I. Introduction

Squirrels can be cute to watch, but they can cause significant damage to your property and garden. From digging up flowers to munching on bird feeders and creating nests in your attic, it’s important to keep these furry creatures away. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to keep squirrels away from your property.

II. Creating physical barriers

One effective way to keep squirrels away is by creating physical barriers. Fences, netting, and chicken wire are all excellent options. Be sure to install these barriers properly and maintain them regularly. If a squirrel manages to enter your property, then it’s likely they’ll find their way through a broken fence or gap in netting. Consider the height and width of the barriers before installing them to ensure they are effective.

While fences are good at keeping squirrels away, you can also use netting to cover certain areas such as gardens or bird feeders. Netting should be firmly anchored at the edges to ensure that squirrels cannot crawl underneath it.

Additional tips include removing tree limbs that act as bridges over physical barriers and placing sheet metal around tree trunks or posts near fences to prevent squirrels from climbing onto it.

III. Using natural squirrel repellents

Another way to keep squirrels away from your property is by using natural squirrel repellents. Certain plants such as daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths can repel squirrels, while placing peppermint oil or cayenne pepper powder around the perimeter of your property can deter squirrels from coming near your home.

If you’re using a natural squirrel repellent, it’s important to remember to reapply it frequently. Rain, wind, and other environmental factors can reduce the effectiveness of natural repellents over time.

However, it’s worth noting that some natural squirrel repellents may have adverse effects on other plants and animals. Be sure to research the specific plant or product you plan to use before applying it in your yard.

IV. Making your yard less attractive to squirrels

Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders, gardens, and other food sources in your yard. To make your yard less attractive to squirrels, consider placing your bird feeder on a tall pole covered with a squirrel baffle to keep squirrels from climbing up. You can also create designated feeding areas for squirrels by providing them with food and water, away from bird feeders and gardens.

Consider also planting trees and plants that squirrels don’t like. Examples include magnolias, dogwoods, and butterfly bushes. You can also remove plants that squirrels tend to munch on, such as tulips and crocus flowers.

V. Discouraging squirrels from nesting

Squirrels are expert nesters, and once they find a comfortable location, they’ll likely come back to it year after year. To discourage squirrels from nesting, trim tree limbs that are within leaping distance of your roof or attic, and patch any potential entry points in your home. You can also fill gaps and openings with steel wool or copper mesh to prevent squirrels from entering. These materials are safe for squirrels to chew on or dig through without harming themselves, but they’ll discourage squirrels from nesting in these areas.

Be sure to inspect your home regularly for potential entry points and seal them promptly. Remember to be extra careful when removing nests as squirrels can bite when feeling threatened.

VI. Using sound or light deterrents

Sound and light deterrents can also be effective in keeping squirrels away. Motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and strobe lights can be used to scare squirrels away. Be sure to set up these deterrents in a way that doesn’t harm squirrels or other wildlife.

Remember that sound and light deterrents may not work for all squirrel populations, so it’s best to use them in conjunction with other methods described in this article.

VII. Conclusion

Keeping squirrels away from your property can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By creating physical barriers, using natural squirrel repellents, making your yard less attractive, discouraging squirrels from nesting, and using sound or light deterrents, you can keep these cute but pesky creatures away from your home. Experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you.