Learn how to identify, rescue, and legally handle trapped squirrels in your home or garden. Expert tips from Ashley Scott, a 10-year gardening veteran.
Hi, I’m Ashley Scott, and after 10 years of gardening and dealing with critters around my home, I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with trapped squirrels. One time, I kept hearing this odd scratching noise coming from my attic—like tiny claws desperately clawing at the walls. Turns out, a squirrel had squeezed through a tiny gap near the roof and couldn’t find its way back out. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is that a trapped squirrel in my house?”—you’re not alone!
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about trapped squirrels, from spotting the signs to figuring out what to do next. Whether you’re hearing trapped squirrel sounds or wondering where to release trapped squirrels, I’ve got practical, humane answers for you. Let’s get started!
How Do You Know If a Squirrel Is Trapped?
Before you can help a trapped squirrel, you need to be sure it’s actually a squirrel making the ruckus. Here’s what to look for:
- Scratching and Squeaking: Trapped squirrels make noises like scratching, gnawing, or little squeaks. You’ll hear these most often in attics, walls, or chimneys—anywhere they might get stuck.
- Droppings: Check for small, dark pellets near the noise. That’s a squirrel calling card!
- Damage: Look for chewed wood, insulation, or even wires. Squirrels love to chew when they’re stressed or trying to escape.
I once found a pile of chewed-up insulation in my attic corner—yep, a squirrel had been busy! If you’re noticing these clues, it’s time to investigate further.
What Should You Do If a Squirrel Is Trapped?
Finding a trapped squirrel can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic. Here’s how I handle it step-by-step:
- Find the Spot: Listen closely to track down where the squirrel is stuck. For me, it’s usually the attic or a wall (like that one time with a squirrel trapped in wall drama!).
- Give It an Exit: Open a nearby window or door if it’s in an enclosed space. Sometimes, they just need a nudge to scamper out.
- Set a Trap: If that doesn’t work, grab a humane live trap from your local hardware store. Bait it with peanuts or sunflower seeds—squirrels can’t resist!
Pro tip: Be patient. Squirrels get spooked easily, so give them time to calm down and find the exit or trap. For more garden critter tips, check out my post on protecting your garden from squirrels.
Is It Illegal to Release Trapped Squirrels?
Here’s a question I hear a lot: “Is it illegal to release trapped squirrels?” It depends on where you are in the US, and trust me, I’ve looked into this after my attic adventure!
- State Laws Vary: In most states, you can trap and release squirrels on your own property. Some places, though, ask you to move them a few miles away to keep them from coming back. Check your local rules to be safe.
- UK Note: If you’re curious about the UK (though this guide is US-focused), it’s illegal to release grey squirrels there since they’re invasive. That’s a whole different story!
I always recommend double-checking with your state’s wildlife agency. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has great resources on this. Better safe than sorry!
Where to Release Trapped Squirrels?
Okay, you’ve trapped the squirrel, and it’s legal to let it go—now what? Where to release trapped squirrels is a big deal. Here’s what I do:
- Wooded Areas: Find a park or forest with trees and food sources. Squirrels thrive there.
- Avoid Cities: Don’t drop them off in busy urban spots—they’ll struggle to survive.
- Distance Matters: Experts say to release them at least 5 miles away. Why? Because trapped squirrels often try to return home. I learned this the hard way when one came back to my garden a week later!
For more on how squirrels move, I love this Wildlife Online article. It’s a great read!
Will Trapped Squirrels Return?
Speaking of coming back—will trapped squirrels return? Oh yes, they might! Squirrels have an amazing sense of direction. Studies from places like Cornell University show they can navigate back to their territory from miles away. That’s why I say go the extra mile (literally) when releasing them. Ten miles is even better if you can manage it!
How Do You Get Rid of Trapped Squirrels If You Can’t Release Them?
Sometimes, releasing isn’t an option—maybe the squirrel’s hurt, or local laws say no. So, how do you get rid of trapped squirrels in that case? Here’s my advice:
- Call Animal Control: They’ll take care of it for you, no stress.
- Wildlife Experts: Reach out to a local rehab center. I’ve used this option when a squirrel looked too weak to survive on its own.
One thing I’ll never do is drowning trapped squirrel—it’s cruel and often illegal. Stick to humane methods, always. The National Wildlife Federation has solid tips on this.
What If You Find a Squirrel Trapped in a Wall?
A squirrel trapped in wall situation is tricky—I’ve been there! You’ll hear frantic scratching, and it’s tempting to ignore it, hoping it’ll leave. But here’s what worked for me:
- Locate the Noise: Tap the wall gently to figure out where it’s stuck.
- Cut a Small Hole: If it’s desperate, you might need to cut a tiny opening (with caution!) and guide it out or trap it.
- Call a Pro: If that sounds daunting, pros have the tools to handle it safely.
Afterward, patch up the entry point—I learned that lesson fast!
How to Stop Squirrels from Getting Trapped Again
Once you’ve freed a trapped squirrel, you’ll want to keep it from happening again. Here’s what I’ve done around my home and garden:
- Seal Holes: Check your roof, walls, and vents for gaps. Steel mesh works wonders.
- Trim Trees: Keep branches away from your roof—squirrels are Olympic jumpers!
- Garden Fixes: Use squirrel-proof feeders or netting. I dive deeper into this in my garden pest guide.
Final Thoughts: Handling Trapped Squirrels Like a Pro
Dealing with trapped squirrels doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little know-how, you can spot them, rescue them, and keep them out for good. Here’s the quick recap:
- Listen for trapped squirrel sounds like scratching or squeaks.
- Use humane traps or exits to free them.
- Check local laws before releasing trapped grey squirrels or relocating them.
- Seal up your home to prevent repeat visitors.
If you’re ever stuck, don’t hesitate to call a pro. And for more gardening and wildlife tricks, swing by my site at USA Garden Hub. Happy gardening—and squirrel wrangling!