Do It Yourself

from the washingtonpost.com

By Gene Austin
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Saturday, January 10, 2009; Page F06

Q: How does one get rid of squirrels in the attic? -- H. Cooke

A: Many experts recommend trapping the animals with humane traps that won't injure them. You can buy special squirrel traps (visit Do Your Own Pest Control and click on Get Rid of Squirrels) or use small Havahart or cage traps, sold at garden-supply stores. Peanuts make excellent bait for the traps, which should be placed near suspected entry points.

Traps should be checked at least once a day. Release captured squirrels at least five miles away from the original site in a wooded area where they can find food.

Before setting the traps, you should check the outside of the house to try to determine how the squirrels are getting in. Entry points are generally at the roof edges, often under eaves. Seal the entry points once the squirrels are removed from the attic. Prune back trees that let squirrels gain easy access to the roof.

There are other treatments for squirrels in attics, but some appear rather dubious. One old treatment is to sprinkle mothballs in the attic; presumably the squirrels won't like the odor and will leave. I know people who have tried this and have told me it does not work. There are also flashing strobe lights that are supposed to make attics inhospitable to squirrels.

The lights cost about $250 each and I have no information on how well they work; if interested, visit Do Your Own Pest Control for more details.

In severe cases, you might need to call in a pest expert.