Eastern Gray Squirrel
Pro Recommended
Identification
Common gray tree squirrels that can chew into attics and soffits to nest, causing damage to insulation and wiring. Most active seeking shelter in fall.
Can I DIY this?
Pro RecommendedHonest advice: most people should call a pro.
This pest is notoriously hard to eliminate with store-bought treatments alone, and failed attempts usually make the problem worse. DIY can knock down light activity, but for anything established we recommend a professional.
Find a trusted pest pro- Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and grease smudges along walls to find the main activity zones.
- Seal entry points — mice fit through a gap the size of a dime, rats need only a quarter-sized gap.
- Cut off food access: seal pantry items in hard containers, secure pet food, and use trash cans with tight lids.
- Set snap traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger closest to it, baited with peanut butter or nesting material tied on so it can't be stolen without setting off the trap.
- Avoid poison bait indoors when you can — a rodent that dies inside a wall is a bigger problem than the one you started with. If you do use it, use tamper-resistant stations only.
- Check and reset traps daily, and keep monitoring for a couple of weeks after activity stops to confirm they're gone.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.