3 ways to keep squirrels at bay

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

The stubbornness and shrewdness of squirrels are well known. Most barriers, repellents and traps fail to outsmart this species. However, you can make your yard and garden less palatable to squirrels by reducing their food and shelter sources.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Prevent Squirrel Infestations

Step 1. Find holes in the buildings annexed to the house

Old garages and sheds, especially those close to trees, are good ground for squirrel burrows. Try sealing the holes as soon as possible.

Step 2. Ask a roofer to seal any possible openings in the roof and attic

If your roof is at the end of its life, it may leave just enough room for a squirrel. Squirrels in homes also pose a risk to electrical circuits as they often gnaw on wires.

Step 3. Prune tree branches in your garden regularly

Make sure they are 1.8m away from your house, garage and roof. For larger trees with heavy branches, you may need a professional pruning service.

Most squirrels prefer to dwell in trees rather than outbuildings

Step 4. Avoid placing bird feeders in areas where you don't want to have squirrels

Nuts and seeds are their favorite foods, so they will really stubbornly attempt to get the food. Invest in squirrel-repellent feeders and suspend them away from a roof or br> tree

If you don't want to give up your bird feeder, you can try buying safflower seed birdseed. Many squirrels don't like this seed. As an alternative, try white millet or thistle (or nyjer)

Method 2 of 3: Discourage Squirrels Already In Your Garden

Step 1. Check to see if a squirrel has buried in the house or an annex building

Cover the hole in the building with newsprint. If you come back the next day and find that it has been removed, something is living in it.

• If a squirrel has burrowed, try calling animal protection or a local pest control service. Prefer the firm that chooses to trap squirrels and then release them into the wild.

  

• Make sure the squirrel is released at least 5 km away, preferably in the presence of a mass of water between your home and their new home.

  

Step 2. Make metal tree collars when you notice that squirrels are taking up residence in your trees

Buy metal plates and connect them with metal springs. The collar must be at least 2m high to discourage enterprising climbers.

• Smaller trees can be protected with a galvanized steel mesh collar.

  

• If you notice that the squirrels are gnawing on the tree bark, wrap the trunk with the galvanized steel mesh.

  

• Make sure you have covered all trees and electrical wires with collars. Squirrels should move to another house where it will be easier to climb around.

  

Step 3. Fence the garden so you can leave your dog outside

Squirrels are capable of outsmarting dogs, but they will still choose a predator-free environment rather than a backyard with a dog. Many dogs instinctively hunt and kill squirrels.

• A dog can keep squirrels in trees rather than near the house or in the garden.

  

• If you combine this method with the use of tree collars and pruning, squirrels are even more likely to keep away from your property.

Step 4. Place heavy objects on the bulbs in the garden until the soil begins to thaw

If you can't find suitable pots for this, then you can cover the ground with a thick layer of leaves. Squirrels can still burrow on leaves, but some studies reveal they prefer not to.

• Have you researched which plants are attractive to squirrels and which are not? Try planting squirrel-resistant plants.

  

• Squirrels prefer crocus, colchicum, tulip and gladiolus in the form of bulbs. They love to eat corn in the gardens.

  

• Squirrels do not like to eat allium, narcissus, asphodel, amaryllis, Spanish bellflower and hyacinth.

  

Step 5. Cover the cables leading to your home

Buy plastic tubes about 5 - 7, 6 cm in diameter and cut them vertically along the side. The pipe will roll when the squirrels try to walk the cables between trees and houses.

Method 3 of 3: Discourage squirrels with Capsaicin

Step 1. Mix a bottle of hot sauce (about 0.30L) with 3.8L of water

Sprinkle the mixture on tree bark or other areas where squirrels gnaw.

• Animal experts consider this method the last resort. Unless they're particularly sensitive, you can apply this treatment to the plants themselves to deter squirrels from eating them.

  

Step 2. Mix some cayenne peppers with birdseed

This will keep the squirrels away from birdseed but will not harm the birds.