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Home Remedies for Squirrels and Raccoons: What Works and What Doesn't
Before calling anyone, most people try a home remedy. Here’s an honest look at the common ones.
Quick answer: Repellents and noise may make an animal uncomfortable for a few days, but they don’t remove it and don’t close the opening. Sealing with steel is what lasts.
Remedies people try
| Remedy | Does it work? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mothballs | No — and don’t | Using mothballs anywhere other than what the label allows is against the label’s directions, and the fumes are harmful to people and pets. |
| Ammonia-soaked rags | Briefly | Odor fades in a day or two; a mother with babies won’t leave. |
| Bright lights / radio | Briefly | Animals get used to it quickly. |
| Cayenne / pepper sprays | Garden only | Can discourage digging and chewing outdoors; does nothing in the attic. |
| Predator urine | Weak | Inconsistent, especially in neighborhoods full of dogs. |
| Ultrasonic devices | Little evidence | Attic insulation and walls absorb the sound, and animals adjust. |
| Poison | Dangerous | Animals die in walls and ceilings — odor, flies, and risk to pets and other wildlife. |
| Spray foam / plastic covers | No | Squirrels chew through them in days. |
| Steel mesh + one-way door | Yes | Removes the animal and closes the entry for good. |
Things that do help
- Trim branches back from the roof
- Lock garbage cans and bring pet food in
- Take bird feeders down or move them far from the house
- Cap the chimney and screen vents
Full list: prevention tips.
Watch: wildlife removal & proofing
Want it handled? Silver Bullet removes squirrels and raccoons humanely and seals your home with steel. Call 973-510-2585 or request a free quote.
What to look for
Our wildlife services
- Squirrel Proofing in New Jersey
- Raccoon Proofing in New Jersey
- Animal Proofing & Wildlife Exclusion in New Jersey
- Chimney Animal Proofing & Chimney Caps in New Jersey
- Wildlife Damage Repair in New Jersey
- Animal entry point sealing
More tips & questions
- Squirrels in the Attic: 9 Signs and What to Do
- Noises in the Attic: Squirrels, Rats, Mice or Raccoons?
- How Raccoons Get Into Attics (and How to Stop Them)
- Raccoon in the Chimney: What to Do (and What Not To)
- One-Way Doors: How Squirrel & Raccoon Exclusion Works
- Squirrel Damage to Soffits, Fascia, Vents and Wires
- How Much Does Squirrel or Raccoon Proofing Cost in NJ?
- Baby Squirrel and Raccoon Season in New Jersey
- Raccoon Latrines and Attic Cleanup: The Health Risks
- 15 Tips to Keep Squirrels and Raccoons Out of Your House
Funny questions, honest answers
- What Keeps Squirrels Away? Silver Bullet Pest Control Does
- What Smell Do Squirrels Hate the Most? The Nose Knows
- Does Hairspray Keep Squirrels Away From Pumpkins? Your Jack-o'-Lantern Deserves Better
- There's a Squirrel in My House! Don't Panic
- Squirrel-Proof Gutters
- Raccoon Deterrents
- What Keeps Mice Out of Your House? Steel, Caulk and a Little Attitude
- Does Pine-Sol Keep Mice Away? Clean Floors, Unbothered Mice
- How to Get Rid of Rats Permanently
- Getting Rid of Mice in the Attic
- Rodent Exclusion
- Dryer Vent Mesh Cover
- All pest questions, answered: ants, bees, mice, rats, roaches & more
Common questions
Do mothballs keep squirrels out of the attic?
No, and using them that way goes against the product label. The fumes are also harmful to people and pets.
Does ammonia get rid of raccoons?
Only briefly, if at all. A mother raccoon with kits won’t leave because of a smell.
What is the best way to keep squirrels out?
Remove them with a one-way door and seal every opening with steel mesh and flashing.
Schedule today
Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.