How to remove squirrels when there’s babies

Here we are again at the beginning of the baby season in August 4th 2019. Squirrel babies are back for the second time this year and we’ve ran into them in this Newmarket home. Every time squirrels lay about 2 to 8 babies inside their nesting site. For a squirrel removal job to be successful, technicians need to have the squirrel babies removed before evicting the adults. In this squirrel removal scenario we had 3 babies to remove and position near the entrance into the attic. When we left the adult squirrels exited the 1-way door and retrieved their babies one by one and took them to safety.

Steps

1. Inspection of the attic; Near entry point, topple all nest-like insulation until babies are found.
2. Remove babies from inside insulation and thoroughly check area for missing or hidden babies.
3. Bring some insulation where nesting was located to keep babies warm.
4. Place insulation and babies inside a heated box 4 feet away from entry point
5. Install barrier over the damage area with a one-way door to allow adult squirrels to leave and unable to return in.
6. Babies will be picked up by adults and relocated since they will not be able to return to the attic.

Tools You Need For Baby Removal

• Heavy duty animal gloves (Slim chance that you may need to deflect being bitten by adult squirrel).
• Extension pole with grabber mechanism (Grasping tool / Garbage pickup tool) to reach babies in hard to reach areas.
• A heated box either by electrical means or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel (Easy to burn babies, be careful).
• Headlight to illuminate attic and keep your hands free.
• Experience walking and crawling in attic without falling through the ceiling!

Tools You Need For Squirrel Removal

• 16 Gauge carbon steel mesh 1inch x 1inch for grey and black squirrels.
• One-way door or excluder door to allow for humane squirrel removal and exit.
• Screws, washers and caulking to secure mesh and one-way door in place and seal holes.
• Repair material for shingles / fascia (leak prevention) AFTER squirrels are gone.

Finally return the next morning to check and make sure babies are relocated by mother. If babies are still in the area, reheat box, rehydrate babies and wait. If babies aren’t gone by evening call a wildlife rehabilitation center for help.

Troubling squirrel population in Newmarket

Beware of your neighbor’s wildlife and squirrel problems. If you spot animals going inside your neighbor’s attic, let them know so they can get a professional for help in removing  them. But also be aware that once the squirrels are removed from your neighbor’s home, they may target your home next. Read on prevention and what you can do to protect your home from squirrels and wildlife.