Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley

What do I do with squirrels in the attic or roof?
Squirrels prefer natural habitat for nest building. However, on occasion they will utilize man-made structures to raise their young. To eliminate this possibility, close off any entrances to the foundation of your house or attic. However, do not do this if there might be babies inside, as they will be trapped. Cut tree limbs that provide access to your roof. Install a spark arrester on your chimney or cap it with heavy wire mesh. Again, be sure there are no babies in the chimney.

What can I do to discourage squirrels from my yard?
Axle grease or sheet metal can be used on or around tree trunks to prevent climbing. Sprinkling perfumed soap chips or cayenne pepper will prevent them from digging. You can also purchase a plastic hawk or owl from a hardware store to scare them away. Place the look-alike in a tree and make sure to move it about once a week, or the squirrels will catch on.