How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Home and Garden

Squirrels are cute and furry creatures that are enjoyable to watch in the wild, but when they start to invade your home or garden, they can quickly become a nuisance.

Not only can they damage your property, but they can also create noise and messes that are hard to clean up. Fortunately, there are several methods that you can use to get rid of squirrels in your home and garden.

1. Repellents:

One of the easiest ways to get rid of squirrels is to use a repellent. There are several types of repellents available on the market that are designed to keep squirrels away from your home and garden. Some of the most effective repellents include:

a. Mothballs: Mothballs contain naphthalene, which is a strong-smelling chemical that squirrels find unpleasant. To use mothballs, simply place them in areas where squirrels are known to frequent, such as attics or crawl spaces.

b. Pepper: Squirrels do not like the smell of pepper, so sprinkling cayenne pepper or black pepper around your garden can help to keep them away.

c. Predator urine: Squirrels are afraid of predators, so using predator urine, such as fox or coyote urine, can be an effective way to keep them away. You can purchase predator urine from most outdoor supply stores.

d. Electronic repellents: Electronic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are irritating to squirrels, causing them to flee the area. These devices are available in both battery-operated and solar-powered models.

While repellents can be effective in keeping squirrels away, it is important to note that they may not work for all squirrels. Some squirrels may become accustomed to the repellent over time, and may even find ways to work around it.

See also: How to Stop Cats from Pooping in the Garden

2. Traps:

Another option for getting rid of squirrels is to use traps. There are several types of traps available, including live traps and kill traps. Live traps allow you to capture the squirrel without harming it, while kill traps are designed to kill the squirrel quickly and humanely.

When using traps, it is important to check your local regulations to ensure that you are using them legally. Some states have specific regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife.

If you choose to use traps, be sure to place them in areas where squirrels are known to frequent, such as attics, crawl spaces, or in your garden. It is also important to check the traps regularly, as squirrels can quickly become distressed when trapped, which can lead to injury or death.

3. Seal Entry Points:

One of the best ways to prevent squirrels from entering your home is to seal off all entry points. Squirrels can enter your home through small cracks and gaps, so it is important to inspect your home thoroughly and seal off any potential entry points.

Common entry points for squirrels include:

a. Gaps around windows and doors
b. Cracks in the foundation
c. Vents and chimneys
d. Holes in the roof

To seal off these entry points, you can use materials such as steel wool, mesh wire, or caulk. Be sure to seal off all potential entry points, as squirrels are persistent and will continue to search for a way into your home.

4. Remove Food Sources:

Squirrels are attracted to food sources, so removing these sources can help to discourage them from entering your home and garden. Some common food sources for squirrels are bird feeders, garbage cans, compost bins, fruit trees and vegetable gardens.

To remove these food sources, consider taking the following steps:

a. Store birdseed in airtight containers
b. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
c. Keep compost bins covered
d. Harvest fruits and vegetables

See also: How to Make the Grass Greener in 6 Steps

Originally posted on May 7, 2023 @ 2:55 pm