How to Get Rid of a Squirrel or Mouse from Inside a Wall (Tips & Solutions)

As a passionate nature lover with years of experience observing and interacting with squirrels all around the world, I’m here to tell you that getting rid of them when they go into your walls can be a difficult task. But trust me, it is not impossible! In this blog post, I’ll share my tips and solutions on how to get a squirrel out of your wall.

If a squirrel has managed to get into your wall, the most important thing to do is discover how it entered. Look for gaping holes, missing or broken shingles on the roof, or holes in the walls and foundations.

If you can identify a potential entry point, the next step is to create a one-way exit system that prevents re-entry while allowing the squirrel safe passage out of your home. Consider using a piece of hardware cloth to form an opening that only permits outward travel.

How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in the Wall

Identifying Signs of a Squirrel or Mouse in the Wall

When dealing with an animal that has found its way into your wall, it is important to correctly identify what species you are dealing with. This will help ensure that you choose the most appropriate methods for removal and exclusion. Squirrels often leave telltale signs such as footprints and urine stains on walls. The noises they make can sometimes be heard from inside the walls and may sound like scratching or chirping. Additionally, if windows in your home are suddenly open without explanation, it could mean a squirrel has managed to gain access through them.

Finding the Entry Point The Animal is Using

If a squirrel has managed to get into your wall, the most important thing to do is discover how it entered. Look for gaping holes, missing or broken shingles on the roof, or holes in the walls and foundations. These openings can often be small enough only to allow a rodent‘s passage, so check carefully around all potential entry points looking for damage.

If you can identify a potential entry point, the next step is to create a one-way exit system that prevents re-entry while allowing the squirrel safe passage out of your home. Consider using a piece of hardware cloth to form an opening that only permits outward travel. Once the squirrel has left, repair any damage to ensure other animals cannot enter.

Catching and Excluding The Animal from the Wall

Once you have identified an entry point for the animal in your wall, there are several options available for catching and excluding it from re-entering. If possible, wait until daytime as this will give you access to daylight once again – making it easier to spot any openings where rodents may be gaining access.

If this isn’t possible then try using a flashlight or other light source during night hours when necessary; just make sure that your light source does not produce too much heat which could attract more unwanted visitors.

Setting and Monitoring Traps to Catch The Animal

Live Traps

  • Live traps are one of the best ways of trapping rodents while still maintaining humaneness and making sure they aren’t harmed in any way during relocation. To set up live traps within walls or cabins, use bait such as nuts or fruits inside each trap.
  • Be sure to check these traps periodically throughout the day as soon as they have been set up; otherwise, they might scare away any potential intruders who detect activity surrounding their location.

Snap Traps

  • Snap traps are also great tools for capturing nuisance rodents living within walls, but caution should always be taken when using them since they can cause harm if not handled properly.
  • These devices must be placed at strategic locations where you suspect rodents are likely hiding or travelling; near walls, corners of rooms or near any type of food source should all be considered when placing snap traps.

Glue Traps

Glue traps are an effective option for catching squirrels or mice inside walls. They act like a sticky board, trapping the animal up against the trap in order for it to be unable to move until removed. It’s important to note that these kinds of traps can cause distress and can be fatal if left unchecked for too long. To ensure the safety of both you and the animal, regularly check your glue traps and release any animals caught as quickly as possible.

Home Remedies for Keeping Squirrels Away From the Wall

If you are dealing with a pesky squirrel infestation lurking inside your walls, there are several home remedies you can use to keep them away. The following tips can help you deter these persistent rodents:

  1. Remove any food sources from the area. Make sure that trash containers are secured and pet food is not left out in the open. Also be sure to seal off any potential access points for the squirrels.
  2. Discourage nesting by spraying a mixture of hot pepper flakes and water around the entry points. The scent will discourage them from entering the wall.
  3. Install an ultrasonic repellent system designed to emit high-frequency sound waves that are intolerable to animals like squirrels.
  4. Set up live traps and relocate the squirrels immediately away from your property.

Mothballs

Last but not least, moth balls seem to work wonders when it comes to getting rid of squirrels in walls. In the early stages of your squirrel removal process, try tossing a few moth balls into entry points to ensure you repel any stubborn stragglers. Mothballs which consist of naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene have a pungent odor that can make an area inhabitable for animals. Be sure to follow safety guidelines as these chemicals are toxic.

If you’d rather go the natural route, there are several other alternatives such as black pepper or chunks of soap. Simply place them near openings in the wall and update every two weeks. This will create a scent that squirrels do not prefer.

Ultrasonic Repellents

For those interested in using a more modern approach, you can use ultrasonic repellents which emit sonic waves to keep pests away. These sound waves are undetectable by humans but animals find it uncomfortable and will avoid exposure to them.

Squirrels are also repelled by the aroma of garlic and vinegar, which isn’t surprising considering these two ingredients have very strong smells. And while this is a good repellent spray to repel squirrels in walls, this home remedy is best for outdoor use.

Cayenne Pepper

The smell of cayenne pepper can be used as an effective deterrent for small critters like squirrels in walls. To irritate and repel them without harming them, you can use cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Just sprinkle the spice of your choice inside entry points you find and along roofing to help deter these critters from coming back around.

This method works because the spicy smell is strong enough to annoy rodents while also leaving no lasting damage—just be sure any pets living in your home don’t come into contact with the cayenne pepper so they don’t get hurt!

Steel Wool

You may already have steel wool on hand, as it’s a common household scrubber or hardware tool used for a variety of reasons. For instance, if you’ve noticed small holes in your walls leading into where squirrels could enter, stuffing steel wool into the crevices can block their access point while still providing air circulation.

Be aware that steel wool may rust over time if exposed to moisture, so using caulk might be more reliable long-term solution.

Calling a Professional to Remove A Squirrel or Mouse in the Wall

Mice and rats may be relatively easy to remove on your own by using heavy gloves and a long grasping device, such as a snare pole to pull them out from the top of the wall. However, animals with a nasty bite, such as raccoons and squirrels, may require an animal control specialist to assist. If you are unable to simply reach down into the wall and retrieve the critters, you will need to cut a hole in the wall where they are trapped. Unless you are an experienced DIYer, this will likely mean calling a wildlife removal professional.

Make sure that all areas within your home are properly secured after eviction day; this includes sealing off any open entrances or potential entrances that could allow re-entry by another animal later on. As always, remember never attempt anything drastic without consulting help first!

Preventing Future Squirrels From Entering The Wall

Checking and Repairing Vulnerable Areas

If you have a squirrel or mouse living in your walls, it’s important to check and repair any vulnerable areas that they could use to gain access. Check points of entries such as cracks and gaps around windows, doors, vents, and plumbing pipes. Seal up any small openings with caulking or wire mesh for extra security.

In addition, make sure that trees and shrubs are not too close to the house and trim away branches from roof edges. This will prevent furry intruders from climbing onto the roof and into an opening.

Using Natural Repellents

Natural repellents can be an effective way to get rid of squirrels and mice from inside the walls. Repellents such as peppermint oil, ammonia, and cayenne pepper can deter squirrels while also being safe for humans and pets. To create a natural repellent barrier around your home, try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil in water and spraying it onto entry points such as windowsills and doors. Additionally, sprinkle cayenne pepper around areas where you’ve seen squirrel activity. The smell of these natural repellents will help keep the unwelcome critters away!

Installing Exclusion Devices

Exclusion devices are one of the most effective methods for preventing squirrels (and other rodents) from entering your home. These devices, such as one-way doors, can be used to safely and humanely evict any unwanted rodents from your property. They should be placed on all potential entry points, such as chimneys, windows, or vent openings.

When using exclusion devices, it is important to remember that you should not seal off entry points until the exclusion device has been successful in evicting all rodents from your space. This will ensure that any animals left inside the walls have an escape route.

FAQ

What bait is most effective to attract squirrels?

If you’re looking to lure squirrels away from your bird feeder, there are a variety of different options. Nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, and almonds are a great choice. You can also offer sunflower seeds or corn kernels. It’s important to avoid heavily salted treats since they aren’t healthy for the animals. If you’re going to use fruit, apples, pears, and raisins all work well. Finally, popcorn is also a favorite among squirrels.

What methods can be used to attract a squirrel?

To lure a squirrel out of hiding, there are several strategies that you can use. Firstly, it’s important to provide them with an ideal source of food. Place some peanuts or seeds on the ground in an open space and make sure to regularly replenish the supply; this will encourage the squirrels to come out of seclusion. Additionally, you could try hanging bird feeders as they often attract squirrels to the area. Finally, if all else fails, investing in a wildlife camera could potentially help identify where squirrels are gathering outdoors.

Conclusion

Overall, getting a squirrel out of the wall is doable but requires patience and plan. It may sound daunting, but if you take the time to inspect your home for entry points, build a one-way exit system and repair any damage, you should be able to safely remove any unwanted rodents from inside your walls.

If you need further advice on how to get a squirrel out of the wall, contact a local wildlife expert or pest control professional who can provide more information on the best practices to safely evict these critters from your home.

You may also be interested in reading: