I. Introduction

Squirrels are cute creatures when they are outside, running around playing in the trees or park. But these furry little friends can quickly become a big problem if they start to aggressively invade your personal space. They can cause damage to your home, eat your garden, and make a heap of noise keeping you up all night. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you get rid of squirrels for good. In this article, we will offer you natural and humane steps to take to keep squirrels off your property.

II. Natural Ways to Deter Squirrels from Your Property

If you don’t wish to use inhumane ways to get rid of squirrels, natural ways are non-lethal and are usually quite successful. Examples include using varieties of plants, certain herbs, and other repellents that emit smells that squirrels do not like.

Create barriers: Making physical barriers like mesh nets or fencing around a garden is one way to protect your plants or flowers from squirrels. Use hardware cloth or chicken wire to block the entrances of crawlspaces, trees, or your deck.

Plant squirrel-repelling plants: Several plants are not favours of squirrels, including mint, daffodils, lavender, and allium. Planting these flowers in your garden will help in keeping the squirrels away.

Use repellents: Numerous natural repellents exist that can use garlic oil, capsaicin, or vinegar to coat the area where the squirrels usually roam or steal food.

Keep trees trimmed: Trim the branches of trees near your buildings to keep squirrels from leaping on to your roof.

Take note, you don’t necessarily have to target squirrels to make your property less attractive to them.

III. Humane Squirrel Trapping: A Step-by-Step Guide

Humane trapping is an efficient and ethical way of dealing with squirrels that have already invaded your space. The method of catching squirrels involves placing traps outside your home to catch the squirrels. Traps come in different sizes and shapes depending on the squirrel you are dealing with.

Trapping them: Identify the trap type best suited for the squirrels in your space. Set traps in areas squirrels typically go to such as the attics, roof, or areas you have noticed they frequent in your garden.

Releasing squirrels: Once you have trapped the squirrels, be sure to release them at least 5 miles away from your home. Avoid releasing squirrels near highways, as this could lead to a fatal accident.

IV. DIY Squirrel-Proofing Tips for Your Garden

While it is not possible to keep squirrels entirely out of your garden, there are measures you can take to prevent them from eating everything and causing damage. Some of these Squirrel-Proofing methods include:

Netting: Place animal-proof netting over your crops and garden, ensuring the net sits tightly to the soil to keep squirrels at bay.

Fencing: Fences are also an effective way to ward off squirrels. Place a wire fence a minimum of 12 inches beneath ground level to ensure squirrels cannot dig under the fence.

Mulching: Using mulch like pine needles can be beneficial to your plants while keeping the squirrels away. Using a natural predator like the urine of a fox will prevent squirrels from digging in the dirt.

V. The Pros and Cons of Hiring Professional Squirrel Exterminators

In some cases, the best option is to call a professional who is licensed to deal with pests. Specialized squirrel extermination companies have trained staff to deal with this issue, which usually involves a comprehensive examination before they can suggest a long-lasting solution. However, hiring professionals also has its ups and downs.

Pros: Professionals give you peace of mind, and the job can also be completed within a shorter time frame. Professional exterminators use humane methods that ensure the squirrels are removed without causing them harm.

Cons: Hiring the services of a professional can be relatively costly, and not all squirrel extermination companies work on weekends.

VI. Squirrel-Proofing Your Attic: Tips and Tricks

Squirrels find attics to be incredibly comfortable, cozy places to live in. While evicting squirrels from your attic can be challenging, it’s necessary to prevent any structural damage or health risk. Here are some things you can do:

Sealing attics: Inspect, seal, and repair any damage that can act as access points for squirrels. Seal off any holes, chimney caps, and roof vents to prevent squirrels from entering your attic.

Sprinklers: Install sprinklers that will activate when the squirrels decide to take up space in your attic.

Strobe lights: Bright strobe lights can also be effective in making squirrels flee from their comfortable hiding spot to the outdoors, where they belong.

VII. Living in Harmony with Squirrels: Tips for Sharing Space

If you’re an animal lover and do not want to get rid of the squirrels entirely, there are a few techniques you can apply to coexist with these cute little creatures peacefully:

Squirrel feeders: Fill bird feeders with nuts and other goodies, leave them outside for the squirrels to eat and enjoy. This will keep squirrels away from other areas of your property.

Creating a squirrel-friendly space: Giving squirrels a designated area to thrive and play will reduce the likelihood of them entering your property. This could be a special feeding area or a nest box placed up in a nearby tree.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to get rid of squirrels. Natural methods, humane traps, squirrel proofing tips, squirrel extermination companies, and living in harmony with squirrels are all viable options. It’s up to you to choose a method that fits your situation. We recommend trying the natural and humane methods first before resorting to more drastic measures. Remember, squirrels are part of nature, so it’s crucial to handle their invasion in a humane and safe way. Share this information with family and friends to help them tackle squirrel invasion issues.