How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Squirrels may look cute and innocent, but they can quickly become a nuisance if they decide to make your home their habitat. These pesky rodents can cause damage to your property, chew on wires, and even create a fire hazard. If you’re a homeowner struggling to get rid of squirrels, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore some effective ways to get rid of squirrels and keep them away from your property.
Identify the Problem
The first step to getting rid of squirrels is to identify the problem. Squirrels can be a nuisance for homeowners, but there are a variety of effective methods for getting rid of them. It’s important to identify the problem, remove food sources, block entry points, use repellents, trap and release if necessary, hire a professional if needed, prevent future infestations, use traps, consider repairs and exclusion, use sound and light devices, use natural predators, and be patient and persistent in your efforts. By taking these steps, you can successfully get rid of squirrels and enjoy a pest-free home. Squirrels are known to be active during the daytime, so if you see them running around your yard during the day, it’s a sign that you have a squirrel problem. Additionally, if you notice any damage to your property or hear scratching or chewing noises inside your walls or attic, it’s likely that squirrels have made their way inside your home.
Identifying a Squirrel Infestation
Scratching noises, chewed wires, and half-eaten garden produce are signs of a squirrel infestation. Identifying the type of squirrel and the extent of the infestation is crucial for choosing the appropriate removal method.
Remove Food Sources
Squirrels are attracted to food sources, so removing any potential food sources can help deter them from your property. This means making sure that all garbage cans are sealed tightly, bird feeders are squirrel-proofed, and any fallen fruits or nuts are picked up and disposed of. Additionally, keep any pet food or birdseed stored in airtight containers. Squirrel-proof bird feeders with mechanisms that discourage squirrels while allowing birds to feed can help maintain a harmonious backyard environment.
Block Entry Points
Once you’ve removed any potential food sources, the next step is to block any entry points into your home. Squirrels can fit through very small openings, so it’s important to inspect your property thoroughly and seal any holes or cracks. This includes checking your roof for any damage, as squirrels can easily climb trees and jump onto roofs to gain access to your attic. Inspecting and sealing potential entry points in your home is essential to prevent squirrels from gaining access. Ensure that your attic, vents, and chimneys are properly sealed to discourage their intrusion.
Use Repellents
There are a variety of squirrel repellents available on the market, ranging from natural to chemical options. Natural options include planting mint, garlic, or cayenne pepper around your property, as these scents are known to repel squirrels. Chemical options include sprays or granules that contain predator urine or other scents that squirrels find unappealing. However, it’s important to note that these repellents may not be effective in all situations and may need to be reapplied frequently. Homemade repellents, such as spicy sprays and predator urine, can deter squirrels from areas they frequent. These natural solutions can be effective, but their success depends on consistent application.
Trap and Release
If all else fails, trapping and releasing squirrels may be necessary. Live traps can be set up to capture squirrels, and then released in a wooded area away from your property. However, it’s important to check with your local wildlife authority before trapping and releasing squirrels, as some states may require a permit or have specific regulations in place. Live traps can be used to catch squirrels for relocation. It’s important to place traps in areas with high squirrel activity and release captured squirrels far away from your home to avoid their return.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Squirrels – Hire a Professional
If you’re struggling to get rid of squirrels on your own, it may be time to hire a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property. Additionally, they can help identify potential entry points and provide recommendations for preventing future squirrel problems. Experts can assess the situation and implement effective removal strategies while ensuring the safety of both humans and animals.
Prevent Future Infestations
Once you’ve successfully gotten rid of squirrels, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. This includes regular inspections of your property to ensure that there are no potential entry points, and keeping all potential food sources sealed and secured. Additionally, consider trimming any tree branches that may be close to your roof or windows, as these can provide easy access points for squirrels. To safeguard your garden from squirrels, consider using mesh covers for plants and placing physical barriers around vulnerable areas.
Use Traps
Trapping squirrels can be an effective way to get rid of them, especially if they have already made their way inside your home. There are two types of traps that you can use: lethal and non-lethal traps. Lethal traps are designed to kill squirrels, while non-lethal traps allow you to catch and release them elsewhere. If you choose to use a lethal trap, it’s important to handle it with care and dispose of the squirrel’s body in a humane manner.
Consider Repairs and Exclusion
In addition to blocking entry points, you can also make repairs to your home to make it less attractive to squirrels. For example, you can install metal flashing or wire mesh around the base of your home to prevent squirrels from chewing their way inside. You can also install chimney caps to prevent squirrels from entering through the chimney.
Use Sound and Light Devices
Squirrels are sensitive to certain sounds and light, so using sound and light devices can be an effective way to get rid of them. There are a variety of devices available on the market, ranging from ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sounds to flashing lights that mimic the presence of predators. It’s important to note that these devices may not be effective in all situations and may need to be used in conjunction with other methods.
Use Natural Predators
Squirrels are prey animals, so the presence of natural predators can help deter them from your property. You can encourage natural predators like hawks, owls, and snakes to visit your property by providing nesting boxes or other habitats. However, it’s important to note that natural predators can also pose a danger to other animals on your property.
How to Permanently Get Rid of Squirrels – Be Patient and Persistent
Getting rid of squirrels can take time and patience, so it’s important to be persistent in your efforts. It may take several attempts and combinations of methods before you see results. However, with persistence and a little bit of creativity, you can successfully get rid of squirrels and keep them away from your property.
Squirrels can be a nuisance for homeowners, but there are a variety of effective methods for getting rid of them. It’s important to identify the problem, remove food sources, block entry points, use repellents, trap and release if necessary, hire a professional if needed, prevent future infestations, use traps, consider repairs and exclusion, use sound and light devices, use natural predators, and be patient and persistent in your efforts. By taking these steps, you can successfully get rid of squirrels and enjoy a pest-free home.