Once animals are in a house, use live traps to catch them unharmed. Mastrangelo said several control methods used simultaneously are often more successful than a single control. For squirrels in attics, try to drive them out or wait until they leave to find food. Then make repairs to prevent them from re-entering. One or more baited traps are important for catching any squirrel accidentally closed in because locked-in squirrels may cause damage when they try to chew their way out.
Raccoons can also become a nuisance and cause damage when they enter attics or chimneys.
Mastrangelo said raccoons are learning that uncapped chimneys substitute well for more traditional hollow trees as denning sites. In extreme cases, they may tear off shingles or facia boards to enter an attic or wall space. Graham recommended securely fastening a commercial sheet metal cap and heavy screen over the top of chimneys to prevent raccoon access. This also prevents birds from nesting in chimneys. Mastrangelo warned homeowners trying to remove home invaders in the spring and summer that young may also be present.