How to Get Rid of Squirrels

Squirrels. They seem cute, right? But they can be a real pain when they move onto your property. They can get into your bird feeders, tear up your garden, even build nests in your attic! And chewing on wires? Yikes! So, what can you do? This guide will walk you through some simple ways to keep squirrels away. We'll talk about squirrel traps, natural tricks, and even when to call in the pros. Let's get started!

Understanding Squirrels

First things first. You need to know what you're dealing with. Not all squirrels are the same. And how bad the problem is will change what you need to do.

Who's the Culprit?

Knowing which type of squirrel you're dealing with helps. Here are a few common ones:

• Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): The classic gray squirrel. You've probably seen tons of these.
• Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus): Smaller and reddish-brown. Often found in forests.
• Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger): Bigger than gray squirrels, with a long tail. Likes open woods.
• Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans & Glaucomys sabrinus): They glide! Usually out at night. Less likely to cause trouble, but can nest in attics.

Knowing the type of squirrel? It helps you understand their habits. That's key for good squirrel control!

What's the Damage?

Next, take a look around. What have they been up to? Look for:

• Gnawed wires: This is a big deal! Could cause a fire.
• Damaged siding or roof: They might be trying to get inside.
• Empty bird feeders and ruined gardens: Obvious, right?
• Nests in your attic or chimney: They've moved in!
• Droppings and pee: Not clean! Can attract other critters.

Figuring out how much damage there is helps you decide what to do next for squirrel control.

Humane Ways to Handle Squirrels

We want to be nice to the little guys, right? Here are some ways to get rid of them without hurting them.

Trapping Squirrels: A Kind Way Out

Squirrel traps can be a good way to catch and move squirrels. Here's what to think about:

• What kind of trap? Live traps are best. Get one that's about 15-20 inches long.
• What to use for bait? Peanut butter, nuts, seeds, or fruit work well.
• Where to put it? Put the trap where you see squirrels. Near where they're getting in, or where they're eating.
• Check it often! Check the trap twice a day. You don't want the squirrel stuck in there for too long.

Caught one? Great! Now, take it at least 5 miles away and let it go in a good spot. A park or forest would work. Check with your local animal control first about where is best.

Keeping Them Out: Exclusion

After you get rid of the squirrels, keep them out! Seal up any holes they could use to get back in.

• Seal up holes: Use caulk, steel wool, or metal to close any openings in your house.
• Fix damaged spots: Replace any siding or roofing that's damaged.
• Cover your chimney: Put a cap on it to keep squirrels out.
• Trim branches: Cut back any branches that reach your roof. Squirrels use these like highways.

Keeping them out is super important for good squirrel control!

Scaring Them Away: Repellents

You can also use things that squirrels don't like to keep them away.

• Store-bought repellents: These have stuff in them that squirrels hate, like chili pepper.
• Natural repellents: You can use stuff you already have at home!
  • Cayenne pepper: Sprinkle it around your plants.
  • Garlic: Plant it in your garden, or make a garlic spray.
  • Peppermint oil: Put some on cotton balls where squirrels hang out.

Repellents work best when you use them with traps and exclusion for squirrel control.

Simple Home Solutions

Want to try some simple, cheap tricks? These home remedies might help if you don't have a huge squirrel problem. Let's dive into some home remedies!

Protecting Your Garden

Squirrels love to eat your plants. Here's how to fight back:

• Netting: Cover your plants with netting. They can't get through!
• Fencing: Build a fence around your garden. Make it at least 2 feet high, and bury it a bit so they can't dig under.
• Plant the right things: Squirrels don't like marigolds, daffodils, or mint. Plant these around your garden.
• Give them food somewhere else: Put nuts and seeds in a spot away from your garden. Maybe they'll leave your plants alone!

Saving Your Bird Feeders

Squirrels are birdseed thieves! Here's how to stop them:

• Squirrel-proof feeders: These feeders are made so squirrels can't get to the seed.
• Baffles: Put a baffle above or below the feeder. Squirrels can't climb or jump over them.
• Safflower seed: Birds like it, but squirrels usually don't.
• Where you put it: Put the feeder in an open spot, away from trees. Harder for squirrels to reach.

When to Call the Pros

Sometimes, you need help. If you have a lot of squirrels, or they're causing serious damage, call a pest control company. It might be time to call a pest control expert if:

• Too many squirrels: A pro can handle big problems.
• Can't find where they're getting in: Pros know where to look.
• Don't want to deal with squirrels: It's okay to not want to trap them!
• Worried about germs: Squirrels can carry diseases.
• Nothing else has worked: Time for the big guns.

Make sure the pest control company is licensed and knows how to deal with squirrels. And that they're kind to animals!

Keeping Them Away for Good

Got rid of them? Great! Now, keep them from coming back.

• Keep your yard clean: Mow the lawn, trim trees, and get rid of piles of stuff.
• Store food right: Keep pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
• Clean up spills: Don't leave food or drinks out.
• Check your house: Look for chewed wires or damaged spots. Fix them fast!
• Think about preventative services: Some pest control companies can help keep squirrels away.

In Conclusion

Keeping squirrels away takes work. But you can do it! Know your enemy, be kind, and keep at it. Use squirrel traps carefully. Try natural home remedies. And call a pro if you need to for pest control. You can have a squirrel-free home!