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There's a Squirrel in My House! Don't Panic (OK, Panic a Little)
Take a breath. The squirrel is also screaming internally. Neither of you wanted this. Here’s how to get it out without anyone getting hurt — including the lamp.
What to do in the next 10 minutes
- Get pets and kids out of the room and close the doors behind you. One room is easier than a whole house.
- Open the way out. Open a window (take the screen out) or an outside door in that room.
- Lights off, room quiet. Squirrels head toward daylight and fresh air.
- Leave and wait. Check back in 30–60 minutes. Most squirrels find the exit on their own.
- Still there? Call a wildlife pro. A scared squirrel in a corner will bite, and those teeth chew through houses for a living.
Next question: how did it get in?
A squirrel in the living room almost always came from somewhere: an open door, the fireplace, or — most often — the attic or walls. If you hear scratching in the ceiling at dawn and dusk, you probably have more than one. Check:
- Your chimney (see animals in the chimney — the same advice applies)
- The attic hatch and any gaps around it
- Roof corners, soffits and vents — what squirrel damage looks like
- Gaps where pipes or wires enter the house
If they’re in the walls or attic
Don’t seal the hole yet — a squirrel trapped inside will chew a new way out, sometimes into your living space. The right way is a one-way door, a check for babies, and steel sealing. That’s squirrel proofing.
Watch: how we seal animals out
What to look for
More pest questions, answered
- 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
- 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
Squirrel & raccoon guides
- 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
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
Common questions
How do I get a squirrel out of my house?
Confine it to one room, open a window or outside door in that room, turn off the lights, leave and give it 30–60 minutes to find the way out.
Will a squirrel in the house bite?
It can if it is cornered or grabbed. Never try to catch one with your hands.
How did a squirrel get in my house?
Usually through the attic, walls or chimney, sometimes an open door. If you hear noises in the ceiling, check the roofline for chewed openings.
Should I call a professional?
Yes, if the squirrel won’t leave on its own, if it keeps getting back in, or if you hear animals in the walls or attic.
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.