How To Get A Squirrel Out Of The Wall

How To Get A Squirrel Out Of The Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide

That persistent scratching, the sudden rustling, or the frantic tapping sound coming from inside your wall can be alarming. If you've identified the culprit as a squirrel, you're likely stressed and looking for a safe, quick solution. Don't worry—you are not alone, and it is entirely possible to get that squirrel out safely without causing damage to your home or the animal.

A squirrel trapped inside a wall cavity usually happens because they fell down from an attic access point or entered a small gap in the exterior siding. Our goal here is to employ humane methods to encourage the squirrel to leave on its own, which is the safest way to tackle the problem of how to get a squirrel out of the wall.

Identifying the Problem: Why Is That Noise Happening?

The first step in resolving any pest issue is confirming exactly what you're dealing with. The sounds squirrels make can often be confused with mice, rats, or even raccoons. However, squirrels have some very tell-tale auditory habits.

Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. If the noise is loudest just after sunrise and just before sunset, chances are high that you have a squirrel visitor. Their noises typically include frantic scratching, gnawing, and chirping or chattering sounds.

Locating the Exact Spot

Knowing the precise location of the squirrel is crucial for effective removal. A small, inexpensive stethoscope or even a drinking glass pressed against the wall can help amplify the sound and pinpoint the squirrel's location.

Once you locate the general area, mark it lightly with a pencil. This spot will likely be near the main entry point or where the squirrel is most stressed and active. Remember, squirrels are driven by light, food, and the desire to escape, so we need to use these drivers to our advantage.

Safety First: Essential Preparations

Before you attempt any removal method, you must prioritize safety. Squirrels can carry diseases and may scratch or bite if cornered. Furthermore, you need to ensure you don't inadvertently trap the animal or cause structural damage.

Never seal an entry point before you are 100% sure the squirrel has exited. Sealing them inside guarantees an ugly situation down the line, whether that involves drywall damage as they frantically try to chew their way out or the smell of a deceased animal.

Necessary Tools and Supplies

Gathering your tools ahead of time will make the eviction process much smoother. You want everything ready to go before you start disturbing the squirrel.

• Thick gloves (leather is best)
• A powerful flashlight or work light
• A small piece of wood or strong wire mesh (hardware cloth)
• Sealant materials (caulk, foam) for post-removal repairs
• A radio or noise-making device
• Ammonia or white vinegar (optional deterrents)

The Eviction Strategy: Step-by-Step Removal

The core philosophy of getting the squirrel out is simple: make the inside environment unbearable while providing a clear, easy path to the outside. This is a battle of wills, and you need to be persistent.

Making the Squirrel Uncomfortable

Squirrels want a quiet, dark, and safe place to hide. We need to take away all three of those comforts. Remember, they are sensitive to noise and light.

1. Introduce Noise: Place a radio right next to the wall where the squirrel is located. Tune it to a talk radio station (human voices are often more jarring than music) and play it loudly.
2. Introduce Light: Shine a powerful work light directly onto the wall in the suspected area. If possible, drill a small hole (pencil size) near the top of the wall cavity and shine the light down through it.
3. Use Scents: Squirrels dislike strong odors, especially those related to predators. Place cotton balls soaked in ammonia or white vinegar near the entry point. Don't pour liquids directly into the wall, as this could cause moisture problems.

Keep the light and noise going constantly during the day. This constant stress will push the squirrel to find a better, quieter place to hide, hopefully outside.

Creating the Escape Route

The squirrel likely entered through a hole in your exterior structure—perhaps a vent, a loose fascia board, or a gap in the foundation. Identify this entry hole by looking for claw marks, chewed edges, or loose debris.

Once the primary entry/exit point is identified, you need to install a one-way exclusion door. This device allows the squirrel to push its way out but prevents it from re-entering. You can purchase these commercially or make a simple version yourself.

DIY One-Way Door Steps

• Locate the entry hole (usually high up or near the noise source).
• Attach a small piece of lightweight wire mesh (hardware cloth) over the hole, securing it tightly on the top and sides, but leaving the bottom edge free.
• The free bottom edge should overlap the wall slightly, acting like a hinged flap.
• When the squirrel pushes outward, the flap lifts, letting it escape. The flap immediately falls back into place, preventing reentry.

Leave the door in place for three to four days, and monitor the activity carefully. You should notice the noises diminishing as the squirrel figures out the escape route.

Prevention is Key: Sealing Entry Points

After a few days of silence, you can assume that the squirrel has successfully evicted itself. Now comes the critical prevention step: sealing the home to prevent future invasions. If you skip this step, you are almost guaranteed a repeat performance next season.

Inspect your entire roofline, soffits, vents, and foundation for any gaps larger than a quarter. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Use durable materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing to repair entry points.

Avoid using plastic mesh or spray foam insulation alone, as squirrels can easily chew through these materials. Pay special attention to chimney caps and roof vents—these are common access points for wildlife.

When to Call the Professionals

While the non-lethal eviction strategy works in most cases, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Knowing when to step back and call a wildlife removal specialist can save you time, stress, and potential repair costs.

If you suspect the squirrel has died inside the wall, a professional will have the specialized equipment (like boroscopes) to locate the carcass and remove it with minimal drywall cutting. They are also equipped to handle complicated situations like large nests or the presence of babies, which require different removal techniques.

Signs You Need Professional Help

1. Persistent Smells: A foul, sweet smell is a strong indicator of a deceased animal, requiring immediate professional help.
2. Maternity Season: If you know it's spring, the squirrel may have babies. Removing the mother without the babies will lead to guaranteed death and odor problems. Professionals know how to relocate the entire family unit.
3. Inaccessible Location: If the squirrel is in a chimney or a spot that requires accessing high ladders or dangerous angles, hire an expert.

Conclusion

Dealing with a squirrel trapped in your wall is certainly stressful, but remember that patience and persistence with humane methods are your best tools. By using noise, light, and providing a clear, one-way exit route, you can successfully figure out how to get a squirrel out of the wall and back into the wild where it belongs.

Once the animal is gone, the final and most important step is comprehensive exclusion and repair work to ensure your home remains squirrel-free for good. If the situation proves too difficult or involves potential health hazards, never hesitate to call a licensed wildlife professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if the squirrel is gnawing through the drywall?

If you hear frantic chewing, the squirrel is likely desperate to escape. Increase the noise and light deterrents immediately. If it continues, this may be one instance where a professional needs to come in to open the wall in a controlled manner.

How long does it take for a squirrel to leave the wall?

If the deterrents (noise and light) are consistent, the squirrel will often leave within 24 to 48 hours. If there are babies, the mother may resist leaving for longer, potentially taking 3-4 days to move the nest.

Is it safe to cut into the wall to get the squirrel out?

It is generally not recommended unless done by a professional. Cutting into the wall can easily panic the animal, causing it to run deeper into the wall cavity or bite when cornered. Use exclusion methods first.

Can squirrels cause serious damage inside my walls?

Yes. Squirrels have powerful teeth and can chew on electrical wiring, plumbing, and structural wood to create or enlarge openings. This is why quick removal and permanent exclusion are essential.

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