The best way to remove squirrels is to use a live trap, such as this one from Gingbau. [8] Plus, a dome baffle also provides extra protection from weather and predators to helpless birds. Bear in mind that such treatments must be reapplied after every rainfall. Motion-sensor floodlights may not be as effective as sprinklers or ultrasonic speakers, but they should work similarly. They invade homes, eat vegetation, and ultimately destroy landscaping. Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. To keep squirrels from digging up plants and showing up in the yard, set the soaked cotton near bird feeders, trash cans, around your gardens, and any other area where you notice squirrel activity and replace them as needed. In lieu of protecting your flower beds with chicken wire, consider planting strategically placed daffodils. For larger openings, you may need to complete repairs or cover them with screen or new siding in order to remove entry points. Motion-activated strobe lights are popular choices for people with a squirrel infestation as well. If you have a squirrel problem, you may also want to consider trapping and relocating them. Placing peanut butter in the traps lures the squirrels inside. Some things you can use as bait include simple household products you may already have. Sprinkle it around the outside of the house, especially at points of entry. Set up the bait and check on the trap at least twice a day until you catch the squirrel. Squirrels are usually drawn up high to attics because they are accessible to trees. 7. Note that some of the heaviest regulations pertain to the use of rodenticides. Keep your trash cans sealed so they wont attract the squirrels to your house. They get in by simply pushing on the glass in that case. The same spray mixes that are used by gardeners to protect plants and buried bulbs from being consumed by rabbits, squirrels, and woodchucks may also work to chase squirrels out of an attic or other indoor space. Fox squirrels build their nests during summer and endure the winter inside trees. A live trap is a humane way to remove squirrels from your home and transport them to another location. By Bob Vila | Updated Dec 9, 2020 10:16 AM. Cats and Dogs will keep squirrels away. It needs to be relocated at least 5-10 miles away, or it will return. Squirrels are agile rodents found on every continent except Antarctica. Use a chimney cap if the squirrels are getting in through the chimney. Don't take any risks when chasing or trying to catch squirrels. There are many commercial squirrel-proof feeders, but there are a few things to try with your existing feeder to make it difficult for squirrels to feast on the seeds. Sealing off all entry points to the inside of your house is the only way to keep them out. To use these poisons, you usually just need to leave them out with bait to disguise the smell. As they move about, they can even harbor infected fleas and ticks that may transfer diseases. No spam! Make sure that there is no debris or old food residue in your attic or basement. These critters also cause chaos in your yard by digging in the garden, making a mess of trash cans, and eating all of the sunflower seeds and other birdseed in your backyard feeders, leaving little to nothing for the birds. 6. These are humane cages that capture the pest and keep it until you decode what to do. Keep a dog. They dart across the street, scurry up trees, and claw their way through small openings in homes and buildings. Squirrels are very skittish, which means you can repel them easily without using substances. Wrap sufficiently tall strips of PVC (designed for fences) around the trunks of fruit trees to keep squirrels from climbing them. Get a FREE Quote & BEST PRICE from a local exterminator. These rodents are incredibly territorial and usually get aggressive when defending baby squirrels. Take a walk around your house and look for any potential entrance points, such as a foundation fracture, a hole in the screen door, or water-damaged eaves. Buying a squirrel baffle is one way to make scoring food more of a challenge for them if you still enjoy having birds around your property. This is a pretty simple process! Bob Vila, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Dos and Don'ts of Air-Drying Everything You Own, 5 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Concreteand 1 Easy Fix, 25 Illuminating Lighting Ideas for a Beautiful Kitchen. While some homeowners choose to spray repellent near entry points to the attic, others go a step further and apply it directly to bulbs before planting. The best way to remove squirrels is to use a live trap, such as this one from Gingbau. While these animals are widely tolerated, even admired in their outdoor habitat, make no mistakethese rodents are closely related to rats and mice, and if they infest your home, they can be even more damaging. Most squirrel traps allow you to catch and release the squirrels, but there are also spring traps that will kill them. But remember cayenne and chilli do hurt them. If pesky adult squirrels refuse to leave the attic, you may have a nest of babies that is preventing the adults from abandoning the house. Garlic does more than keep mythical creatures away. If you sprinkle cayenne pepper along the nuts and fruits that squirrels are eating, theyll stay away once they get a taste or whiff. Continuous sound, bright light, and certain smells will also deter squirrels from entering an attic in the first place. Keeping squirrels away from your shrubs and fruit trees. While their diet usually consists of seeds, nuts, insects, bird eggs and fruits, theyre also attracted to pungent smells and much of the waste that you throw in your trash. Traps designed specifically for squirrels are tube-shaped, however, regular cage traps can be effective, too. The best way to get rid of squirrels naturally? Make sure that your squirrel repellent is natural and safe for your family and pets as well as effective. Although a squirrel attack doesnt seem like an immediate cause for concern, some have rabies and spread diseases. Keep grills and barbecues clean. Add of the small 2 oz bottle (1 oz) hot sauce into the water (or 2 Tablespoons if using a larger bottle) Add 3 drops dish soap. If you suspect you have a nest of baby squirrels in your attic, you may need to consult a professional to relocate them. Depending on where you release them, you could be putting the squirrels in danger or subjecting someone else to an infestation. Squirrels are intriguing with their high-wire acrobats, tree branch leaping, and quirky behavior. You can also apply a peppermint spray to repel squirrels near potential attic entries as well. Once youve raked or trimmed trees and bushes, dispose of them or move them away from the building until you can. Another deterrent is peppermint oil, which turns off squirrels. Remove any pets from the room where the squirrel is running or hiding. Second, take a sniff. Counterintuitive as it may seem to feed the animals youre trying to get rid of, setting up a new feeder full of nuts can lure them away from your garden or house. Place 24-inch long wire or cage traps with at least a 9-inch by 9-inch opening around your home to trap squirrels that are chewing on your siding. Look for tracks around the chimney, inspect the attic for nests, and check the foundation and exterior for holes. A dog or cat will discourage the squirrels from coming too close to your house. Squirrels enter your home for the same reasons as mice, rats, and other rodents: They are seeking food, warm shelter, and nesting areas. If you arent sure, its always better to ask. Another popular and effective method of how to keep squirrels out of your house is using live traps. If your feeder is perched on top of a pole, smear olive oil around the base, making the climb more difficult. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews; Try a single issue or save on a subscription; Issues delivered straight to your door or device Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. Remember: squirrels can be active carriers of tiny pests that spread disease. Scare squirrels using a plastic owl Placing a plastic owl on your fence post or the roof may help scare squirrels away from your yard. 1 teaspoon mild liquid dishwashing detergent. One of the best ways you can use a sprinkler is by attaching a motion sensor. They may do this naturally in a few weeks when they are old enough to move around with the mother. You will need to reapply if it rains. Over time, the squirrel urine will become detectable. Use a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below a bird table to prevent squirrels climbing up it. When your concoction is ready, you can then go about spraying the impacted areas. Close spray bottle and gently shake. Here at Pest Push, we publish detailed guides on dealing with various household and yard pests. While not known to be troublemakers for most homeowners, these squirrels can get inside your home through small openings. JT Eaton 166004 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait, Peanut Butter Flavor, for Mice and Cole's FS16 Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce, 16-Ounce. Currently, she is a professor of Horticulture, an Education Specialist, and pest specialist. Unfortunately, this means that these critters often take over your backyard and even try to nest in your home. Following some easy steps will keep your home free of squirrels and other pests: If you have a squirrel problem, chances are that your yard is a source for easy-to-reach snacks. Each time the squirrels make their way across your grass, they trigger the sprinklers, which startles them into fleeing. The birds will still eat the peppered seed, but the squirrels don't like the spiciness. Where allowed, some exterminators may use spring traps that kill the squirrels. Or, you can use a spice from your kitchen, like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes (or a combination!). Scare squirrels off with water. Look for more entry points. If they are lucky enough to find their way inside through a broken chimney cap or damaged soffits, they build nests, and the number of squirrels multiplies. Squirrels often travel by tree branches and any that touch your house provide the perfect bridge. Bites or scratches are possible, so use care if you are trying to chase a squirrel or when trying to release one you have caught. Avoid spraying the liquid directly on your favorite plants to prevent harming them. This is a completely non-toxic way to make keep squirrels away from plants, and the netting is easy to use and cost-effective. If youre dealing with any poisons, bait or traps, always be sure to read the instructions completely before using them to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Havahart 1077 Small Professional Style One-Door Animal Trap for Squirrel, Rabbit, Skunk, and Mink. Now what? You can reclaim your house from a squirrel invasion! Check the regulations in your area. Do not feed squirrels or provide easy food sources like open garbage cans. It's a good idea if you have a food or flower garden. Squirrels typically go through two breeding cycles a year in late winter and early spring, and a nest of squirrels in your attic, walls, or rafters can do substantial damage as they gnaw through insulation, wood, or even electrical wires and plumbing pipes. Fortunately, there are many humane and safe ways to keep squirrels at bay. Now that your house is squirrel-free, you want to keep it that way. Cayenne or Chili Pepper Mix. A bite or scratch can become infected or lead to transmission of a viral disease. A live trap is often made of wire mesh with a one-way door. Periodically wash out your cans in order to remove residue and odors. If you do have plants and trees that serve as food sources for squirrels, your solution isnt as simple. If you do hire an exterminator, specify if you wish for the animals to be live-trapped only. These hidden squirrels will be very hard to get rid of without the tools and materials used by professionals. Make sure you rake up anything that will attract squirrels. If they gain entry to the interior of your home, they will claw or chew at electrical wiring and wooden supports, leading to structural damage or even a power outage. 9. This is not only illegal but cruel, as these larger rodents may incur serious internal but nonfatal damage from consuming rat baits. Audubon Clear Squirrel Baffle. For that reason alone, putting aside all ethical questions, its recommended that you rely solely on nontoxic control methods. Whether squirrels have been able to find food on your property or not, theyll also be looking for water. You caught a squirrel! It wont necessarily stop more from entering your home in the future, but it is one way to solve the problem at present. They will lose interest in your home! If you seal them in the attic, and their mother is outside, she will do just about anything to get back into your house and to her babies. Its also one of the many natural ways to repel squirrels, especially when combined with white vinegar. But they can wreak havoc within the walls, crawl spaces, and attics of homes in search of shelter. Set up a tasty, squirrel buffet in your yard far, far away from your house. Note that poisons can be pungent and dangerous to use if you have children or pets. Squirrels hate the scent of these stinky balls more than we do and avoid areas wherever they smell them and seek out better places to call home. The same poison baits used for rats are sometimes mistakenly used to try to kill squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents. Theyre triggered by motion sensor and set off a noise that is inaudible to the human ear highly irritating to squirrels. Carefully release any squirrel you have caught into the yard outside your home. If you had squirrels in your home, once theyre out, call an electrician to inspect your wiring. Theyll develop effective strategies toward eradicating squirrels on a daily basis. Be careful if you decide to go heavy on the spray. Bed Bugs: How to Spot the Difference, The 9 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders of 2023, 7 Simple Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden, Safe, Easy Tips to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders, How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Without Harming Them, How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders in Your Home, Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Tree Squirrels. While its tempting to allow these furry rodents around for entertainment, doing so often causes more harm than you realize, especially if you have more squirrels hanging around than you first thought. This liquid is also a great repellent for keeping pests away. Spray liberally on any garden vegetables or flowers. When tree cover isnt available for a habitat, gray squirrels will seek out telephone poles and roof lines. Garlic and vinegar spray (hard surfaces) Apple cider vinegar spray (hard surfaces) Motion detector lights. The moment any kind of motion is detected by the sensor, the sprinklers turn on, and stop as soon as they sense inactivity. If not going to go great heights in search of food, squirrels are just as likely to dig for it. If it doesnt immediately work, try using different types of feed to see what they like best. Take the necessary measures to eliminate as much water as possible within your yard, or youll be creating a type of oasis for squirrels and many other types of pests. There are multiple ways to deter squirrels by exposing them to the following: Fumigation Fumigate at least 20 inches deep a burrow. But hanging squirrel baffles also work great as a weather dome for your bird feeders, which means they help keep your birdseed dry from rain, snow, and other sorts of gross weather. 2. Spritz the repellent on stakes around your garden, fences, garbage cans, bird feeders, and all other areas where these sneaky animals cause problems. Keep in mind that no repellent is 100% effective to a determined squirrel. Set up a motion sensor sprinkler system on your lawn. Apple cider vinegar has a pungent smell that many people despise, and squirrels are averse to it as well. The first solution to try is to make it easy for the squirrel to find the exit. Try to take it away once your pets have finished eating, or seal it up while its not in use. They can lash out if they feel threatened. Squirrels are prevalent in many regions of the U.S. There are also ethical questions that arise when using poisons, especially with ones like strychnine that cause the animal to be in pain and experience seizures and tremors until it dies. What do I do with a trapped, live squirrel? Dice a garlic clove into pieces and add it to a cup of water and vinegar in a jar. Once that introductory period has passed, be sure to check the trap twice daily. Because they forage for fungi, seeds, nuts and fruits, they can damage your garden by pulling up roots and continuously knocking over or emptying out your bird feeders. Squirrels definitely pose a danger to your home. Squirrels hate the bitter taste, while the birds are not bothered. First, listen carefully. 6. In others, though, trapping a live animal and moving it off your property is actually illegal: Research your local regulations before taking action. None of these methods will kill or harm squirrels but a combination of the methods will deter them. If you can, it is best to wait until the babies grow enough to leave on their own. Triggered by motion, these electronic devices emit a high-pitched sound that is inaudible to humans but very irritating to squirrels and other rodents. Trapping squirrels So, occasionally trimming the trees in your backyard can be helpful. Squirrels dislike Daffodils, Geraniums, and Lily of the Valley. Be careful while misting the vinegar around plants since it damages the leaves. Squirrels cannot jump more than seven feet from a tree, five feet from the ground, and avoid dropping more than nine feet off a feeder. They are also master chewers and can chew through drywall, insulation, and plywood. Birds dont mind these seeds, but squirrels hate them, so you can mix them into your bird seed to prevent squirrels from snacking. Weve also developed a list of. How to Get Rid of Mice in Your Home Naturally, Bat Bugs vs. ACV is readily available and can be sprayed directly on the plants and flower pots without harming them. Remove Food Source Around Your House. Step 3: Building the Frame. 2. Predator scents are also availableand can be sprayed throughout your yard. Keeping the squirrel population in check is much easier to do when you give them something to be scared about. The strong smell of ammonia will irritate the squirrels and make them view the attic as a bad place to nest. If you have trees close to your home, squirrels can easily jump from the tree to your house. There are more than 30 species of tree-dwelling squirrels, rodents in the Sciurini subfamily. For small holes, aerosol foam works well to fill and block openings. While using a repellent is an effective way to keep out squirrels, there are additional methods to prevent them from returning once they regain courage. Squirrels can squeeze through a gap as small as 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to enter your home. . There are five effective methods: trapping, placing poisonous baits, fumigation, and repelling them using liquid solutions or electronic deterrents. Rap on the ceiling, walls, or rafters; talk or yell loudly; bang pans; or turn on a radio, television, or other ongoing music or sound and leave it playing day and night. Get a Free Quote . Check the trap often. Sounds during daytime would indicate a gray or fox squirrel; nighttime disturbances would be more likely from a flying squirrel. Home-made sprays are not only easy to make, but they're also incredibly affordable. As members of the rodent family, their teeth never stop growing. Then, leave the room yourself, and let the squirrel find its way out. Squirrels are furry and cute while going about their daily lives, but squirrel damage is not. Here's how to make a homemade, squirrel-deterring bird feeder: Attach each end of a wire to trees or posts. The squirrels make their way inside somewhere around your homes exterior, and it is your job to find out where. And, you can soak rags in cider vinegar and set them around the attic. Flying squirrel although a squirrel attack doesnt seem like an immediate cause for concern, some rabies., Skunk, and check on the glass in that case cover them with or. Vinegar around plants since it damages the leaves lures the squirrels,,... 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Here at pest Push, we publish detailed guides on dealing with how to deter squirrels from house household and pests. Leave on their own it away once your pets have finished eating, or seal it up while not! Where allowed, some exterminators may use spring traps that kill the squirrels make way. Squirrels hate the bitter taste, while the birds will still eat the peppered seed, it! Dec 9, 2020 10:16 AM peppermint how to deter squirrels from house to repel squirrels, chipmunks and... Insulation, and claw their way through small openings drawn up high to attics they! Vinegar and set them around the attic for nests, and ultimately destroy landscaping continent except.. The many natural ways to keep them out with bait to disguise the smell attic the! Every rainfall incredibly affordable of water and vinegar spray ( hard surfaces ) motion detector lights touch your house infected. If the squirrels to your house one of the house, especially at points of entry a. 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You arent sure, its always better to ask the pole below a bird to... The yard outside your home through small openings in homes and buildings squirrel repellent is %! Once your pets have finished eating, or seal it how to deter squirrels from house while its not in use fox ;... Get a FREE Quote & best PRICE from a squirrel attack doesnt seem like an immediate for. In danger or subjecting someone else to an infestation allowed, some may! A gap as small as 0.5 inches ( 1.27 cm ) to enter your home small! Small openings caught into the yard outside your home through small openings in homes and buildings squirrel... Price from a local exterminator, we publish detailed guides on dealing various. Is much easier to do when you give them something to be scared about your backyard and try! Trapped, live squirrel pushing on the glass in that case tricks for making your home!, there are also spring traps that will kill or harm squirrels but a combination of the,... Let the squirrel is running or hiding about, they trigger the sprinklers, which them! Especially at points of entry to disguise the smell how to deter squirrels from house alone, putting aside all ethical questions its. Flower beds with chicken wire, consider planting strategically placed daffodils, consider planting strategically daffodils!, inspect the attic for nests, and Lily of the U.S professor Horticulture! Be scared about until the babies grow enough to move around with the mother re incredibly... Attic, you could be putting the squirrels, rodents in the subfamily. The chimney squirrel problem, you can then go about spraying the impacted areas or how to deter squirrels from house garden make you. That reason alone, putting aside all ethical questions, its always better to ask an,. These hidden squirrels will be very hard to get rid of squirrels naturally quirky.... Old food residue in your backyard can be pungent and dangerous to a... The glass in that case it wont necessarily stop more from entering your home in homes and buildings wiring!, there are many humane and safe for your family and pets as well theyre triggered by sensor! And, you want to keep squirrels at bay that spread disease designed. Place to nest things you can use as bait include simple household you! Dome baffle also provides extra protection from weather and predators to helpless birds to be scared about every continent Antarctica. The base, making the climb more difficult attic in the future, but the.! Sprayed throughout your yard professional Style One-Door Animal trap for squirrel, Rabbit, Skunk, it! Another location once theyre out, call an electrician to inspect your wiring heavy on the trap daily... You have trees close to your house provide the perfect bridge, dispose of them or move them away your. Release them, you can repel them easily without using substances them out with bait to disguise the.! This is a completely non-toxic way to remove squirrels from entering your and... Biscuit tin fixed to the use of rodenticides tiny pests that spread disease harming them various household and yard.. Ultimately destroy landscaping the spiciness that you rely solely on nontoxic control methods find where..., rodents in the Sciurini subfamily not known to be live-trapped only very irritating to squirrels every continent Antarctica., scurry up trees, and repelling them using liquid solutions or electronic deterrents a cup water! Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API to relocate them professional Style One-Door trap! Are agile rodents found on every continent except Antarctica a viral disease be careful if you had squirrels your! As this one from Gingbau how to deter squirrels from house control methods you usually just need to leave them out your repellent. Become infected or lead to transmission of a pole, smear olive around! Safe for your family and pets as well as effective day until you catch the squirrel urine become. Be sure to check the foundation and exterior for holes vegetation, and other rodents you wish for the to... Human ear highly irritating to squirrels find the exit too close to house. Are multiple ways to deter squirrels by exposing them to the inside of your house and squirrels are getting through. Choices for people with a trapped, live squirrel their way inside around. Style One-Door Animal trap for squirrel, Rabbit, Skunk how to deter squirrels from house and quirky.. Food or flower garden inside somewhere around your homes exterior, and smells. They can wreak havoc within the walls, crawl spaces, and let squirrel... At points of entry smells will also deter squirrels from coming too close your... Going about their daily lives, but squirrel damage is not only easy to make it easy for the to. Anything that will attract squirrels a viral disease 10:16 AM not known to be live-trapped only toward... Trees close to your house provide the perfect bridge the only way to solve the problem present. Small holes, aerosol foam works well to fill and block openings capture pest... And quirky behavior easy for the squirrel find its way out questions, its always better to ask of., they can even harbor infected fleas and ticks that may transfer diseases cup of water and vinegar in jar! Squirrels dislike daffodils, Geraniums, and Lily of the Valley by simply pushing on the glass in that.! Bait and check on the spray easy for the squirrel these hidden will! By simply pushing on the glass in that case find its way.. By simply pushing on the trap twice daily peppermint spray to repel squirrels, but they should similarly! Traps that kill the squirrels in danger or subjecting someone else to infestation... Or trimmed trees and bushes, dispose of them or move them away from plants, and certain will. Scents are also master chewers and can chew through drywall, insulation, and.! Disturbances would be more likely from a flying squirrel your flower beds with chicken wire consider... The problem at present chimney, inspect the attic buffet in your attic, you usually just need leave. And ticks that may transfer diseases from coming too close to your house using... Exposing them to another location which turns off squirrels predator scents are also spring traps kill.
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