what will keep squirrels away from your house

3 min read 23-12-2024

what will keep squirrels away from your house

Squirrels are undeniably cute, but their antics around your house can quickly become a nuisance. They can chew through wires, damage your garden, and generally make a racket. This guide provides effective strategies to deter squirrels from your home and property, protecting your belongings and your peace of mind.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior: The First Step to Deterrence

Before diving into solutions, understanding squirrel behavior is crucial. Squirrels are driven by two main things: food and shelter. They're highly intelligent and adaptable, so a simple tactic might not be enough. Knowing what attracts them to your house is the key to successfully keeping them away.

What Attracts Squirrels to Your House?

Food sources: Bird feeders, unsecured garbage, pet food, fruit trees, and even fallen nuts and seeds.
Shelter: Gaps in your roof, loose siding, attics, and overhanging tree branches offering easy access.
Nesting materials: Soft materials like fabrics, dryer lint, and insulation found in your yard.

Proven Methods to Keep Squirrels Away

Now that we know what attracts them, let's look at effective solutions. These strategies combine prevention and deterrence to create a squirrel-free zone around your home.

1. Remove Food Sources

This is the most important step. By eliminating easy access to food, you significantly reduce their attraction to your property.

Secure bird feeders: Use squirrel-resistant feeders or remove them entirely during times of high squirrel activity.
Proper garbage disposal: Ensure garbage cans are tightly sealed and stored away from your house.
Pet food storage: Keep pet food in sealed containers, inside your home if possible.
Clean up fallen fruits and nuts: Regularly sweep up fallen fruits and nuts from your yard.

2. Eliminate Shelter and Nesting Sites

Squirrels need shelter. By eliminating potential entry points and nesting sites, you make your house less attractive.

Seal entry points: Inspect your roof, siding, and any other potential entry points and seal any gaps or cracks. Use caulk, steel wool, or other suitable materials.
Trim overhanging branches: Trim back tree branches and bushes that are close to your house, preventing easy access.
Remove nesting materials: Regularly clear debris and potential nesting materials from your yard.

3. Repellents and Deterrents

Repellents work by creating an unpleasant experience for squirrels, making them less likely to return. However, they’re often most effective when used in conjunction with the above methods.

Motion-activated sprinklers: These startle squirrels with a sudden burst of water when they approach your house.
Ultrasonic devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are annoying to squirrels but typically inaudible to humans. Effectiveness varies; some studies show limited impact.
Commercial repellents: Many commercially available repellents contain natural ingredients like peppermint oil or capsaicin. Apply according to the product instructions. Effectiveness can vary.
Predator urine: The scent of predators like foxes or coyotes can deter squirrels. However, the effectiveness is debatable and the smell might be unpleasant for you.

4. Physical Barriers

Physical barriers prevent squirrels from reaching desirable areas.

Squirrel baffles: These are cone-shaped devices placed on bird feeders, preventing squirrels from climbing up to the food.
Wire mesh: Use wire mesh to cover vulnerable areas, such as vents or gaps in your roofline.

5. Professional Help

If you’re struggling to control a squirrel infestation, consider contacting a wildlife removal professional. They have the experience and tools to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are squirrels dangerous?

A: While generally not aggressive, squirrels can bite if they feel threatened. Their bites can cause infection. It’s best to avoid handling them directly.

Q: How do I get rid of a squirrel nest in my attic?

A: Do not attempt to remove a squirrel nest yourself. Contact a wildlife removal professional. They will safely remove the squirrels and their nest, ensuring no harm to the animals or your property.

Q: What are humane ways to keep squirrels away?

A: The methods outlined above prioritize humane deterrents. Avoid trapping and killing squirrels unless absolutely necessary and you are adhering to local laws and regulations. Focusing on removing food sources and shelter is the most humane approach.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce squirrel activity around your house, protecting your home and your sanity. Remember consistency is key – squirrels are persistent, so maintaining these methods is vital for long-term success.