While they may be pleasant to watch from a distance, squirrels are the last thing you’ll want running around your home and garden. The fast and agile rodents are smart and sneaky, meaning they can easily gain access to any area of your property. Fortunately, there are some simple squirrel prevention techniques you can implement if you suspect you have a growing squirrel problem in your home.
At-Home Squirrel Prevention Methods
To safeguard your home and garden from squirrel infestations, try these effective squirrel-proofing tricks:
Physical Barriers
One of the easiest ways to deter squirrels is to prevent their entry. Hardware cloth is sold at most home improvement stores and can be laid flat over soil to make it harder for them to dig. Chicken wire and floating row covers are additional methods to gate off vulnerable plants from hungry squirrels.
Motion-Activated Deterrents
Squirrels are naturally skittish and will run if they feel threatened. Consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers in areas with high levels of squirrel activity. They’ll be frightened by the sudden movement and less inclined to return.
Organic Squirrel Deterrents
If you’re looking to revamp your garden or spruce up your property, consider planting flowers and herbs that squirrels don’t like. Strong-scented plants, such as mint, catnip, hyacinth and daffodils will keep the critters away from your space.
Essential Oils
Essential oils aren’t just good for around the home — they can also act as squirrel deterrents. Soak a few cotton balls in scents such as peppermint, geranium or cloves, and place them in shallow trays around your plants, just be sure to keep them away from pets and kids.
Cayenne Pepper
Hot peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, which gives them their heat. Squirrels strongly dislike the scent and taste and will stay away from cayenne and chili peppers. Either sprinkle flakes directly around plant leaves, or mix in some pepper sauce with water and spray it around your garden. Make sure to wear protective gear, so you don’t spray yourself.
Garlic
Garlic is another household ingredient that squirrels can’t stand. Some home improvement stores sell commercial garlic deterrent, or you can make your own by mixing chopped garlic in a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar.
Professional Squirrel Prevention
While some DIY methods may be temporarily effective, professional squirrel prevention and removal is the safest and most effective method of keeping your property protected and preventing a squirrel problem from growing into an in For safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic squirrel removal and prevention services, enlist the services of the experienced wildlife removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers.
Professional Squirrel Removal with Animal Wildlife Trappers
At Animal Wildlife Trappers, our licensed and trained squirrel removal professionals have the equipment and knowledge to provide you with high-quality services that ensure all nuisance wildlife is completely and permanently removed. To schedule your appointment and receive a free squirrel removal estimate, call Animal Wildlife Trappers today at 352-267-0546.