Squirrel Removal Cost

Typical costs:

• Some homeowners try to prevent squirrels from moving indoors by using deterrents such as moth balls, repellent powders or sprays ($5-$25 or more), specially designed strobe lights (starting at $30-$70, but can be $250-$1,000) and high frequency sound emitters ($10-$50). These preventive methods may work for awhile, but squirrels can become immune to these irritants.
• Costs for professional squirrel eviction and exclusion will vary depending on the number of squirrels, the number of potential entry points, the size of the home and the ease of access to squirrel nesting areas. Most animal removal companies charge an initial fee of $50-$300 or more to inspect the home and evaluate the scope of the problem, although a few may do the inspection for free. Total costs for an inspection, setting and checking traps, removing squirrels, sealing all potential entry points and, if necessary, cleaning up and decontaminating damaged areas can be $300-$1,500 or more, depending on the scope of the problem and the extent of the damage that needs repair. For example, American Pest Solutions[1] in Chicago charges $275 for an initial inspection and estimates that a complete squirrel eviction and exclusion averages $650-$950, with a one-year guarantee against re-entry.
• For do-it-yourselfers, humane traps to capture and evict squirrels can cost $5-$125, depending on size, materials and design. For example, the 17"x7"x7" Havahart One Door Squirrel Trap[2] sells for $33-$39 and the 25"x7"x6" Havahart Easy Set Small 2-Door Animal Trap[3] costs $55-$58.

• The basic steps for professional squirrel removal typically include an initial inspection of the home from the foundation to the roofline to determine the extent of the problem and the specific squirrel species present; exclusion work sealing any possible holes, gaps, vents, cracks or other space that allow animals to get inside; trapping and relocating the squirrels; and any needed cleanup or decontamination. Atlanta Squirrel and Rat Removal explains what to expect[4] .
• Before attempting do-it-yourself squirrel trapping, check with local government officials; a permit may be required, or there may restrictions or prohibitions on how and where squirrels can be relocated. Squirrels in the Attic explains squirrel trapping techniques[5] .
• Different types of squirrels have different behaviors, which determines how best to trap them and keep them out. Cornell University offers fact sheets on how to identify and deal with gray squirrels[6] , red squirrels[7] , flying squirrels[8] and the related Eastern chipmunk[9] .
• Poison bait is generally not a good option, because squirrels tend to tuck food away to be eaten later. Family pets or other animals may find and eat the poison by mistake. And if a squirrel is successfully poisoned, it's likely it will die in the attic, walls or other spaces inside the house, creating an odor and attracting insects.

• Expect to pay additional fees for after-business-hours emergency service calls. For example, Houston Wildlife Patrol charges $129 for an initial inspection and trap setup, but after hours that increases to $249 or more.
• Some homeowners object strongly to squirrels raiding their backyard bird feeders. There's an ingenious array of "squirrel-proof" bird feeders on the market, selling for $10-$250 or more, depending on size and complexity. Squirrels are highly ingenious, and may find ways to raid "squirrel proof" bird feeders. The Humane Society of the United States provides an overview of "squirrel-proofing" bird feeders[10] .

• Different techniques are required to evict and exclude squirrels and other wildlife as opposed to spraying insect pests, so animal removal companies are generally a separate business from pest control services. Some pest control companies have a division that does squirrel and other wildlife removal work, but typically with a separate staff.
• Search for wildlife removal experts through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association[11] or the National Wildlife Trapper Directory[12] .
• Ask about training and experience, and trapping methods. The company should do an on-site inspection and provide a firm written estimate before a final contract is signed. The Humane Society of the United States lists tips for choosing a wildlife removal company[13] .

1.  www.pestproblemssolved.com/index.php?option=com_user&view=login&return=aHR0cDovL3d...
2.  www.havahart.com/store/live-animal-traps/1077
3.  www.havahart.com/store/live-animal-traps/1062
4.  www.atlantasquirrel.com/Squirrel_proofing_page.html
5.  www.squirrel-attic.com/trapping.html
6.  www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/beasts/gray_squirrel.asp
7.  www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/beasts/red_squirrel.asp
8.  www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/beasts/flying_squirrel.asp
9.  www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/beasts/east_chipmunk.asp
10.  www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/squirrel_proof_feeder.html
11.  www.nwcoa.com/
12.  www.247wildlife.com/wildlifetrapperdirectory.htm
13.  www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/choosing_wildlife_control_company.html

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