How do I get rid of squirrels in my attic?

Squirrels commonly invade the attics of homes in the Chattanooga area in search of a safe, warm place to build a nest and raise young. Within your attic, squirrels can wreak havoc by gnawing on insulation, wiring and stored belongings, and they can also spread harmful bacteria through urine and droppings.

Follow these tips to prevent squirrels from entering your attic in Chattanooga:

• Fix roof damage as soon as you notice it. Squirrels can squeeze through very small spaces and even a tiny hole in your roof shingles can be enough for a squirrel to get into your attic.
• Trim back the branches of overhanging trees. Being agile climbers and jumpers, squirrels can easily use trees to gain access to your roof and then find a way to infiltrate your attic.

If squirrels have already invaded your attic, here’s how you can get rid of them:

• Place a radio or speaker at full volume in your attic. Squirrels are sensitive to loud noise and this can encourage them to vacate your home.
• Fill your attic with bright lights. Light can make squirrels feel exposed, prompting them to abandon your attic and find a safer place to nest.
• Set live traps for the squirrels to catch and remove them. Note that you’ll need to promptly seal off the squirrels’ entry points, or they may just return to your attic once they’re free.
• Hire a professional wildlife control company in Chattanooga. Squirrel removal experts are trained on how to safely and humanely remove squirrels from an attic without inflicting further damage to your property.