Natural History

The most common squirrel in this area is the Fox Squirrel. Squirrels do not hibernate and are very territorial. Squirrels have 2 litters per year (Feb – Apr & Jul – Sep). There are 2 – 5 young per litter. Young do not leave the nest for 7 – 8 weeks, Squirrels usually nest in tree cavities, tree branches, attics, and uncapped chimneys. Squirrels construct their nests out of leaves, small sticks, and other matter.

Squirrel(s) in Attic

1. Inspect the inside and outside of attic to find out where the squirrel is getting in. (Squirrels only need an opening with 1 1⁄2" diameter). Try to determine the presence of babies.
2. If no young are present, try to frighten the squirrel out by banging on rafters. Do not attempt this at night; squirrels are more easily evicted during the day.
3. If young are present, it is best to wait until they are 6-8 weeks of age and are able to leave on their own.
4. Seal up the opening and all weak spots with 1⁄4 hardware cloth or sheet metal. Extend the metal 6 inches beyond the opening to prevent gnawing. We also recommend applying the mammal repellent.

Squirrel(s) in Chimney

Never attempt to smoke a squirrel out of a chimney.

It is assumed that the squirrel is trapped in the chimney unless there is clear evidence that it can climb in and out on its own. Such evidence would be direct observation, nesting materials, babies in chimney, soot tracks on side of house, roof, trees, etc. If squirrel is trapped, place a thick, long rope down chimney for the squirrel to climb up.

If the squirrel is not trapped proceed with the following steps during the day;

1. Inspect the inside and outside of the chimney to find openings.
2. Try to determine the presence of babies.
3. If no young are present, do one or all of the following; place a bowl of ammonia in the fireplace and open the flue slightly allowing the fumes to rise up, play a radio into the fireplace loudly, and shine a bright light up into the chimney. (Use of one deterrent can be effective; use of all three is always effective).
4. If young are present, it is best to wait for them to leave on their own – usually 6-8 weeks – however – the above steps can encourage mom to remove her young.
5. After all squirrels have left, seal any openings with 1⁄4" wire mesh and cap the chimney to prevent future problems. Squirrel repellent can also be applied to discourage attempts to regain entry. The repellents will stain but they are effective.