How much does it cost to remove squirrels from the attic?

Reviewed by Irene Pomares remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you have an attic, be on the lookout for squirrels. If given the opportunity and means of access, these rodents sneak into attics seeking warmth and a place to nest. As cute as some may feel they are, squirrels are pests that do serious and dangerous damage to your home if the chance arises. Aside from the noise, squirrels gnaw on boards and electrical wires in the attic, which over time can lead to water and air leaks or damage the electrical system in the home. It is important to find a way to safely remove the squirrels from your attic before they cause any damage. Ridding an attic of squirrels, including humane removal with relocation, is a task best left to the professionals.

Expect to pay around $300 to $600 for squirrel removal services. The average homeowner pays $450 for a squirrel removal that involves inspecting the attic, placing and checking traps, relocating squirrels, and sealing the entry points. Squirrel removal services start at $200 to inspect the attic and trap and relocate a squirrel when no cleanup or revisits are needed. Your cost can be as high as $1,500 to inspect the attic, remove a severe infestation with multiple family nests through several revisits, and thoroughly clean the attic afterward.

Squirrels in the Attic Removal Price

Cost to Remove Squirrels From the Attic by Method

Wildlife removal experts employ several methods to rid the attic of squirrels, ranging in price between $200 and $700, depending on the method. To determine the best method, the expert first inspects the roof to determine how many squirrels are in your attic, where, and how accessible the infested area is. In most cases, the professional uses one of two methods to remove the squirrels: traps or giving them one-way exclusion or funnel doors, followed by the relocation of the squirrels. The two removal methods and their respective costs are listed below.

Squirrel Traps for the Attic

The cost for squirrel traps and an initial visit from a pest control specialist ranges from $200 to $600, with follow-up visits costing an extra $50 to $100. Metal box or wire cage traps are easy to use and can be moved to various entry points. Remember that these traps could catch other creatures and require daily maintenance. Traps need to be checked regularly to make sure squirrels aren’t stuck inside for too long. For an additional fee, a professional will make additional visits to monitor the traps and remove any squirrels.

One-Way Exclusion Door

You can expect to pay between $300 and $700 to have a wildlife expert inspect the attic, install exclusion doors or funnels at two entry points, and relocate the squirrels once they are trapped. An exclusion door, or funnel, is a mechanism that is installed at the entry points in your attic. These mechanisms make it easy for the squirrel to exit the attic but impossible to get back.

A squirrel exclusion door prevents animals from reentering. However, they may cause additional damage when trying to return. Their reentry efforts are likely to be more intense if they have young babies left behind. Moreover, squirrels may attempt to create a new entry point. If a parent squirrel tries to get back into the attic and encounters an exclusion door, they may chew or claw their way back into the attic, leading to more damage and necessary repairs.

Squirrels in the Attic Removal Cost by Severity of Infestation

Depending on the severity of the infestation, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,500 for squirrel removal in the attic. Most infestations start small, with one or two squirrels. However, they can quickly create a family nest and turn it into a medium or large infestation when several squirrels have turned the attic into their home. If this is left unattended, the squirrels keep breeding, which creates a severe infestation with multiple nests. Once this happens, your home is at risk of experiencing serious damage, from board damage to water leaks or electrical system damage if the squirrels bite into the wiring. Moreover, squirrel droppings can cause health concerns. It is very important to remove the squirrels before the infestation worsens.

Squirrels in Attic Fans Removal Cost

While it is rarely the case, wildlife experts sometimes charge an hourly rate of $50 to $250 after the first hour of service. Squirrels often find your home’s attic fan a convenient and easy means of access to the home, which is why this is a common spot that squirrel removal specialists check first. Squirrels find their way in through attic fans when seeking out spots to nest, so delaying action may result in a litter of babies in your attic. A skilled removal expert or contractor can access the nest. This process takes a few hours, depending on the severity of the nests. Your removal professional may recommend that you install a squirrel-proof attic fan vent cover to prevent future entry and access. The particular danger comes from the exposure that the squirrel has to wiring. When they gnaw on the wires, this presents a fire hazard in the home.

Squirrels can find their way into spaces that you would not expect. Tiny gaps, cracks, and holes are all that they need. They are also prone to find spaces between drop-ceilings or gaps under the eaves of the house.

Cost to Remove Squirrel Droppings in the Attic

Squirrel droppings are unsightly and can be a health hazard if not cleaned up properly, as feces and urine may contain bacteria that can lead to diseases if inhaled. Exposure to the bacteria, F. tularensis, can result in a tularemia bacterial infection, which requires antibiotics.

Squirrel feces tend to be light brown or rusty red, whereas mice and rat droppings are dark brown or black. Another way to distinguish squirrel droppings from other animal feces is the shape. Squirrel feces have round edges and a thicker middle compared to the narrow, pointy droppings of rats and other rodents.

The average price per hour for professional cleanup of squirrel poop in an attic is between $100 and $250. Cleaning up these droppings is important not only to avoid that unpleasant smell but also to prevent the possibility of infection and disease. Plus, other pests may be attracted to the droppings, so it’s best to clean squirrel feces in the attic before you have another infestation.

Cost to Remove Dead Squirrels in the Attic

Ensure that you are vigilant about looking for trapped or dead squirrels in the attic to prevent an insect infestation. The cost to remove a dead squirrel from the attic is $100 to $250. Professionals need proper protective gear and equipment to locate the dead animal and safely remove it from the premises. You need to call an expert for this task. Otherwise, you may get sick if you come into direct contact with the dead animal. Multiple dead squirrels in the attic require more time and work for removal, which will increase the cost of your bill. Seasoned professionals are always the smart choice for dead squirrel removal from your attic.

Squirrel Inspection in the Attic

The average attic inspection costs $100 to $250 per visit. The first inspection is included in the squirrel removal price. Before deciding which approach, the removal expert inspects the attic area to find where the squirrels are inhabited, if they have nests, how many squirrels there are, and how easy or difficult the area is to access. Once they inspect the attic, they decide which removal method or combination of methods is best for your case. They look for points of entry and damage and recommend the best way to prevent squirrels from entering your house.

Squirrel Relocation

Placing the traps and relocating the squirrels are typically included in the removal package price. Whether you choose to capture the squirrels with a trap or a funnel, the service provider safely relocates them away from your home. They have special transportation boxes or vehicles that ensure the animal is transported in a safe manner that will not disturb them. Usually, they transport the animal around 25 miles away from the home because squirrels can easily find their way back to your home if they are relocated nearby. You can place traps yourself and have wildlife experts deal with the relocation of the squirrels only, but you would still have to pay the full price of the service.

Signs of Squirrels in the Attic

Think you have squirrels in your attic? Even if you haven’t seen them, signs indicate that they could be taking over your home’s attic space. Perhaps the first indication of squirrels is scampering, scratching, and rustling sounds overhead, especially early in the morning or at dusk. Take a closer look at your furniture, woodwork, and any wires in or around walls; Chew marks on wires or gnaw marks on furniture and woodwork could be a sign you have squirrels. If you notice a rank odor, the smell could be from squirrel droppings and urine, which can carry disease.

Squirrel Damage in the Attic

Pest control for squirrels in the attic is important because squirrels can cause extensive property damage. They nibble on wood siding, tear up insulation, gnaw on fixtures to build nests, and chew through roofing or under eaves to gain entry. Repairing a small section of damaged roofing costs a minimum of $50. However, more significant structural damage to the attic and roof that causes leaks could cost $750 to repair, especially if the squirrels have been living in your home undetected for a long time.

Squirrels leave droppings and debris behind, which could be contaminated with bacteria. They may expose electrical wires and gain new entry points with their constant chewing. Screens, vents, and flashing are not safe when squirrels are nearby. Their chewing can cause wiring issues, including fire. If the squirrels damage the attic vent, you may have to pay $225 to $850 to install a new fan. Plus, squirrels carry dangerous parasites and harmful diseases you don’t want to deal with if you can help it. Squirrels may carry plague and Tularemia, which can cause skin infections, fever, and other painful symptoms.

Depending on the damage squirrels do to your attic, you may pay $6 to $10 per sq.ft. to get the wiring fixed and an additional $2 to $10 per sq.ft. to replace damaged insulation. If they damage any electrical outlet, you can expect to pay between $120 and $200 to install a new one. The longer a squirrel population goes unchecked, the greater the chance of serious damage in the attic. So, it’s probably best to check on your attic at least once a month to look for any signs of debris or damage left behind by squirrels.

How to Prevent Squirrels in the Attic

Before making sure they can’t reenter, make sure all squirrels have been removed from your attic. Next, focus on sealing up all entry points that squirrels may be using. Sealing services are usually included in removing squirrels from the attic, so this will be included in the average $300 to $600 removal cost. A few products are designed to keep squirrels out of the attic. The first product is an ultrasonic squirrel repeller, which costs $15 to $80 per device depending on its features, range reach, and properties. This device naturally drives rodents using ultrasonic sound waves without harming them. Chemical deterrents are also used to prevent squirrels. They range in price from $8 to $50. The scent of these substances is unbearable for squirrels creating a repelling effect.

Keeping trees trimmed and pruned near the house helps prevent squirrels from using your home to nest. Remove any incentives, like food sources, and create barriers to prevent squirrels and other rodents from getting inside your home, going onto the roof, and eventually getting in the attic. Some homeowners report that hanging ammonia-soaked rags from nearby tree branches deter squirrel activity. However, you’ll have to make sure to reapply after each rainfall for continued efficacy.

Capped chimney covers can keep squirrels from finding their way inside. Patching cracked fencing and timber siding will make it more difficult for squirrels to enter. Loud music, lights, and the smell of mothballs may deter squirrels from getting too comfortable in your home.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Attic Cleaning Service

You can expect to pay $150 to $500 for this service. Attic cleaning after removal is necessary to remove waste and excrement. Because they inhabit the attic, squirrels bring all sorts of foods and items from outside. Your attic may be filled with debris, leaves, and other items that need to be removed and cleaned. Attic cleaning tasks include light dusting, polishing windows, and cleaning the floors. Deep cleaning involves removing cobwebs, deep cleaning floors, vacuuming, and polishing.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Legislation. Regulations and laws regarding trapping squirrels may be in place in your area. Make sure that you are not illegally trapping these animals, or you will face fines and legal ramifications. Check with your municipal animal control offices to determine what you can do within the law to remove squirrels from your home. Or, call in a removal expert who already knows the laws for your region.
• DIY. Squirrel removal is a time when it makes sense to hire a professional immediately. DIY steps can be taken to prevent squirrels from invading your attic; however, getting rid of squirrels is time-sensitive and merits professional intervention from a wildlife removal expert. Furthermore, health risks are associated with handling squirrels. Be safe and call in a professional.
• Avoid cheap solutions. Don’t cut corners when it comes to a squirrel infestation. If you want the job done right, with the squirrels removed and humanely relocated, hire a reputable professional in your area. The longer it takes to remove the squirrels, the more property damage will occur. Also, remember that this significantly increases health risks, too.
• Precautions. Squirrels bite when they feel attacked or cornered, and a squirrel bite can transfer rodent-borne illnesses. Never attempt to handle or pick up a squirrel without wearing protective gear, such as gloves, and know that they transmit diseases.
• Take action as soon as possible. Remember that squirrels have an average of two-to-three litters each year, typically around five babies each litter. Squirrels live to be around 12 years old, so an infestation is inevitable if you delay action.
• Babies or sick squirrels. If you have a nest of babies in your attic, special handling is required, adding $200 to $300 to the final cost. Additional costs are incurred if the squirrels being removed are ill or have diseases. The exposure risks add another 25% to 40% to the overall cost of removing squirrels from your attic.
• Video surveillance camera. Whether you notice signs that you have squirrels in your attic or want to make sure you catch any pests right away, it is a good idea to install security cameras. A simple surveillance video setup can be positioned in your attic to monitor activity and the possible arrival of squirrels and other rodents. You do not need a super complicated setup to keep a watchful eye over your attic.
• Emergency services. Most wildlife and pest control providers have specific working hours. Expect to pay at least $100 more for after-hour and emergency squirrel removal services.