“The best way to get rid of squirrels is by using humane exclusion methods and sealing entry points, backed by professional wildlife removal for lasting results.”
Squirrels may look cute when they’re darting across a Dallas park, but the story changes quickly when they make their way into your attic or chew through your home’s wiring. These persistent critters are known for gnawing on wood, nesting in insulation, and creating a trail of droppings that can lead to costly damage and health concerns. What starts as a little scratching sound overhead can turn into a full-blown infestation if left unchecked.
Many Dallas homeowners try quick fixes like repellents or loud noises, only to find the squirrels return within days. That’s because getting rid of squirrels takes more than scare tactics—it requires a safe, humane, and long-term strategy. Understanding the best way to handle them can protect both your property and the squirrels themselves, while giving you back peace of mind in your own home.
Why Squirrels Are Hard to Handle
- Relentless chewers– Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, which means they constantly gnaw to keep them trimmed down. This leads them to chew on wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring, creating serious fire hazards inside your home.
- Expert climbers– With sharp claws and strong agility, squirrels can scale walls, fences, and trees with ease. Even if you block one access point, they often find another way back inside.
- Nesting instincts– Squirrels are always searching for safe, warm spots to raise their young. Attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys provide the perfect shelter, making them determined to stay once they’ve settled in.
- Adaptability– These animals quickly get used to DIY tricks like loud noises or repellents. What scares them once often won’t work again, which is why homemade methods usually fail.
- Fast reproducers– Squirrels can have multiple litters each year, and once babies are born, the adults become even more protective and harder to remove safely.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Using Harsh Repellents
Many people reach for quick fixes like mothballs, bleach, or strong-smelling chemicals, thinking the odor will drive squirrels out. While the scent may irritate them temporarily, it rarely keeps them away for good and often creates health risks for pets and family members. In some cases, chemicals can damage surfaces in your attic or leak into soil and water around your home.
Instead of solving the problem, repellents usually just give homeowners a false sense of control. Once the smell fades, squirrels return to their nests and continue causing damage. This wastes time, creates hazards, and often delays a more effective solution.
Sealing Entry Points Too Soon
It might feel like common sense to patch up every hole as soon as you spot it, but sealing entry points before removing the squirrels is a big mistake. Trapping them inside can cause panic, leading to chewed wires, clawed walls, and even dead squirrels in hard-to-reach places. That situation only makes the cleanup more costly and unpleasant.
The right approach is to first make sure all squirrels are safely removed, then seal up entry points permanently. This ensures you don’t lock animals inside and helps keep new ones from moving in later.
Ignoring the Warning Signs
Scratching in the attic, droppings near entry points, or gnawed wood around your roofline are all early clues of squirrel activity. Many homeowners shrug these off until the damage becomes severe, often by the time electrical hazards or large nests are discovered. By then, repairs can be extensive and expensive.
Catching these signals early and acting quickly saves time, money, and stress. The sooner you address the problem, the easier it is to implement safe and lasting removal methods.
Safe and Effective Methods to Get Rid of Squirrels
1. Inspection and Identification
The first step in removing squirrels is figuring out exactly where they’re getting in and how many are inside. Professionals conduct thorough inspections of the attic, roofline, vents, and surrounding trees to identify nests, droppings, or chewed areas. Knowing the entry points and nesting spots makes it easier to apply the right solution.
Homeowners often overlook smaller gaps or hidden routes that squirrels use, which is why a detailed inspection is critical. Missing even one opening can result in squirrels slipping back inside, undoing all your efforts.
2. One-Way Exclusion Devices
One of the most humane and effective methods is using one-way doors or exclusion funnels. These devices let squirrels exit the attic freely but prevent them from getting back in. It’s a safe way to remove them without causing harm, especially during seasons when they might have young.
Exclusion devices must be installed properly at the right entry points, or squirrels may find another way in. This is why professional installation is recommended, as it ensures the system works and keeps the animals out for good.
3. Trapping (When Necessary)
In cases where exclusion alone isn’t enough, regulated trapping can be used to capture squirrels safely. Traps are set strategically to minimize stress and prevent injury, following guidelines that comply with Texas wildlife laws. Once caught, the animals can be relocated to a safer habitat away from your home.
However, trapping requires skill and knowledge to avoid harming the squirrels or breaking local regulations. Attempting this on your own can lead to dangerous situations, which is why professionals are best equipped to handle it properly.
4. Professional Wildlife Removal
For Dallas homeowners, calling in licensed wildlife specialists often provides the fastest and most permanent solution. Professionals not only remove the squirrels but also repair entry points, sanitize affected areas, and apply prevention strategies tailored to your home. This comprehensive approach prevents repeat infestations.
Choosing experts also means you avoid risks like disease exposure, accidental trapping of non-target animals, or incomplete removals. With professional help, you gain peace of mind knowing the problem is handled both legally and humanely.
Why Professional Help Matters in Dallas
Dealing with squirrels on your own might seem doable, but the risks and complications add up quickly. Dallas has specific regulations on how squirrels can be removed and relocated, and violating those rules can result in fines. Professional wildlife control specialists are trained to follow Texas laws while ensuring humane treatment of the animals, which takes the legal burden off your shoulders.
Health and safety are also major factors. Squirrels can carry parasites, diseases, and bacteria that spread through their droppings and urine. Trying to remove them without proper gear exposes you to these hazards, not to mention the risk of being bitten or scratched by a stressed animal. Professionals have protective equipment and safe procedures that minimize these dangers.
Finally, experts don’t just get squirrels out—they make sure they don’t come back. With tools like exclusion devices, attic restoration, and preventative sealing, professionals provide long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. That means fewer headaches, reduced repair costs, and peace of mind knowing your home is protected from future invasions.
Prevention Tips to Keep Squirrels Away
Seal Gaps and Entry Points
Once squirrels are removed, the most important step is closing off every possible way back inside. Small holes, vents, and cracks in the roofline or siding are all potential doorways for curious squirrels. Using durable materials like metal flashing or heavy-duty mesh ensures these gaps can’t be chewed through.
It’s important to check these areas regularly, especially after storms or seasonal changes when new damage might appear. By sealing these access points promptly, you stop squirrels from seeing your attic as an easy nesting spot again.
Trim Tree Branches Near the Roof
Squirrels are excellent jumpers, often leaping from tree branches directly onto rooftops. When trees are too close to your home, they provide a natural highway for these critters to get inside. Keeping branches at least six to eight feet away from the roof can significantly reduce access.
Regular tree maintenance also protects your home from other hazards, such as falling limbs or storm damage. By creating distance between trees and your roofline, you make your home far less appealing to adventurous squirrels.
Secure Food Sources
Squirrels are resourceful and will return if they know food is easy to find. Open trash cans, unsecured bird feeders, and pet food left outdoors all act like invitations. Using squirrel-proof bird feeders and keeping garbage bins tightly sealed removes the temptation.
Limiting food availability not only discourages squirrels but also helps keep other wildlife like raccoons and opossums away. A clean yard reduces the chance of repeated infestations and creates a less attractive environment overall.
Schedule Routine Inspections
Even after sealing and cleaning, regular inspections of your attic, crawl spaces, and roofline are essential. Early signs such as droppings, scratching sounds, or chewed wires can alert you before the situation becomes serious.
Professional inspections once or twice a year can help identify risks you might overlook. By staying proactive, you minimize surprises and protect your investment in long-term squirrel prevention.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of squirrels isn’t just about chasing them away—it’s about making sure they leave for good and can’t come back. DIY attempts might offer short-term relief, but they rarely solve the core problem and can sometimes make it worse. A safe, humane, and lasting solution requires a mix of removal, prevention, and professional expertise.
For Dallas homeowners, partnering with AAAC Wildlife Removal means you’re choosing proven methods that protect both your home and the animals. From thorough inspections to long-term prevention, professionals provide peace of mind and ensure your property stays free from squirrel problems. Don’t wait for the scratching in your attic to become costly damage—get expert help today.
Let AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas Help
If squirrels have taken over your attic or yard, you don’t have to handle the problem alone. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas specializes in safe, humane, and effective squirrel removal backed by years of local experience. Our team knows exactly how to identify entry points, remove the animals, and protect your home against future invasions.
Don’t wait until minor scratching turns into expensive damage or health concerns. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas today and let our experts restore peace to your home. We’re ready to help you keep your property safe, sound, and squirrel-free.
