How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Squirrels are cute, but they can be a big problem when they get into your garden or attic. Blair Calder, the founder of Automatic Trap Company Inc., says taking away their food is the best way to keep them away.
It’s important to know how squirrels act to find the best way to get rid of them. They can really hurt your property. Their presence can also cause a lot of noise and damage.
Using humane ways to control squirrels is becoming more popular. It’s a kind and effective way to deal with squirrel problems. By trying these methods, you can solve squirrel issues safely and well.
Key Takeaways
- Removing food sources is a key step in keeping squirrels away.
- Knowing how squirrels behave helps pick the best removal method.
- Humane squirrel control is good for the environment and works well.
- Trimming tree limbs can stop squirrels from getting into homes.
- Some plants can keep squirrels away, making a natural barrier.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior and Habits
To manage squirrel issues, knowing their behavior and where they live is key. Squirrels are active during the day and sleep at night. They make nests in trees using leaves and twigs.
Common Squirrel Species in the United States
The U.S. has many squirrel types, like the eastern gray and fox squirrel. These are very agile and can adapt well.
They live in both cities and countryside. You can spot them by their fur colors and patterns.
Why Squirrels Become a Nuisance
Squirrels can be a problem when they share space with humans. They might damage buildings, wiring, and gardens by gnawing.
They can also spread diseases, which is a health risk.
Seasonal Patterns in Squirrel Activity
Squirrels change their behavior and diet with the seasons. In spring and summer, they eat insects, nuts, and fruits. Fall is for nuts and seeds as they get ready for winter.
In winter, they might eat tree bark. This can harm the trees.
Signs of a Squirrel Problem
Spotting a squirrel problem early is key to avoid big damage to your home. Squirrels can harm your home’s structure and even pose health risks. Knowing the signs of their presence helps you act fast.
Visual Evidence of Squirrel Presence
Looking for visual signs is a simple way to check for squirrels. You might see:
- Squirrel droppings or urine stains in attics or crawl spaces
- Nests or bedding made of insulation, leaves, or other materials
- Sightings of squirrels during the day, entering or exiting your home
Property Damage Caused by Squirrels
Squirrels can damage your property a lot, including:
- Chewed wires, which can cause electrical problems or fires
- Damaged siding, roofing, or other exterior parts
- Destroyed gardens or landscaping from foraging
Health and Safety Concerns
Squirrels can also be a health and safety risk, including:
- Diseases like leptospirosis from their droppings or urine
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites in your home
- Potential for squirrel bites or attacks if they feel threatened
Preventive Measures to Keep Squirrels Away
Stopping squirrels before they become a problem is key. Knowing their habits and acting early can help a lot. This way, homeowners can lower the chance of squirrel problems.
Landscape Modifications
Changing your yard can help keep squirrels away. Cut tree branches near your house to stop squirrels from jumping on your roof. Also, keep your yard clean to discourage squirrels from living there.
Securing Your Home’s Exterior
It’s important to make your home’s outside secure. Check for holes or gaps and seal them to keep squirrels out. Putting on chimney caps and vent guards also helps. For more tips on getting squirrels out of your attic, see this guide.
Food Source Management
It’s vital to manage food sources to keep squirrels away. Remove or secure food like bird feeders and garden food.
Bird Feeder Solutions
Use bird feeders that squirrels can’t get into. You can find feeders that close when a squirrel tries to get in. This stops squirrels from eating the bird food.
Garden Protection Strategies
To protect your garden, use fencing or repellents. Fencing should be 3 feet high and go 12 inches underground to stop burrowing. You can also use homemade repellents with hot peppers or garlic.
Natural Squirrel Deterrents
Using natural squirrel deterrents is a good way to protect your property. It doesn’t harm the environment. You can use these methods alone or together to keep squirrels away.
Plant-Based Repellents
Some plants can keep squirrels away because of their strong smells or taste. Daffodils, hyacinths, and marigolds are good examples. Planting these in your garden or around your home can help keep squirrels away.
Predator Urine and Other Scent Deterrents
Predator urine, like coyote or fox urine, can scare squirrels. Squirrels smell well and will stay away from places with predator smells. Hot pepper sprays or commercial repellents can also work.
Motion-Activated Devices
Motion-activated devices can also scare squirrels. They startle squirrels when they enter a certain area.
Sprinklers and Water Devices
Motion-activated sprinklers can scare squirrels with sudden water bursts. This is great for protecting gardens and plants.
Sound and Light Deterrents
Some devices make sounds or lights that squirrels don’t like. Ultrasonic devices, for example, make sounds that humans can’t hear but squirrels find unpleasant.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels Using Repellents
Squirrel repellents can help manage squirrel problems. They keep squirrels away from gardens, attics, and homes.
Commercial Squirrel Repellent Products
Many commercial squirrel repellents are available. They come as sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Always choose products safe for pets and kids.
Some repellents use predator urine or hot peppers. Shake-Away’s Squirrel Repellent is a natural option that works well.
DIY Squirrel Repellent Recipes
DIY repellents are a cost-effective choice. You can use hot peppers, garlic, and vinegar.
Mix hot sauce with water to spray around your garden or home. Hot peppers keep squirrels away without harm. Try water and vinegar in a spray bottle too.
Application Techniques and Frequency
Using repellents right is key to success. Follow the instructions for commercial products.
For DIY, apply the repellent evenly. Reapply after rain or as the product says. Check and reapply as needed to keep it working.
Humane Trapping and Relocation Methods
Homeowners facing squirrel problems can use humane trapping and relocation. This method catches squirrels alive and moves them to better places. These places are far from homes.
Selecting the Right Trap
Choosing the right trap is key for humane trapping. Live traps, or cage traps, catch squirrels safely. Think about the squirrel’s size and where you’ll put the trap.
Effective Baiting Strategies
Baiting is very important for humane trapping. Squirrels love nuts, seeds, and fruits. Peanut butter is also great because of its smell and taste. Place the bait so the squirrel goes all the way into the trap.
Safe Handling and Relocation Practices
After catching a squirrel, handle it gently. Wear gloves and cover the trap with a cloth to calm it. Always follow local rules for where to release the squirrel, far from homes.
State Regulations on Wildlife Relocation
Knowing and following state rules on wildlife relocation is important. Some states need permits for certain species. Others have rules on where and how to release animals.
Humane Treatment Requirements
It’s not just right, but often required by law to treat trapped squirrels humanely. This means giving them food, water, and shelter. Also, make sure the release is done safely.
Exclusion Techniques for Long-Term Control
To keep squirrels away for good, you need a solid plan. This plan includes finding and blocking all entry spots. It also means keeping these blocks in place to keep squirrels out.
Identifying and Sealing Entry Points
Start by checking your home’s outside for any holes or gaps. Squirrels can fit through tiny openings. So, seal any hole bigger than a quarter inch with strong stuff like steel wool or caulk.
Look closely at vents, chimneys, and roof edges. These spots are often where squirrels sneak in.
Installing Barriers and Guards
After sealing holes, put up barriers to keep squirrels out. You can use different methods based on your home’s needs.
Chimney Caps and Roof Vents
Chimney caps and roof vents need special attention. You can buy caps with screens to let gases out but keep squirrels out. Cover roof vents with metal screens or hardware cloth. For DIY tips, check out DIY pest control tips online.
Tree Guards and Barriers
Use tree guards to stop squirrels from jumping to your roof. These are metal and go around the tree trunk. They keep squirrels from climbing up. This stops them from getting to your roof and finding ways into your home.
Maintenance to Prevent Re-entry
Exclusion work needs to be done over and over. Check your home’s outside often, after bad weather, to fix any damage. This keeps your home squirrel-free for a long time.
By using these exclusion methods and keeping up with them, you can keep squirrels out for good. This protects your home and keeps you and your family safe from squirrel problems.
When to Call Professional Squirrel Removal Services
If squirrels keep coming back, it’s time to call the pros. DIY methods work for small problems. But big infestations need expert help.
Signs That DIY Methods Aren’t Working
Trying DIY and squirrels keep coming? It’s time for a pro. Look out for these signs:
- Property damage, like chewed wires or insulation damage.
- Seeing squirrels during the day, when they’re most active.
- Noise from walls or attic, like scratching or scurrying.
What to Expect from Professional Services
Professional services solve squirrel problems for good. Here’s what you get:
- A detailed check of your home to find entry points and squirrel spots.
- Safe trapping and removal of squirrels.
- Sealing entry points to stop future problems.
- Advice on how to keep squirrels away.
Cost Considerations for Professional Removal
Professional squirrel removal costs vary. It depends on the infestation size, property size, and services needed. Expect to pay $200 to $500 on average. It’s a good investment for a squirrel-free home.
Conclusion
To get rid of squirrels, you need to understand their behavior and secure your property. Use a mix of deterrents and exclusion methods. Spotting squirrel signs early helps prevent damage and health risks.
A good squirrel removal plan includes changing your yard, securing your home, and managing food. Use repellents or humane traps if needed. For tough cases, exclusion methods and professional help can solve the problem.
Keeping squirrels away is a continuous effort. Stay alert and keep up with maintenance. Follow this guide to protect your home and live safely.
FAQ
Q: What are the most effective squirrel repellents?
A: Commercial products with predator urine or hot peppers work well. DIY options like garlic, hot sauce, or soap also help. Plants like daffodils, lavender, and mint can keep squirrels away.
Q: How can I prevent squirrels from entering my home?
A: Seal all holes and gaps around vents, chimneys, and doors. Use barriers like hardware cloth or metal flashing. Trim tree branches to block access.
Q: What are the signs of a squirrel infestation?
A: Look for droppings or nests, chewed wires or wood, and contaminated food or insulation. These are signs of squirrels in your home.
Q: How do I humanely trap and relocate squirrels?
A: Choose a humane trap and bait it with food. Handle the squirrel carefully. Release it in a safe place, following local rules and humane standards.
Q: What are some natural squirrel deterrents?
A: Use plants, predator urine, and motion-activated devices to keep squirrels away. These methods are safe and don’t harm the animals.
Q: When should I call a professional for squirrel removal?
A: Call a professional if DIY methods fail or if you’re not comfortable with wildlife. They offer safe and humane services.
Q: How can I squirrel-proof my bird feeders?
A: Use squirrel-resistant feeders and install baffles or cones. Place feeders at least 10 feet away from structures that squirrels can jump from.
Q: What are some effective squirrel exclusion methods?
A: Find and seal entry points. Install barriers like hardware cloth or metal flashing. Keep these measures up to keep squirrels out.
Q: Can I use mothballs to repel squirrels?
A: Mothballs can repel squirrels but are not recommended. They are toxic and can be harmful. Choose safer, humane options instead.
Q: How can I keep squirrels out of my garden?
A: Use fencing or row covers to block access. Plant squirrel-resistant crops. Remove attractants like fallen fruit or bird seed.