What To Do If You Have Squirrels Getting Into Your Bird Feeders

> DO NOT FEED SQUIRRELS.

> Trim any tree branches that are hanging over the bird feeder.

> Suspend the feeder from a wire.

> Buy a squirrel-proof bird feeder.

> Spread Vaseline on the poles that the squirrels are climbing up.

> Don't feed your pets outside as this attracts unwanted wildlife to your yard.

What To Do If You Have Squirrels Chewing On Trees

> Prevent squirrels from climbing trees by placing 18-inch metal cylinders around the tree trunks.

> Purchase the commercial repellent "Ropel" (available at garden, hardware, pet or feed stores). "Ropel" is a long lasting, extremely bad tasting commercial repellant and will stop squirrels and many other animals from chewing things such as wood, wire, screens, lawn furniture, etc.

> Pour the "Ropel", full strength, into a tree sprayer that fits on the end of a hose.

> Spray the entire tree. This will make the leaves and bark taste bitter for weeks.

> Once the squirrel realizes that the tree doesn't taste good, they will often never chew on that tree again.

> Caution: Do not spray on fruits or vegetables that you plan to eat. Be careful not to inhale the mist of the spray because it will leave a bitter taste in your mouth for a couple of hours. You might want to alert any neighbors that live close that you are spraying.

What To Do If You Have Squirrels Chewing On Lawn Furniture & Other Things

> Spray with a repellent such as "Ropel" or the "Hot Pepper Repellent Recipe".

> Or spray or "paint" on a mixture of 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce mixed in 1 quart of water.

***NOTE: Trapping and relocation of squirrels is not recommended as a solution. Since squirrels are territorial your squirrels will also keep other squirrels out of the area, keeping the population to a minimum. If you remove the squirrels others will simply move in and your problem continues. Also, relocating an animal may result in death, starvation and unnecessary suffering for the animal.

What To Do If You Have A Squirrel In Your Attic

The following techniques are appropriate for adult squirrels. If babies are involved, humane eviction should be delayed until the babies are old enough to leave the nest and survive on their own.

> Squirrels in the attic are a very common problem. Damage to attics as a result of squirrel habitation is very rare. Squirrels will often leave attics in the summer because the attic becomes too hot. You can wait until the hottest part of summer and block the holes then. This is the most humane solution.

Find their method of entry:

> Check outside for any entrances.

> Go into the attic and look for light shining in from the outside. This may be an entrance.

> Check the attic vents as a possible source of entry.

Check for babies:

> Babies are born twice a year, in the spring (January - April) and in the fall (August - September).

> Search the attic for nests.

> Nests are usually made from insulation and other materials.

> Nests are usually located closer to the outer edges of the attic. Some are between the studs and into the eaves.

> A pole may be used to check for babies in hard to reach areas. Be very careful not to injure the babies.

> You will want to leave the nest undisturbed until the babies are older and on their own. This happens at about
12-14 weeks of age.

To block the entry:

> This is best done mid-morning on a warm, sunny day. The squirrels are usually out eating at this time. Check to make sure the squirrels are out before starting.

> Use 1/4-in. or 1/2-in. hardware cloth (available at hardware stores).

> Cut the hardware cloth 2-in. bigger than the hole on all four sides.

> Secure it with a staple gun, U nails, or regular nails and re-enforce with sheet metal screws.

> Spray the area with "Ropel" or the "Hot Pepper Repellent Recipe".

> Or use 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce mixed in 1 quart of water. Mix in a spray bottle or apply with a paintbrush.

> If a squirrel is accidentally stuck in the attic: See instructions titled "Block and trap".

Or try using a one-day door:

> Block any or all holes except for one, preferably the main one, if you can tell which one that is.

> Attach a piece of hardware cloth over this last hole, but leave a 2-in. gap at the bottom of the hole, at its widest point.

> Be sure to use the factory edge of the hardware cloth where the gap is to avoid any sharp points that may cause injury to the squirrel.

> With your fingers, form a lip with the hardware cloth by bending it towards the outside, this will cause the squirrel not to be able to re-enter.

> Spray all patched areas with a repellent. Be sure to spray around the one-way door so that the squirrel will not be able to enlarge the hole and get back in.

Or try the block and trap method:

> If all of the holes are blocked and it appears that the squirrel is blocked in, then live-traps may be set in the attic.

> When the squirrel is caught, immediately cover the trap with a large towel or blanket to reduce stress and then simply take it outside and let it go. The squirrel should be released at or very near the site where it was live-trapped. Improper relocation to other areas or other habitats usually results in death for the relocated squirrel.

> Be sure to use a repellent around the holes that have been blocked.

What To Do If You Have A Squirrel With Babies In Your Attic

It is best to wait to evict the squirrels until the babies are grown and gone. Usually all squirrels will leave the nest area for territorial reasons. Sometimes one may stay behind and then eviction techniques may be used.

If you really need them out immediately, you want to get the mother to move the babies on her own.

> Go up into the attic and locate the nest during mid-morning (see "Check for babies").

> Very gently tamper with the nest. Such as: pull the top of the nest off, if possible, slide the nest over a foot or so. Remember to be very gentle. The babies are quite fragile.

> Place a radio, tuned to an all talk station, about 6 feet from the nest.

> Roll rags into a tight ball and tie with twine. Soak the rag balls in ammonia until saturated and toss them into the area where the nest is or where most of the activity can be heard.

> Check the nest the following morning. If the babies are gone, you can usually block the entries. First make sure the mother didn't move the babies to another part of the attic. The radio usually prevents this.

> Sometimes you can watch the mother move the babies from outside. When she is finished you can block the entries.

> If the mother has or knows of an alternate nest site she will usually move her babies within an hour or so. If she has to find or build a new nest it may take 5 or 6 hours.

> Caution: In the winter it is harder for the squirrel to find new nesting material. Tree leaves, that the squirrel uses to built a new nest, have fallen from the trees. The squirrel may have to improvise to find a new home. This may be sheds or barns, non-running cars or trucks, covered porches, patios, or a neighbor's attic.

> Once the squirrels are gone, block the entrance by the method described above.

What To Do If You Have A Squirrel In Your Chimney, Fireplace Or Exhaust Fan

***UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD A FIRE BE BUILT TO EVICT ANY ANIMAL. FIRES WILL ONLY BURN AND/OR KILL AN ANIMAL; NOT EVICT IT.

Chimney or Exhaust Fan:

> From the roof, remove caps from the top of the chimney or the exhaust fan pipe.

> Drop down a thick rope or cloth, such as old blankets or sheets, so the squirrel can climb out. It is a good idea to tie knots in the rope or cloth about 1 foot apart, this will provide a more secure climbing surface. You may have to tie two or more together to reach the bottom of the chimney. Tie something to provide weight to the bottom of the rope or cloth; such as a hammer, pair of pliers, etc. Be sure to lower it slowly. This will help you to feel the bottom, especially if the pipe is curved. Also, it will provide stability when the squirrel climbs up and out.

> Make sure it reaches the bottom.

> Secure the rope or cloth at the top.

> Leave the area completely alone. The squirrel will climb out in 1-24 hours.

> Never leave the squirrel in the chimney for over 24 hours; it will die from dehydration (a lack of water in the body).

> Once the squirrel is out, use a commercially built chimney cap to prevent recurrence. Exhaust fan pipes usually have caps on them. Use hardware cloth to block the area between the cap and the top of the pipe or any space that can be used as an entry point.

Fireplace:

> If the chimney is made of metal then use the above methods. If the chimney is firebrick the squirrel can climb out on it's own. But if it falls through the flu into the fireplace it usually cannot get back up into the chimney.

> Open the fireplace door and place a board or branch from the fireplace up to the flu. This way the squirrel can climb out on it's own.

> Note: It is a good idea to prepare for removal from the house before you open the fireplace door. Usually, the squirrel will stay in a back corner out of fear, but also out of fear, it may bolt into the house. The squirrel will not move out after dark, it will be sleeping. If the squirrel is discovered after dusk the board or branch can be placed in then and chances are it won't bolt into the house, but remember it won't leave until daylight comes.

> Or close the damper then open the fireplace doors or screen slightly and use a hand-held fishing net to capture the squirrel. Cover the net opening with a board and take the squirrel outside for release.

> Or you can intentionally open the fireplace door so the squirrel can enter the house then follow the instructions for removal from the house. Note: If the squirrel is in the chimney, then you must open the flu, so the squirrel will drop into the fireplace.

What To Do If You Have A Squirrel In Your House

> Don't leave doors and windows open without having screens - many curious animals can become unwelcome guests in your home.

> If a squirrel is in your house, the most important thing to remember is to STAY CALM. The squirrel doesn't want to be there any more than you want it in your home. Screaming or waving your arms will only frighten the squirrel into running throughout your house, which could cause some damage.

> Close all the doors to any rooms in the house that the squirrel is not in.

> Close all the curtains on the windows and/or doors. If necessary, use newspaper to cover light sources.

> Leave the curtain open on the window or the door where you want the squirrel to exit.

> Open the window or door as wide as possible. Remove the screen, if necessary.

> If the squirrel is in the fireplace, open the door to the fireplace or the cover from the exhaust fan so the squirrel can exit. They will usually bolt towards the light and exit through the open door or window provided.

***Never touch or pick up any injured or sick wildlife. Always call for an Animal Control Officer to respond. You could be bitten and expose yourself to rabies or other disease or unwanted parasites.

Natural History

Hunting and Feeding Habits

Squirrels are only active during daylight hours and sleep during the night.

They are active year-round and do not hibernate.

Squirrels will eat seeds, nuts, berries and pet food (if available). They rarely do any significant damage to plants.

Nesting

Squirrels usually build their nest in trees, using leaves and other materials. In the winter, they prefer nesting in holes or crevices in decaying tree branches. They will also nest in attics, sheds, barns, non-running cars or trucks, covered porches, or patios.

Mating And Breeding

Squirrels give birth twice a year, in the spring (January - April) and in the fall (August - September). There are 2-4 young in a litter. The babies are self-sustaining at about 12-14 weeks of age and will soon leave the nesting area in search of their own territory.

- Information provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife

- Information also provided by the Urban Wildlife Rescue, Inc.

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