When it comes to keeping your home organized, having an attic or garage for storage is a lifesaver. But before you stash away your holiday decorations or important family heirlooms, it’s crucial to ensure your storage spaces are secure—especially against squirrels. Squirrels can easily find their way into attics and garages, where they cause significant damage to belongings, chew through materials, and leave an unsanitary mess behind. With the right squirrel-proof attic storage and garage protection techniques, however, you can safeguard your items and save yourself from unnecessary headaches.  

Below, we’ll explore practical squirrel-safe storage solutions for attics and garages, offering tips on how to protect your belongings while keeping these industrious animals out for good. Let’s get started.  

Squirrel-Proof Attic Storage  

Attics are a favourite for squirrels seeking warmth, safety, and shelter. Unfortunately, once inside, squirrels can wreak havoc on your belongings and the structural elements of your home. Here’s how to squirrel-proof storage in your attic effectively. 

1. Seal Potential Entry Points  

First and foremost, examine your attic thoroughly for any potential squirrel entry points. Squirrels can squeeze into spaces as small as two inches wide, so pay close attention to the soffits, vents, and roofline.  

• Repair any gaps or holes. Use sturdy materials like galvanized steel mesh or heavy-duty flashing to cover openings. Avoid using materials like plastic or thin wood, as squirrels can easily chew through them.  
• Install wildlife-proof vent covers. Replace any broken or missing vent screens with durable covers to keep squirrels out while still allowing airflow. Ensure these covers are securely attached.  
• Trim tree branches. If there are tree branches near your roof, trim them back at least six to eight feet. This prevents squirrels from using them as a bridge to access your attic. 

2. Store Items in Squirrel-Safe Containers  

Squirrels have strong teeth that can chew through cardboard, fabric bags, or even thin plastic containers. That means your storage methods matter just as much as securing the attic itself.  

• Opt for heavy-duty plastic bins. Choose bins made from sturdy, chew-resistant materials with tight-fitting lids.  
• Avoid storing food. If you’re using your attic to store dry goods or pet food, it’s best to move those items to a more secure, squirrel-proof location like your kitchen pantry.  

3. Use Deterrents to Keep Squirrels Away  

Once your attic is sealed and your storage containers are secure, consider adding deterrents as an extra layer of protection.  

• Noise and light deterrents. Squirrels dislike bright lights and loud noises. Ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated lights can make your attic less appealing.  
• Neutralize scents. Squirrels are attracted to the scent left behind by others. Neutralize these scents by cleaning the attic with a mixture of bleach and water and using odour-blocking sprays.  

4. Insulate and Protect Your Wiring  

Squirrels often chew through insulation and electrical wiring, posing fire risks and potential disruptions.  

• Use PVC piping or metal conduit to shield electrical wires in your attic.  
• Repair any previously damaged insulation or wires as soon as possible.  

While securing your attic may require some effort upfront, taking these steps will save you from costlier repairs down the road.  

Protect The Garage From Squirrels  

Garages are another common entry point for squirrels, especially if they spot an easy opening or detect food. Whether you’re storing tools, seasonal décor, or family treasures, follow these steps to keep squirrels from wreaking havoc in your garage. 

1. Inspect and Fortify Doors and Windows  

Garage doors and windows are leading culprits in squirrel break-ins.  

• Seal garage doors and windows. Use weatherstripping around your garage door and check for any gaps, especially near the bottom.  
• Replace damaged window screens. Any holes in window screens should be repaired or replaced entirely to prevent squirrels from squeezing inside.  
• Install a garage door sweep. A rubber or brush sweep prevents small animals from slipping through the bottom of the door.  

2. Elevate and Secure Your Belongings  

If squirrels do get into your garage, make it difficult for them to access your items.  

• Store items on metal shelving units. Squirrels have trouble climbing smooth metal surfaces, making these shelves a great choice.  
• Avoid cardboard boxes. Use metal or thick plastic bins with secure lids for storage.  

3. Address Food and Odours  

Squirrels are highly motivated by the scent of food—even pet food or birdseed.  

• Move all food items. Shift any food, seeds, or pet treats to an indoor location that’s harder for squirrels to access.  
• Keep trash sealed. Use a heavy-duty trash can with a locking lid to keep garbage odours from attracting squirrels.  

4. Use Deterrents Around Your Garage  

Squirrels are persistent, so deterrents can help reinforce your garage’s defences.  

• Apply squirrel repellents. Spray natural, non-toxic deterrents around entry points and storage areas. These often contain strong scents like peppermint or vinegar, which squirrels dislike.  
• Set up motion-activated devices. Lights or ultrasonic deterrents placed near entry points can discourage squirrels from hanging around.  

5. Take Preventative Measures Outdoors  

Sometimes, stopping squirrels requires addressing issues outside of the garage altogether.  

• Clear debris around your home. Piles of firewood, leaves, or other debris provide squirrels with places to hide.  
• Install barriers around your foundation. Place metal mesh or hardware cloth around the base of your garage to block squirrels from burrowing underneath.  

Protecting your garage from squirrels is all about limiting access and removing attractions, making it far less appealing to them as a nesting site.  

Squirrel-Safe Storage Solutions  

If you’re looking for an ongoing plan to keep your attic and garage storage squirrel-proof, here’s a step-by-step checklist to keep things in order:

1. Conduct a monthly inspection of your attic and garage.  
2. Repair any damage promptly, including holes or gaps in walls, doors, windows, and vents.  
3. Keep storage bins off the floor and ensure lids are tightly secured.  
4. Enforce a no-food policy in storage areas.  
5. Reapply repellents every few months or after heavy rainfall.  
6. Trim branches and clear outdoor debris near your home.  

Integrating these strategies into your regular home maintenance routine will help protect your belongings year-round.  

Why Choose Skedaddle for Humane Squirrel Removal?

Skedaddle provides professional, reliable, and humane wildlife removal services, specializing in long-term solutions for squirrel infestations. With over 30 years of experience, our trained technicians use ethical methods to safely remove squirrels, conduct thorough home assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and implement proven exclusion techniques to prevent future issues. We prioritize both your home’s safety and the well-being of wildlife, while delivering exceptional customer service every step of the way. Trust Skedaddle to protect your home and ensure peace of mind. Contact us today!

Keep Your Space Squirrel-Free with Skedaddle  

Squirrels might be persistent, but with the right squirrel-proof attic storage and garage protection methods, you can outsmart them every time. These small animals are undeniably clever, but a well-prepared homeowner can secure their space, protect their belongings, and prevent unnecessary damage effectively.  

If you suspect a squirrel has already moved into your attic or garage, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. At Skedaddle, our team of wildlife control experts is ready to help. From preventive services to humane removal solutions, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and make your storage areas safe and sound!