chimney openings, and other vulnerabilities your home has that could let squirrels and other critters inside,” advises Burkhart.

Baldwin recommends sealing entry points with caulk, steel wool, or metal flashing, adding that you should pay close attention to areas around pipes, vents, and doors where cracks and small holes often form. 

Block Access to Your Roof

Blocking access to your roof can also deter squirrels from seeking refuge in your attic during winter. Burkhart advises using metal or plastic covers on tree trunks and branches near your home to stop squirrels from accessing your roof and attic by climbing nearby trees. "It helps to trim any tree branches that hang over or nearby your roof, so squirrels can’t jump onto the roof from your trees," he says. Additionally, schedule regular inspections to ensure there is no damage or weak point on your roof, which a squirrel could use to enter your attic.

Install a One-Way Exclusion Door

Another humane way to keep squirrels from your house is to install a one-way exclusion door. "Once you’re sure there are no babies inside, install a one-way exit door on the main entry point," advises Hearn. "It’ll allow the squirrels to leave but not come back." Once you’re confident that the squirrels are no longer on the premises, you will want to add some sealant. "Chicken wire is usually a go-to," says Hearn. "Try to avoid using foams, as they can just chew through and create a new entry point again."

Keep Your Yard Free of Food Sources

Removing food sources is key to keeping squirrels from returning to your attic. "Squirrels are really drawn to easy meals," notes Hearn. "So be sure to clean up fallen fruit, nuts, birdseed, dog food, etc, around the yard, and try to use squirrel-proof feeders if at all possible." According to Hearn, the key to long-term success isn’t just chasing squirrels out, which is only a temporary solution; it’s changing the conditions that attracted them to the attic in the first place.