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One-Way Doors: How Squirrel & Raccoon Exclusion Works
A one-way door (excluder) lets an animal leave your attic but not come back in. It’s the humane, reliable way to get squirrels and raccoons out — no trapping inside the house, no poison.
Quick answer: The door goes over the active hole after every other gap is sealed. Animals leave to feed, can’t return, and the door comes off after a few days so the last hole can be sealed.
Step by step
- Inspect and find every opening. If you leave even one, the animal just uses it.
- Check for babies. Never exclude a mother from dependent young (baby season).
- Seal all secondary openings with steel.
- Mount the one-way door over the main entry.
- Wait and watch — usually a few days for squirrels.
- Remove the door and seal the last hole.
Why DIY one-way doors often fail
- Other openings were missed, so the squirrels simply switch holes
- The door was mounted on soft or rotted wood and pried off
- Babies were left inside
- The final seal was done with foam, plastic or thin screen that gets chewed through
Tip: Ball up newspaper loosely in a suspected hole. If it’s pushed out over the next day, the hole is active.
See also squirrel proofing and raccoon proofing.
Watch: how we seal animals out
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.
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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)
- Squirrel Damage to Soffits, Fascia, Vents and Wires
- Home Remedies for Squirrels and Raccoons: What Works and What Doesn't
- 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
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Common questions
How long does a one-way door take to work?
Usually a few days for squirrels, since they leave every day to feed. Raccoons usually leave the first night or two.
Is a one-way door humane?
Yes — the animal leaves on its own. The key is checking for babies first.
Can I install a one-way door myself?
You can, but it only works if every other opening is sealed with steel and there are no babies. Roof work is also dangerous.
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.