How to Get Rid of Squirrels

How to Get Rid of Squirrels: A Simple Guide

Squirrels are cute in the park, right? But not so much when they're chewing up your house! They're a real nuisance. This guide helps you get rid of them, humanely.

Why are Squirrels Invading My House?

Before we tackle solutions, let's figure out why they're here. It's usually one (or more!) of these things:

• Easy Food: Bird feeders? Uncovered trash? Pet food? They're like a squirrel buffet!
• Cozy Homes: Attics, chimneys – squirrels love a good hiding spot.
• No Predators: In cities, they don't have many natural enemies.
• The Weather: Cold weather? Raising babies? They need shelter.

Getting Rid of Squirrels: It's a Team Effort

Getting rid of squirrels isn't a one-trick pony. We need a plan with a few different steps. It depends on how bad the problem is.

1. Preventative Measures: Make Your Home Less Appealing

The best way to deal with squirrels is to keep them away in the first place. Here's how:

• Secure Food: Keep pet food inside. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. Clean up dropped fruit ASAP.
• Seal Up Cracks: Check your house for any holes. Use steel wool, caulk, or mesh to block them.
• Trim Trees: Keep branches away from your house. Squirrels use them as ladders!
• Clean Up: Remove piles of wood and other debris. Less hiding spots mean less squirrels.

2. Deterrents: "Get Lost!"

Okay, so they're already in your house. Now let's scare them away.

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: A quick spray of water can really surprise them!
• Ultrasonic Repellents: These make high-pitched noises squirrels hate (but you can't hear). They might work.
• Store-Bought Repellents: There are sprays and other things you can buy. Results vary.
• Natural Repellents: Some people use peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or even predator urine. I've never tried it.
• Physical Barriers: Wire mesh around vents or gardens can work wonders.

3. Trapping and Removal: The Last Resort

If nothing else works, you might need to trap them. Important: Do this humanely and legally! Check your local laws.

1. Live Traps: These catch squirrels without hurting them. Release them far away (at least 10 miles!). Never release them near someone else's house.
2. One-Way Doors: Let them in, but not out! They'll eventually leave.

4. Call the Pros: When You Need Help

A big infestation? Not comfortable with traps? Call a pest control company. They know what they're doing.

Home Remedies: Worth a Try?

Some people have luck with these. But remember, they're not always effective:

• Peppermint Oil: The strong smell might keep them away.
• Cayenne Pepper: Spicy and smelly – squirrels hate it!
• Predator Urine: Smells like danger to a squirrel. But it might not smell great to you either.

Important: These home remedies might need to be reapplied often. For serious problems, they might not work at all.

Fixing the Damage

Once the squirrels are gone, you'll probably need to do some repairs:

• Fix holes in your walls.
• Clean up droppings.
• Check your wiring and insulation.

For big repairs, call a contractor.

Preventing Future Problems

Keep those squirrels away for good! Keep checking for holes, keep food secure, and keep your yard tidy.

What's the Best Approach?

It depends! Start simple with prevention and deterrents. If needed, move on to trapping or call a pro. Always be humane and follow the law.

With a little effort, you can keep your home squirrel-free!