When a squirrel invades your basement, it can be disconcerting and scary. If you’ve ever experienced the unwelcome presence of a squirrel in your basement, then you know how unsettling it can be. Not only does its presence sound disruptive, but uncertainly worrying about what else could come with it and potential damage to your property is common when dealing with wild animals indoors.
Not only will they rummage through everything, but they can also become aggressive if cornered or startled – not to mention spreading diseases and fleas throughout the home. Fortunately, there are several steps on how to get squirrel out of basement that you can take to safely and humanely remove the intruder from your space. In this blog post, we’ll walk through practical tips on what to do if you have discovered a squirrel living in your basement.
What Causes Squirrels to Come in Basement?
1. Atmosphere
The first step in learning how to get squirrel out of basement is understanding why the animal might have chosen your basement as its new home. Squirrels are attracted to warm, dark, and enclosed spaces for shelter, so your basement may offer all three. Additionally, if there is any food source available in your basement – such as pet food or birdseed – it could be an even more attractive nesting spot.
2. Openings
Another way that squirrels make their way into your basement is by finding open entry points – such as vents or windows that are left open or not properly sealed. If you have recently noticed a squirrel in your basement, take a few minutes to inspect the outside of your home and ensure that any potential hole larger than 1 inch is properly sealed to prevent future intrusions.
3. Maintenance
Lastly, squirrels may also take refuge in basements if the area has fallen into disrepair and provides an ideal living environment for the animal. If you’ve noticed a particularly high population of squirrels in your area, it could be a sign that your basement needs more frequent maintenance and cleaning.
Now that you have a better understanding of what may be attracting squirrels to your basement, it’s time to get them out for good!
Required Items
Before attempting to get the squirrel out of your basement, make sure you have the right items. You will need the following:
- A pair of gloves
- A broom
- Dustpan
- A sheet or similar item (a bedsheet works well)
- An escape route for the squirrel
- Protective Wear
10 Ways How to Get Squirrel Out of Basement
1. Secure the Room
Make sure all windows, vents, and crevices are sealed shut so that the squirrel cannot get back in after you’ve let it out. The room should also be clear of any potential hazards that could harm the squirrel.
2. Wear Protective Gear
Wear gloves and thick clothing to protect you from potentially dangerous scratches, bites or droppings. Protective wear also reduces the risk of transferable diseases. It will also help make you feel more comfortable as you attempt to capture the animal.
3. Identify the Squirrel’s Location
Make sure you know where the squirrel is located so you can plan your next move accordingly. If it’s in a corner, tape off that area and close any other openings so it cannot escape if startled or scared by your presence.
4. Make the Area Uncomfortable
Start making noise to let the squirrel know that it is not welcome in your basement. You can bang on pots and pans, turn lights on and off or open and close doors. This will help put the animal on edge so you have a better chance of capturing it.
5. Use a Broom to Scare the Squirrel
Using a broom, you can gently tap the squirrel and scare it away from its hiding spot. This is a good technique if you’re not comfortable with trying to grab it by hand.
6. Place a Sheet
Once the squirrel has been scared out of its hiding spot, use the sheet or other similar item to cover it. This will help contain the animal and make it easier to catch.
7. Use the Dustpan
Using the dustpan, carefully scoop up the squirrel and place it into a bucket or box for release outside. Make sure there are no holes in the container so that it cannot escape. Dustpan
8. Release the Squirrel
When you feel comfortable that the squirrel is contained, open a window or door and carefully release it outside. Make sure there are no predators or other dangers nearby that could harm it before releasing it.
9. Clean Up
Once you’ve released the squirrel, make sure to thoroughly clean up any mess it may have left behind. Make sure all droppings are disposed of properly and disinfect the area to reduce the risk of diseases.
10. Seal Off Entry Points
Finally, make sure that all entry points are sealed off so that other animals cannot enter your basement in the future. This includes sealing any holes around windows and doors, as well as any vents or crevices that could be used as entry points.
Following the steps above will help you safely and effectively get a squirrel out of your basement. Make sure to exercise caution when attempting to capture and release an animal, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous. With the right supplies on hand, however, getting a squirrel out of your basement should be relatively straightforward.
8 Maintenance Tips for Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Basement
Squirrels are one of the most common wildlife pests in homes. They can find their way into your basement and cause all kinds of damage, from chewing wires to building nests. If you’re looking for a solution on how to get the squirrel out of the basement, these 8 maintenance tips may be just what you need:
1. Patch up small holes and gaps. Squirrels often enter through small cracks around windows, doors, and vents in your home. Make sure to patch up these areas with a strong material like wire mesh or metal sheeting.
2. Install one-way doors on any entry points. One-way doors allow squirrels to exit your basement but won’t let them back in. These devices should be installed at least a foot away from the entry point so the animal has enough time to get out.
3. Trim trees and bushes around your home. Squirrels often use trees and bushes as a bridge to access your roof and basement. Keep them well-trimmed, so squirrels can’t reach the upper levels of your house.
4. Put up a fence around outdoor areas. If you have an enclosed area like a garden, put up a fence high enough to keep squirrels out. Make sure the fence is at least five feet tall and can’t be easily climbed by the animals.
5. Remove food sources from your property. Squirrels are attracted to birdseed, fruit, nuts, and other easy-to-access food sources. Make sure to store these items away in a secure place or remove them altogether.
6. Keep your basement clean and free of mess. Clutter and food debris can attract squirrels, so keep your basement neat and organized. Keep all food items stored securely in airtight containers.
7. Install motion-sensor lights around your home. Motion-sensor lights can be used to scare away squirrels and other wildlife pests. Place them strategically around your property for maximum effects.
8. Set up a humane trap and relocate the squirrel far away from your home. If you have already spotted a squirrel in your basement, set up a humane trap and release it safely away from your property.
Following these tips can help you on how to get squirrels out of the basement and keep them out for good. Make sure to check your home regularly for any signs of wildlife activity and take preventive action immediately. If all else fails, contact a professional wildlife control service for help. They can use specialized techniques to remove the animals and make sure that they do not return. With these steps, you can keep your home safe from squirrels and other pests.
Conclusion
You now have all the information you need to address a pesky squirrel getting into your basement. With preparation and these simple steps, you can expel the intruder from your home with minimal stress or damage. Consider securing your windows, garage door, and any other potential entrance points using strong materials. This simple task can prevent critters from squeezing their way back in and causing more trouble.
If necessary, remember that traditional trapping and exclusion services will eliminate the problem for good. And if it’s within your skill set, getting rid of squirrels yourself is a great DYI project! Whichever route you choose to take, follow safety protocols; be sure to wear gloves when trapping an animal, and never leave them without food or water inside traps for extended periods of time.
By following these tips and advice on how to get squirrel out of basement, you will have a rodent-free area all year long.
