Dealing with squirrels in your yard can be extremely frustrating. These bushy-tailed critters can cause damage to your garden, attic, and other areas around your property. Getting rid of squirrels for good requires patience and persistence, but there are several effective methods you can try.
Identify Entry Points and Block Access
The first step is finding out how and where squirrels are getting onto your property. Check for openings in your eaves, vents, chimney, and cracked walls or windows. You can plug these holes with steel mesh, caulk, concrete, or other durable materials that squirrels can’t chew through. Trim overhanging tree branches that allow squirrels to jump onto the roof.
Remove Food Sources
Squirrels are attracted to easy sources of food. Clear out fallen fruit from trees and gardens. Use metal trash cans with tight lids to keep them out of your garbage. Take down bird feeders or move them farther away from your house. Plant bulbs and garden plants that squirrels won’t eat. Eliminate hiding spots like woodpiles, debris piles, and dense bushes near your home.
Use Deterrents
There are several effective squirrel repellents on the market:
- Sprinkle hot pepper powder or spray repellent formulas around attics, gardens, window sills, etc. Reapply after rain.
- Use ultrasonic or motion-activated pest repellers. The sounds startle squirrels and make them avoid the area.
- Place predator decoys like lifelike plastic owls or rubber snakes in your yard. Move them around periodically.
- Use scent deterrents like hair clippings or ammonia soaked rags. Strong odors will cause squirrels to stay away.
Try Traps
Live traps like Havahart cages are humane and allow you to release squirrels offsite. Bait the traps with peanut butter, fruit, or nuts. Once trapped, release the squirrel at least 5 miles from your home.
Lethal traps like Conibear body-gripping traps kill instantly. Use as a last resort if deterrents and exclusion fail. They should be set up in areas out of reach of children and pets.
Consult a Professional
For severe infestations, you may need to call a pest control company or wildlife removal expert. Professionals have specialized equipment and expertise for tough squirrel problems. They can also completely seal entry points and identify nests you may have missed. This provides long term elimination.
Maintain Your Property
Prevention is key! Once you evict the current squirrels on your property, make it inhospitable for new ones in the future. Seal all possible entryways. Trim trees. Eliminate food sources and hiding places. Maintain deterrents. Check regularly for any signs of re-infestation like droppings or nests. Address problems right away before they get out of hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have squirrels in my yard or home?
Signs of a squirrel infestation include seeing live squirrels, droppings, chewed wires, nests of leaves and twigs, scratching noises, and holes in attics or walls. Squirrels also leave small footprints and make chattering or scratching sounds.
What damage can squirrels cause?
Squirrels often chew on wood, wires, plants, and debris. They dig holes in lawns looking for buried food. Squirrels also gnaw their way into attics and walls, causing structural damage, torn insulation, and nesting risks.
What diseases can squirrels transmit?
Squirrels may carry diseases like rabies, ringworm, roundworms, tularemia, mange, Lyme disease, and more. Their droppings and nests harbor germs. Never handle sick looking squirrels and wear gloves when cleaning areas they’ve inhabited.
What are signs of a squirrel nest in my home?
Look for leaves, twigs, insulation, or other materials wedged into boxes, attic rafters, vents, etc. Also look for shredded fibrous materials like cardboard or dry, dark squirrel droppings. Noises, odors, and ceiling stains can also indicate nests.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing on my roof and trees?
Install sheet metal guards 2 feet wide around trees and poles. Prune branches 6 feet from roofs. Remove vines and overhanging limbs squirrels can jump from. Apply repellent spray on plants and lawns near the house.
At what time of year are squirrels most active?
Squirrels breed twice a year, in early spring and summer. They are most lively in autumn when gathering nuts and food for winter. Squirrel activity tends to peak when maturing young ones leave nests and establish new territories.
Conclusion
Getting rid of persistent squirrels takes patience and diligence. Start by excluding them and removing attractants around your home. Maintain tree trimming and sealing up holes. Employ humane deterrents and traps as needed. Call in professionals for severe cases. Stay vigilant in checking for new entry points or signs of squirrel damage. With persistence and prevention, you can successfully evict squirrels and keep them from causing havoc in your yard.