How to Get Rid of Squirrels
by Admin
Posted on 15-11-2023 10:46 AM
The first step in squirrel control is to know how to identify them.
Ground squirrels are about a foot in length, have a bushy tail, and are either brown or gray. Another way to know that you have squirrels in your attic space or backyard is to find droppings in the area. There are several excellent natural ways to get rid of squirrels, and we provide you with step by step solutions.
Squirrels may be cute to look at when they’re running around up the trees and nibbling on acorns, but once they’re in your attic tearing up the walls, you’ll be singing a different tune. Find out how to get rid of squirrels safely, effectively, and humanely with these tips.
Traditional methods may be a better fit if you’re not interested in home remedies to get rid of ground squirrels. Here are four of the most common:.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels with Cayenne Pepper
Some gardeners swear by sprinkling a concoction of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika or other combinations of spicy seasonings around the base of the plants. Trick squirrels into thinking your produce isn't a tasty treat after all by dusting a few of the fruits in the hot mixture, too.
If there is anything that the squirrels are afraid of, it must be the spicy scent. It is by their nature that squirrels won’t get close to things with strong spicy flavor. One of the best ways to get rid of squirrels in the attic is to apply pepper-based taste spray as a natural repellent around your attic and house. Don't miss: learn how to create effective homemade squirrel repellent with the diy recipes and tips here. Mothballs scattered around the attic can repel squirrels away as well. By replacing the mothballs regularly when their smell fade, you are about to get rid of squirrels in the attic naturally.
So, how do you get rid of squirrels in your attic without calling for professional pest control and removal? well, one option is to make your squirrel repellent yourself. Some recipes use hot sauce and dish soap, among other ingredients, to deter curious rodents. Squirrels do not like strong odors. Certain spices such as chili flakes, black pepper, garlic and rosemary and sweeter smells from cinnamon and peppermint can help keep them away. They also hate the smell of coffee grounds. Scattering them around the perimeter of your property is another option. Coffee grounds are also great for yard fertilization and are not toxic to humans and pets.
As temperatures drop and the winter season starts to roll in, wild animals like raccoons, squirrels, possums, and even bats tend to take refuge indoors. Households and homes where there’s a constant supply of food and water and where they can keep warm in the colder months make the perfect sanctuary for nuisance wildlife, much to the inconvenience of homeowners and occupants. Animal-proofing your property is the best way to prevent wildlife infestation. Below are some tips to help you drive away and keep wild animals out and prevent them from tracking in dirt, debris, and potential health risks because of their indoor presence:.
Most of the squirrels you see outside your home are not going to present a problem. It’s when they invade your living space that the real nuisance starts. But as the connecticut department of energy and environmental protection notes , outdoor squirrels can be problematic as well: ‟another major complaint about squirrels is the disruption they may cause at bird feeders. Feeders should be placed in an area where squirrels cannot gain access to them, far away from shrubs and overhanging tree branches. Mounting the feeder on a metal pole at least six feet high and attaching a metal, cone-shaped baffle to the pole will help prevent squirrels from reaching it.
A professional exterminator may be the best choice when all other methods fail, or when you suspect that the squirrels are nesting within wall or ceiling cavities. These hidden squirrels will be very hard to get rid of without the tools and materials used by professionals. If you do hire an exterminator, specify if you wish for the animals to be live-trapped only. Where allowed, some exterminators may use spring traps that kill the squirrels. In addition to trapping and removing squirrels, exterminators can inspect your home to identify entry points, sanitize areas of infestation, and provide a home exclusion where points of entry are sealed and repaired to prevent future infestations.
To protect your home, it’s important to know how to keep squirrels away. Follow these tips to help prevent squirrels from invading: screen vents and chimney openings seal entry points around the house, such as cracks and small openings around windows and doors make sure tree limbs are cut back 6 to 8 feet from the roofline dispose of garbage regularly using a sealed container and keep food in airtight containers if you have fruit trees on your property, pick or dispose of ripe fruit promptly if you do discover or suspect you have a squirrel problem, the most effective and safest way to get rid of squirrels is to contact a licensed pest control professional.