I have critters in my attic

Rid Your Attic of Squirrels and Raccoons

Three Easy Steps

The ONLY reason raccoons or squirrels take up residence in an attic is to have babies.

The critters have selected YOUR attic because they could gain access and they have decided that YOUR attic is a safe place to keep their babies–it is your mission to convince them otherwise!

There are three effective ways to convince your unwanted attic occupants that YOUR attic is NOT a safe place for their babies:

  1. Predator smell.  Place a stinky dog blanket or bed(the smellier the better) near or close to the area in your attic where you think they are living.

2. Make a Lot of Noise.  Periodically over a 3 day period go into the attic and make a lot of racket. Blow whistles, honk air horns, and clang pots and pans (remember: this is your chance to get even). You can also attach a box or cans to a cord, toss it into the attic, and drag it across the rafters.  Make the noise during the sleep period of the animal (raccoons – daytime, squirrels – nighttime).

3. Lights.  Keep bright lights on in the attic or run trouble-lights 24 hours a day for the 3-day period.

    Utilizing all three of these methods will assure you of an raccoon/squirrel-free attic in about 3 days.The raccoons/squirrels will move their babies (one by one) to a new nest. Raccoons will move their babies during the night and squirrels during the day. Give them ample opportunity to do this (do not block entrances/exits, put dogs away, etc…).

Your Job is NOT yet complete. You must now remove the animal’s access to your attic. Block entryways with thick boards or wire and trim back tree branches. Other squirrels and raccoons are waiting to take up residence in your attic, so act quickly.

This method of removal has been used hundreds of times over the years in the Brazoria county area and has proven 100% successful.

NOTE: This technique does NOT work for mice/rats.  This technique should not be used for owls since a mother owl cannot move her babies.  Call GCWR for advise with owls.

Lastly, trapping is a very ineffective way to deal with raccoons/squirrels in attics because it is almost always impossible to trap the babies and the babies (which are usually inaccessible) die in your attic. Also, studies show that trapped raccoons/squirrels released into new areas fare poorly.