Squirrel & Wildlife Education for Spokane-Area Homeowners

Start with identification: tree squirrel or ground squirrel?

Seeing a squirrel on the ground does not make it a ground squirrel: tree squirrels also forage there. Tree use, burrow activity and where an animal enters a building are clues, not a certain identification. Pocket gophers, ground squirrels and tree squirrels need different approaches. Before acting, identify the animal and the problem it is causing.

Practical prevention you can work on

• Stop feeding squirrels and reduce access to birdseed. A suitable feeder baffle can help.
• Look from ground level for damaged vents, loose siding and roof-edge gaps. Arrange safe repairs after confirming animals are out.
• Reduce access from vegetation near buildings. Use a qualified professional for high branches or work near utility lines.
• Address food and shelter together. Removing one squirrel leaves an opportunity for another if attractants and openings remain.

Learn more in WDFW’s tree-squirrel guide.

Animal in the attic? Do not simply seal the hole

First establish the species, its entry points and whether dependent young are present. Closing an occupied opening or using a one-way exit without that check can leave animals trapped inside or separate young from their mother. Have an appropriate wildlife professional assess occupied spaces before exclusion or repairs.

Record where and when you notice activity and describe it to the provider. Avoid entering an unsafe attic, handling wildlife or disturbing a nest. Animals inside buildings may damage insulation or wiring; difficult access, contamination and possible young are reasons to get professional help. Sick or injured wildlife needs guidance from an appropriate wildlife rehabilitator or agency.

See WDFW’s guidance on animals in buildings.

Washington and Idaho: check before trapping or relocating

Do not assume an animal can be trapped and released elsewhere just because it is on your property. Requirements depend on the species, location and method. For Washington properties, contact your WDFW regional office for current guidance.

For Idaho properties, check with Idaho Fish and Game before attempting wildlife removal. Its tree-squirrel damage guidance describes agency involvement and written instructions for removal of protected tree squirrels. Idaho also has protected ground-squirrel species; identify the animal before selecting a control method. Washington guidance does not establish what is allowed in Idaho.

Common questions

Does a squirrel in my yard need to be removed?

A sighting alone is different from an animal entering a building or causing damage. Start by describing the actual problem and reducing attractants. The aim is to reduce conflict, not promise a yard with no wildlife.

Can I use the pocket-gopher bait instructions for squirrels?

No. Our pocket-gopher DIY guide is specific to pocket gophers and the named product’s label. Do not apply those instructions to tree squirrels or other animals.

Does Backwoods offer wildlife trapping?

Not currently. We are working toward the necessary credentials, with no start date announced. For wildlife-trapping inquiries, contact Vernon Craig at Tahoma Pest Control, 509-978-7830. Confirm his service area, species, availability and pricing directly.

What about ground squirrels or pocket gophers?

See our burrowing pest page for education, available options, property requirements and per-visit pricing. Those services do not include tree-squirrel or other wildlife trapping.

About the rodent information below

General rodent-service information elsewhere on this page concerns Backwoods mice-and-rat services, not wildlife trapping or the independent referral provider.

Education reviewed September 22, 2026. Confirm current species-specific requirements with the appropriate state agency before acting.