How to Get Rid of Squirrels

Squirrels can be a real nuisance in your yard and home, especially if you have bird feeders or a garden. They munch on bird food, destroy your plants, and sometimes even get trapped in your house. However, there's no need to get upset; there are several methods to keep these pesky creatures away from your property.

Mix cayenne pepper or marigold seeds in your bird feeder to keep squirrels away. Combine cayenne pepper with bird food. Squirrels dislike the spice, but it won’t harm the birds.

• You can also try mixing marigold seeds into the bird food, as squirrels are not fond of these seeds either.

Build a squirrel-proof bird feeder to continue feeding birds. You can either purchase a squirrel-proof feeder or make your own. For example, you can attach a dome-shaped stand beneath the feeder, with the point facing upward. This will make it much harder for squirrels to access. You can also hang the feeder using a steel wire stretched between two posts, with a rotating item like a hollow tube to prevent squirrels from reaching it.

• Another option is to apply cooking oil to the post holding the feeder to stop squirrels from climbing up!

Clean up fallen food sources in your yard. Acorns, nuts, and berries are squirrel favorites. Sweep up these fallen items in your yard to avoid attracting squirrels. You may need to do this daily, especially when nuts are dropping.

• If you have a bird feeder, remember to clean up all the seeds that have fallen on the ground!

Install plastic or metal rings around tree trunks to prevent squirrels from climbing. Squirrels typically cannot climb past these rings, making them an effective way to keep them away. You can purchase these at hardware stores or create your own using sheet metal.

• To make a tree trunk ring, buy a 26-gauge sheet of metal and a metal cutter. Measure the circumference of the tree trunk. Use a marker to draw a rectangle approximately 60-90 cm high, with the length equal to the circumference of the tree trunk plus a few extra centimeters. Cut along the drawn lines with the metal cutter, then file the edges to smooth them out.
• Drill two holes at each end of the metal sheet. Attach two metal springs to the ends of the sheet with wire. Wrap the metal sheet around the tree trunk, inserting the wire at each end of the springs into the holes. This will allow the tree to continue growing while keeping squirrels at bay.

Let your pets roam in the yard to chase away squirrels. Dogs and cats naturally enjoy chasing squirrels, as they are predators to these rodents. If you regularly let your pets play in the yard, the squirrels will be frightened and less likely to approach.

• Of course, this is only a good idea if your yard is securely fenced.

Keep your trash bins tightly closed to avoid attracting squirrels. As rodents, squirrels will rummage through trash bins searching for their favorite food scraps. Always keep your trash bins sealed tightly to eliminate this temptation.

• Make sure the lid has a secure latch to prevent larger animals like raccoons from getting into it as well.

Trim tree branches that hang close to the roof and chimney. Squirrels can easily jump from tree branches to the roof. Trim any branches extending above the roof and those within 1.8 to 2.4 meters of your house.

• Only trim the branches enough to prevent squirrels from jumping onto the roof. Use a handsaw or pruning shears to cut.
• Always prioritize safety when climbing ladders. Ensure the ladder is stable and resting on solid ground. If possible, have someone assist in holding the ladder.
• If branches are near power lines, contact your electric company or a professional service for assistance.

Install a chimney cap if you have a fireplace. Typically, you'll place a square metal mesh cap over the chimney opening, with the edges of the mesh fitting tightly around the opening. Secure the mesh with four screws to attach it to the brick or stone of the chimney. The chimney cap and mesh will prevent squirrels from entering.

• Squirrels can enter through the chimney, but a stainless steel mesh cap will stop them while allowing you to use the chimney.
• Chimney caps are available at hardware stores.
• Some chimney caps require you to screw the mesh frame to the stone at the base.

Inspect the attic for entry points where squirrels could get in. Squirrels can squeeze through small holes. Check the attic during the day to look for sunlight streaming in through any openings. Seal the holes with metal mesh to block their access. You can nail or staple the edges of the mesh inside or outside the holes.

• Also, inspect the outside of the house. Check under any eaves for potential holes.

Spray repellent solutions around the holes you've sealed. Once you've sealed the holes, you can add an extra layer of protection by spraying a repellent. Try using a product that contains capsaicin, which is the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat and is unpleasant to squirrels!

• Alternatively, you can use predator urine to deter squirrels from the yard and around your home. However, it has a strong odor, so it's best used in the garden rather than spraying around the house. These products can be found at hardware stores.

Place live traps in the attic if you want to catch and release squirrels. Position small wire cages or box traps in the attic and secure the trap doors so they remain open. Once the squirrels become familiar with the traps, you can remove the ties to activate them. Be sure to check the traps at least twice a day.

• Common squirrel bait includes apple slices, sunflower seeds, shelled hazelnuts or walnuts, dried corn, or peanut butter.
• Check with wildlife authorities to see if you need a permit to trap squirrels, as they are often classified as wildlife, which may require a license to trap or kill them.
• When releasing the trapped squirrels, make sure to release them at least 5 km away from your home, preferably in areas with abundant trees or parks.

Install a one-way door to allow the squirrels to leave on their own. Eventually, the squirrels will need to go outside in search of food and water. You can install a one-way door on the attic designed for this purpose. The squirrels will exit through the door, but they won't be able to return.

• You can also create a DIY one-way door using a 45 cm long plastic pipe with a 10 cm diameter. Install the pipe into the hole from the outside, angling it downward at a 45-degree angle. The squirrels will be able to exit but won't be able to climb back inside the pipe.
• Be aware that mother squirrels may leave the attic, unintentionally leaving their babies behind.

Contact a professional service if you're unable to handle the squirrels on your own. If you've tried everything and still can't get rid of the squirrels, the best option is to call a pest control service. They are experienced in dealing with rodents and can trap and remove the squirrels from your home. Additionally, they can identify and seal any entry points the squirrels are using to enter your home.

• Ask friends and family for recommendations for reliable pest control services.