If squirrels inhabit a home, the homeowner must find where they are getting in, and close or place heavy wire mesh over the opening. If squirrels remain inside the home, they will have to be removed by trapping. Brittingham recommends trimming trees and limbs 6 to 8 feet away from buildings to prevent the animals from leaping onto roofs. Fox and gray squirrels are classified as game animals by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, but property owners do not need a hunting license to control home damage. Brittingham suggests using wire-cage or box traps to capture the squirrels alive.
Some preferred baits are apple or orange slices, shelled walnuts or pecans, and peanut butter.
Corn and sunflower seeds also may work. The traps should be checked twice daily. Animals should be released at least five miles away from where they were trapped. To make sure you have a squirrel infestation, check the feces near the trap. Mice feces are small, about the size of an ice-cream sprinkle.