Squirrels can be a nuisance in gardens and yards, damaging plants and flowers. If you're dealing with an overabundance of squirrels, there are several humane and effective ways to get rid of them. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to deter squirrels from your property.
Squirrels are common backyard visitors, but they can quickly become a nuisance. Not only do they dig up flower bulbs and eat vegetables, but they can also damage trees and shrubs by chewing on bark and leaves. If you're tired of dealing with squirrels, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
Before we dive into the details of squirrel removal, it's important to understand their behavior and habits. Knowing what attracts them to your yard and why they cause damage can help you develop a comprehensive strategy for keeping them away.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Squirrel removal methods vary in effectiveness, cost, and humaneness. Here are 8 important points to consider when choosing a method:
- Exclusion: Block access to food and shelter.
- Repellents: Use scents and tastes squirrels dislike.
- Trapping: Catch and release or euthanize.
- Shooting: Only as a last resort.
- Habitat Modification: Remove attractants.
- Squirrel-proof Feeders: Prevent access to birdseed.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Deter with water.
- Exclusion Fencing: Keep squirrels out of gardens.
By following these tips, you can effectively and humanely get rid of squirrels from your property and prevent them from causing further damage.
Exclusion: Block access to food and shelter.
Exclusion is a humane and effective way to get rid of squirrels by preventing them from accessing the food and shelter they need to survive. This can be done by:
- Seal up holes and gaps in your home and outbuildings: Squirrels can enter your home through even the smallest holes, so it's important to seal up any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, or steel wool to seal up these openings.
- Install squirrel-proof bird feeders: Squirrels love birdseed, so if you have bird feeders in your yard, make sure they are squirrel-proof. Look for feeders that have a weight-activated mechanism that closes the feeder when a squirrel tries to land on it.
- Remove food sources from your yard: Squirrels are also attracted to other food sources, such as fallen fruit, nuts, and pet food. Make sure to clean up any fallen fruit or nuts from your yard, and store pet food in a sealed container.
- Trim tree branches away from your home: Squirrels can use tree branches to access your roof and attic. Trim any branches that are close to your home to make it more difficult for squirrels to reach your property.
By following these tips, you can make your property less attractive to squirrels and encourage them to find food and shelter elsewhere.
Repellents: Use scents and tastes squirrels dislike.
Repellents are another effective way to get rid of squirrels by using scents and tastes that they find unpleasant. There are a variety of commercial squirrel repellents available, or you can make your own using natural ingredients.
- Predator urine: Squirrels are naturally afraid of predators, so the scent of predator urine can be an effective repellent. You can purchase predator urine from a hunting supply store or online.
- Peppermint oil: Squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint, so you can use peppermint oil to repel them. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around the areas where you have seen squirrels.
- Garlic: Garlic is another scent that squirrels find unpleasant. You can plant garlic cloves around your yard or crush garlic cloves and sprinkle them around the perimeter of your property.
- Hot pepper flakes: Squirrels also dislike the taste of hot peppers. You can sprinkle hot pepper flakes around the areas where you have seen squirrels, or you can mix hot pepper flakes with water and spray it on plants and trees.
When using repellents, it's important to reapply them regularly, especially after rain or watering. You may also need to try different repellents to find one that works best for your situation.
Trapping: Catch and release or euthanize.
Trapping is a more direct method of squirrel removal, but it can also be more time-consuming and expensive. If you choose to trap squirrels, it's important to do so humanely and in accordance with local regulations.
There are two main types of squirrel traps: live traps and kill traps. Live traps allow you to catch squirrels without harming them, so you can release them away from your property. Kill traps are designed to kill squirrels quickly and humanely.
If you choose to use a live trap, make sure it is large enough for the squirrel to move around comfortably. Place the trap in an area where you have seen squirrels, and bait it with something they like to eat, such as nuts or seeds. Once the squirrel is in the trap, you can release it in a wooded area away from your home.
If you choose to use a kill trap, make sure it is designed to kill squirrels quickly and humanely. Place the trap in an area where you have seen squirrels, and bait it with something they like to eat. Once the squirrel is in the trap, it will be killed instantly.
It's important to check your traps regularly, especially if you are using live traps. Squirrels can become stressed and injured if they are left in a trap for too long.
Trapping can be an effective way to get rid of squirrels, but it's important to do so humanely and in accordance with local regulations.
Shooting: Only as a last resort.
Shooting squirrels is a controversial method of squirrel removal, and it should only be considered as a last resort. It's important to remember that squirrels are wild animals, and they have a right to life. Shooting squirrels is also illegal in many areas, so it's important to check your local regulations before taking this step.
If you do decide to shoot squirrels, it's important to do so humanely. This means using a firearm that is powerful enough to kill the squirrel instantly. You should also make sure that you are a good shot and that you are shooting in a safe area.
Shooting squirrels can be an effective way to get rid of them, but it's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Shooting squirrels should only be considered as a last resort, after all other methods have failed.
There are a number of reasons why shooting squirrels should only be considered as a last resort. First, it is a cruel and inhumane way to kill an animal. Second, it is often ineffective, as squirrels are very good at avoiding being shot. Third, it can be dangerous, as it is easy to accidentally shoot a person or a pet.
Habitat Modification: Remove attractants.
One of the best ways to get rid of squirrels is to make your property less attractive to them. This means removing any food sources and shelter that they may be using.
- Remove bird feeders: Squirrels love birdseed, so removing bird feeders from your property is a great way to discourage them from visiting. If you must have bird feeders, make sure they are squirrel-proof.
- Clean up fallen fruit and nuts: Squirrels also love to eat fallen fruit and nuts, so it's important to clean these up regularly. You can also pick fruit from your trees before it falls to the ground.
- Store pet food indoors: Squirrels are also attracted to pet food, so make sure to store it indoors in a sealed container.
- Remove clutter from your yard: Squirrels can use clutter, such as piles of leaves or brush, to build nests and hide. Keep your yard clean and free of clutter to make it less attractive to squirrels.
By removing attractants from your property, you can make it less appealing to squirrels and encourage them to find food and shelter elsewhere.
Squirrel-proof Feeders: Prevent access to birdseed.
Squirrel-proof bird feeders are a great way to keep squirrels from eating your birdseed. These feeders are designed with features that make it difficult or impossible for squirrels to access the seed.
- Weight-activated feeders: These feeders close automatically when a squirrel tries to land on them. The weight of the squirrel triggers the feeder to close, preventing the squirrel from getting to the seed.
- Cage feeders: These feeders have a cage around the seed that prevents squirrels from reaching it. Squirrels can't chew through the cage, and they can't fit their paws through the holes to get to the seed.
- Baffles: Baffles are devices that you can attach to your bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up to it. Baffles can be made of metal, plastic, or even old CDs.
- Pole-mounted feeders: Pole-mounted feeders are placed on a pole that is high enough off the ground that squirrels can't reach them. You can also use a squirrel baffle on the pole to prevent squirrels from climbing up.
By using a squirrel-proof bird feeder, you can keep squirrels from eating your birdseed and make your yard more attractive to birds.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Deter with water.
Motion-activated sprinklers are a humane and effective way to deter squirrels from your property. These sprinklers are equipped with a motion sensor that triggers the sprinkler to spray water when it detects movement.
- Choose the right sprinkler: There are a variety of motion-activated sprinklers available, so it's important to choose one that is designed for your specific needs. Consider the size of your property, the range of the sprinkler, and the sensitivity of the motion sensor.
- Place the sprinkler strategically: Place the sprinkler in an area where you have seen squirrels, such as near bird feeders or gardens. You can also place the sprinkler near the entry points to your property, such as driveways or walkways.
- Adjust the settings: Most motion-activated sprinklers allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor and the duration of the spray. Adjust the settings so that the sprinkler will spray for a short period of time when it detects movement.
- Maintain the sprinkler: Keep the sprinkler clean and free of debris. You should also check the batteries regularly and replace them when necessary.
Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to deter squirrels from your property without harming them.
Exclusion Fencing: Keep squirrels out of gardens.
Exclusion fencing is a physical barrier that can be used to keep squirrels out of gardens and other areas of your property. Exclusion fencing can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic.
To be effective, exclusion fencing must be at least 6 feet tall and buried at least 1 foot underground. The fence should also be free of any gaps or holes that squirrels could use to enter the garden.
There are a few different types of exclusion fencing that you can choose from:
- Chain-link fence: Chain-link fence is a popular choice for exclusion fencing because it is strong and durable. However, chain-link fence can be expensive and difficult to install.
- Wood fence: Wood fence is another good option for exclusion fencing. Wood fence is less expensive than chain-link fence and it is easier to install. However, wood fence is not as strong as chain-link fence and it may need to be replaced more often.
- Plastic fence: Plastic fence is a lightweight and inexpensive option for exclusion fencing. However, plastic fence is not as strong as chain-link fence or wood fence and it may need to be replaced more often.
Once you have chosen the type of exclusion fencing that you want to use, you will need to install it around the perimeter of your garden. Be sure to bury the fence at least 1 foot underground and to seal any gaps or holes.
Exclusion fencing can be an effective way to keep squirrels out of your garden and protect your plants.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of squirrels:
Question 1: What is the most effective way to get rid of squirrels?
Answer: The most effective way to get rid of squirrels is to use a combination of methods, such as exclusion, repellents, and trapping.
Question 2: How can I prevent squirrels from entering my home?
Answer: You can prevent squirrels from entering your home by sealing up any holes or gaps around doors, windows, and vents. You can also install squirrel-proof bird feeders and remove any food sources from your yard.
Question 3: What is the best way to repel squirrels?
Answer: There are a variety of repellents that you can use to repel squirrels, such as predator urine, peppermint oil, garlic, and hot pepper flakes.
Question 4: Is it legal to trap and release squirrels?
Answer: The legality of trapping and releasing squirrels varies from state to state. Be sure to check your local regulations before trapping and releasing squirrels.
Question 5: Can I shoot squirrels in my yard?
Answer: Shooting squirrels is only recommended as a last resort. It is important to remember that squirrels are wild animals and they have a right to life. Shooting squirrels is also illegal in many areas, so it is important to check your local regulations before doing so.
Question 6: How can I keep squirrels out of my garden?
Answer: You can keep squirrels out of your garden by installing exclusion fencing, using repellents, and removing any food sources from your garden.
Question 7: What should I do if I have a squirrel infestation?
Answer: If you have a squirrel infestation, you should contact a professional pest control company. A pest control company will be able to safely and effectively remove the squirrels from your property.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to get rid of squirrels. If you have any other questions, be sure to consult a pest control professional.
Now that you know how to get rid of squirrels, here are a few tips to help you keep them away for good:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you keep squirrels away from your property for good:
Tip 1: Keep your yard clean and free of clutter. Squirrels are attracted to clutter, such as piles of leaves, brush, and old furniture. Keep your yard clean and free of clutter to make it less attractive to squirrels.
Tip 2: Remove all food sources. Squirrels are attracted to food, so it is important to remove all food sources from your property. This includes birdseed, pet food, fallen fruit, and nuts.
Tip 3: Seal up any holes or gaps in your home. Squirrels can enter your home through even the smallest holes or gaps. Seal up any holes or gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents to prevent squirrels from getting inside.
Tip 4: Install squirrel-proof bird feeders. If you have bird feeders in your yard, make sure they are squirrel-proof. Squirrel-proof bird feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed.
Tip 5: Use repellents. There are a variety of repellents that you can use to repel squirrels, such as predator urine, peppermint oil, garlic, and hot pepper flakes. Apply repellents to areas where you have seen squirrels, such as around bird feeders and gardens.
Tip 6: Consider exclusion fencing. If you have a squirrel problem, you may want to consider installing exclusion fencing. Exclusion fencing is a physical barrier that can be used to keep squirrels out of your yard and garden.
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By following these tips, you can help to keep squirrels away from your property and prevent them from causing damage to your plants, flowers, and trees.
Now that you have learned how to get rid of squirrels and how to keep them away, you can enjoy your yard and garden without having to worry about these pesky rodents.
Conclusion
Squirrels can be a nuisance in gardens and yards, but there are a number of humane and effective ways to get rid of them. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can keep squirrels away from your property and prevent them from causing damage.
Here is a summary of the main points:
- Exclusion is a key part of squirrel control. Seal up holes and gaps in your home and outbuildings, and install squirrel-proof bird feeders.
- Repellents can also be effective in deterring squirrels. Try using predator urine, peppermint oil, garlic, or hot pepper flakes.
- Trapping can be an option for removing squirrels from your property, but it is important to do so humanely and in accordance with local regulations.
- Shooting squirrels should only be considered as a last resort, as it is a cruel and inhumane way to kill an animal.
- Habitat modification can also help to discourage squirrels from visiting your property. Remove food sources and shelter, and keep your yard clean and free of clutter.
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With a little effort, you can get rid of squirrels and keep them away from your property for good. Remember to be humane in your approach, and always follow local regulations when dealing with wildlife.