Like humans, Orange County squirrels would seek shelter from the cold weather, especially with snowstorms happening more frequently. Unfortunately, your house could be made into one of those shelters. Of course, you’re not expected to give squirrels a warm welcome, as they could ruin your home and other important things inside since they need to keep on grinding their teeth.



Squirrels – nimble as they are – usually enter homes through chimneys. California quirrels prefer getting in chimneys because they’re small, warm, and dry. In many cases, unfortunately, they’re not able to climb out successfully most of the time. This forces them to try getting out through the fireplace or the basement ducts right inside your home. To help you remove these unwanted guests from your home, here are some tips:

1) Do It Yourself.
But help the poor animal get out, too. Use a rope since its’ surface makes it easy for Orange County squirrels climb. Even a squirrel that’s weak or injured can make its way out. If the squirrel doesn’t come out right away, just have a little more patience. Just leave the rope behind and it would more likely climb up on its own. Maybe it just wouldn’t want you around as it gets out.

2) Do not smoke the California squirrel.
First of all, animals have rights to live and contribute to the well-being of our ecosystem. Also, there’s a greater chance that the squirrel won’t leave because it’s scared. In cases that a kid and an adult squirrel are involved, the kid would leave, but the adult would stay, making matters worse.

3) Prevention is always better than cure, as your doctor would say.
Considering that Orange County squirrels always act on instinct, every hole they see while in the bitter cold is an opportunity to seek shelter and survive. So, cover the big rooftop hole with a chimney cap. They’re easy to install and are not expensive. Well, chimney caps still have holes so you can still have smoke coming out of your fireplace, but these are too small for a squirrel to make its way to your fireplace.

It’s also good to be watchful for California squirrels. You’ll know if they want to get in if you see them by the chimney very early in the morning or at times, at night.

4) If all else fails or if you have difficulty, keep calm and get professional assistance.
Removing our furry friends can be difficult, especially with the risk of rabies around. And while waiting for help to come, it’s important not to be startled when squirrels are around. Given that they move fast and act on instinct, they could just attack you anytime or you yourself could get hurt trying to chase them away.

Visit our Orange County wildlife trapping home page to learn more about us.