Get help from a wildlife pro
15 Tips to Keep Squirrels and Raccoons Out of Your House
The best wildlife problem is the one you never have. These are the tips we give homeowners after every job.
Around the roof
- Trim tree branches back from the roofline — branches are the main way up.
- Cap every chimney flue with stainless steel (chimney caps).
- Screen gable, ridge and roof vents with heavy-gauge steel mesh, not plastic.
- Check roof returns each spring and fall — that’s where squirrels start chewing.
- Fix soft or rotted wood at the fascia and soffit before animals find it.
- Guard downspouts and trellises that touch the roof.
Around the yard
- Lock garbage cans or keep them in the garage until pickup.
- Bring pet food in at night.
- Move bird feeders far from the house, or take them down if squirrels are a problem.
- Pick up fallen fruit and secure compost.
- Screen under decks, porches and sheds with buried mesh to stop denning.
Inside
- Listen in the morning and at night — catching noise early saves damage (noise guide).
- Look in the attic twice a year for droppings, nests and daylight through the roof edges.
- Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use.
When you find a hole
- Don’t seal it until you know the animal is out. Use a one-way door and steel — not foam.
Not sure where to start? We’ll inspect and give you a full list. See animal 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.
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
- 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
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
How do I keep squirrels off my roof?
Trim branches back from the house, guard downspouts, and seal roof returns, vents and soffit gaps with steel.
What attracts raccoons to my house?
Food — garbage, pet food, compost and grubs in the lawn — plus easy shelter in chimneys, attics and under decks.
How often should I check my roofline?
At least every spring and fall, and after big storms.
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.