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Squirrels in Your Attic?
The Grey Squirrel
The Uninvited Lodger
The bad news for those with squirrels as lodgers is that there are no effective squirrel deterrents to discourage them from staying in your attic or house once they are there.
The good news is, prevention works. Covering any hole, vent or chimney opening with thick and sturdy wire mesh will prevent squirrels from entering your home.
A grey squirrel on the move.
What if it's too late?
If squirrels are in your attic or walls, they are most likely preparing a nest for their spring or summer litter. Their presence is only a temporary one. The mother will move the nest to one in a tree once the young are about 7 weeks of age.
A feeding grey squirrel
When you realize there is a squirrel in your home it is important to find out whether the young have already been born. Mother squirrels have strong parental instinct and will not abandon their young. If the mother is removed while her litter remains, not only will the young starve to death (and decompose) but the nursing mother will scour your residence (chimney, gutters, roof) in search of a way in.
Squirrel's nest with young
Photo courtesy of AAA Wildlife Control
If I find a nest?
If there are infant squirrels in your home, you'll know. Their shrill cries for mother's milk will eventually be heard on the other side of the wall. Once you've verified where the nest is and providing there are several hours of daylight remaining:
- Wait until the mother is outside; squirrels are aggressive and have sharp teeth
- Ensure the previously used squirrel access point to your home is securely covered
- Pad an appropriate sized box or bucket with an old towel
- Wearing gloves, gently scoop and place the entire nest in the box
- Place the box outside in close vicinity to the now blocked access point
- Monitor the nest from a distance to ensure outdoor cats and other predators don't approach
- The young's crying should attract the mother in minutes - she'll move them to another site
- Have the squirrel entry point to your home closed permanently
If the mother does not respond within 30-45 minutes or is found deceased contact a wildlife rehabilitation agency in your area. Do not feed the young squirrels. Human baby formula and cow milk cause dehydration and death in wild mammals. If you are unable to arrange transfer to a wildlife hospital, keep the young in a warm, dark and secure place until arrangements have been made. If you are not comfortable acting yourself contact a humane wildlife control company in your area.
Douglas Squirrel
If I find the squirrel before she's built a nest:
If the squirrel is still in the nest building phase the best solution is to live trap and release the animal and close the access points to your residence.
- Live traps (minimum size of 60cm x 15cm x 15cm) can be purchased at most hardware stores
- Set the live trap in the place of indoor squirrel activity (attic)
- Place a pine cone smeared with peanut butter in the trap
- Check the trap every few hours
- Once the squirrel has been trapped, immediately cover the entire trap with a large dark towel
- Release the animal at a site approved by your local wildlife department as soon as possible
A Douglas Squirrel feeding
If you release the squirrel on your property it will more than likely find a new attic or a new way into yours.
Lower Mainland residents should contact the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection at 604-582-5200 for a suitable release site.
Squirrels are attracted to backyards and houses by accessible bird feed or neighbours feeding squirrels. Squirrels comfortable on porches or decks have been or are being fed by a neighbour.
