The Risks of DIY Squirrel Removal
Squirrels in North Alabama may seem harmless when they’re scurrying around your yard, but once they invade your attic, they can cause serious damage to your home. Many homeowners consider DIY squirrel removal to save money, but this approach often backfires—leading to dangerous encounters, ineffective results, and costly repairs.
If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation, it’s essential to understand the risks of DIY removal and the advantages of hiring a professional for safe, humane wildlife control.
While there are plenty of “home remedies” circulating online for getting rid of squirrels, most DIY methods are ineffective and potentially dangerous. Here’s why:
1. You Risk Getting Bitten or Scratched
Squirrels are wild animals, and when cornered, they will defend themselves.
🛑 Why This Is Dangerous:
- Squirrels have sharp teeth and claws that can cause painful bites and deep scratches.
- If they feel threatened, they may become aggressive, especially mother squirrels protecting their babies.
- A squirrel bite could expose you to diseases and infections.
Even if the squirrel appears calm, attempting to catch it without proper safety gear can result in serious injuries.
2. Squirrels Can Carry Diseases & Parasites
Squirrels are known carriers of diseases, bacteria, and parasites that can put your health at risk.
🦠 Health Risks of Handling Squirrels:
✔ Rabies – Although rare, some squirrels can carry this deadly virus.
✔ Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection transmitted through squirrel urine.
✔ Tularemia – A bacterial disease that can spread through bites or scratches.
✔ Fleas, Mites & Ticks – Squirrels can introduce infestations into your home.
Attempting DIY removal without proper protective measures can expose you to these health risks.
3. DIY Methods Are Often Ineffective
Many homeowners try homemade squirrel removal solutions, but these rarely work for long-term control.
🚫 Common DIY Methods & Why They Fail:
- Mothballs or Ammonia Soaked Rags – Squirrels might avoid them briefly but will return once the smell fades.
- Ultrasonic Repellents – These may annoy squirrels, but they won’t force them to leave permanently.
- Traps Without Proper Placement – Many homeowners set traps incorrectly, leading to wasted time and effort.
Even if you manage to scare the squirrels away, they often return through the same entry points—or worse, create new ones.
4. You Might Accidentally Separate a Mother & Her Babies
One of the biggest mistakes in DIY squirrel removal is removing an adult squirrel without realizing there are babies still in the attic.
🐿 Why This Is a Problem:
- Baby squirrels (kits) are often hidden inside insulation or hard-to-reach areas.
- If the mother is removed, the babies will die, causing strong odors and attracting other pests.
- The mother squirrel may try to return aggressively, causing more damage in the process.
Professional wildlife removers know how to check for baby squirrels and handle them humanely.
5. The Risk of Re-Entry (Squirrels Will Come Back!)
Squirrels are persistent—even if you remove them, they can chew their way back inside unless proper exclusion measures are in place.
🐾 How Squirrels Get Back In:
- They find weak points in the roof, soffits, and vents.
- They chew through wood, plastic, and even metal to regain entry.
- If not properly sealed, they’ll return within days.
Without expert exclusion work, you could find yourself repeating the same removal process over and over again.
🐿 Why Hiring a Professional Is the Best Solution
A professional wildlife removal expert provides safe, effective, and humane squirrel removal while ensuring they don’t return.
1. Safe & Humane Removal Techniques
Professional wildlife control companies use safe and ethical methods to remove squirrels without harming them.
✅ Live trapping and relocation following local regulations
✅ One-way exclusion doors that allow squirrels to leave but not return
✅ Baby-safe removal to ensure young squirrels are reunited with their mother
This ensures the problem is handled without cruelty, while also preventing future infestations.
2. Expert Identification of Entry Points
A professional can pinpoint exactly how squirrels are getting in and prevent future access.
🔎 Common Squirrel Entry Points:
✔ Roof vents and soffits
✔ Chimneys and roof edges
✔ Gaps in siding and eaves
They will seal up these access points properly, ensuring the squirrels can’t return.
3. Protection Against Costly Damage
Hiring a professional prevents thousands of dollars in damage to your home.
💰 How Hiring a Pro Saves You Money:
✔ Prevents chewed electrical wires (avoiding fire risks).
✔ Protects attic insulation (reducing energy costs).
✔ Stops structural damage from persistent gnawing.
4. No Risk to Your Health & Safety
With professional wildlife removal, you don’t have to risk exposure to bites, scratches, or diseases.
Certified professionals use:
✔ Protective gear (gloves, masks, and bite-proof tools)
✔ Expert handling techniques (avoiding direct contact)
✔ Safe cleanup & decontamination after removal
This ensures that you and your family stay safe throughout the process.
5. Professional Prevention & Long-Term Solutions
A wildlife removal expert doesn’t just get rid of the squirrels—they make sure they stay out.
🛑 What a Professional Will Do:
✔ Install squirrel-proof barriers to prevent re-entry.
✔ Apply exclusion devices to guide squirrels out.
✔ Offer long-term solutions like trimming tree branches near the roof.
This saves you time, stress, and money in the long run.
💡 DIY vs. Professional Removal: A Quick Comparison
| Factor | DIY Removal | Professional Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Risk of getting bitten | ✅ High | ❌ None |
| Risk of diseases | ✅ High | ❌ None |
| Likelihood of success | ❌ Low | ✅ High |
| Re-entry prevention | ❌ Not guaranteed | ✅ Guaranteed |
| Legal & humane methods | ❌ Often improper | ✅ Ethical & safe |
| Long-term costs | 💸 High (due to damage repairs) | 💰 Lower (prevention included) |
📞 Book Your Consultation Today!
If you have squirrels in your attic, don’t risk handling them yourself.
4T Wildlife Removal offers:
✔ Safe, humane removal by trained professionals
✔ Full home inspection to identify entry points
✔ Prevention services to ensure squirrels don’t return
📞 Call us today 256-975-2014 to schedule your consultation! Protect your home before the damage gets worse.
