How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In Your Yard Safely

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safely and effectively get rid of squirrels in your yard, with a focus on humane and eco-friendly methods.

Can you use humane methods to remove squirrels from your yard? Yes, absolutely! This guide will walk you through safe, effective, and humane strategies to deter and remove squirrels from your property without causing them harm. We’ll cover everything from natural repellents to exclusion methods and how to protect your bird feeders.

Squirrels can be charming visitors in our gardens, but when they start to cause damage to our plants, structures, or bird feeders, it’s time to take action. Fortunately, you don’t need to resort to harsh or harmful methods. There are many ways to manage squirrel populations in your yard that are safe for the animals, your family, and the environment.

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Common Squirrel Problems in Yards

Squirrels, particularly the common gray squirrel, are known for their agility and their penchant for raiding gardens and bird feeders. They are also notorious for digging up bulbs, chewing on electrical wires, and even nesting in attics.

What Kind of Damage Do Squirrels Cause?

• Gardens: Squirrels love to dig up flower bulbs, eat seeds, chew on young plants, and harvest ripe fruits and vegetables. They often dig shallow holes to bury nuts, which can disturb your garden beds.
• Bird Feeders: Squirrels are incredibly persistent when it comes to accessing bird feeders. They will climb, jump, and hang upside down to get to the seeds, often emptying feeders faster than the birds can.
• Structures: They can chew on wooden decks, siding, and even electrical wires, posing a fire hazard. They may also try to gain entry into attics, sheds, and garages to build nests.
• Lawns: Squirrels can dig holes in lawns while burying or retrieving nuts, which can be unsightly and create tripping hazards.

Why Squirrels Visit Our Yards

Squirrels are attracted to yards that offer a readily available food source and shelter. Your garden, fruit trees, and especially your bird feeders are prime targets. They are also drawn to areas with ample trees and landscaping that provide hiding places and nesting sites.

Natural Squirrel Control and Repellents

One of the most effective and humane ways to manage squirrels is by using natural methods. These approaches aim to make your yard less appealing to them without causing any harm.

Squirrel Repellent Options

Several natural substances can act as a squirrel repellent. Their effectiveness often relies on their strong scents or tastes, which squirrels find unpleasant.

Scent-Based Repellents

Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, and certain odors can drive them away.

• Capsaicin (from chili peppers): This is a popular and effective squirrel repellent. You can make your own spray by mixing water with cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Apply this to plants and areas you want to protect. Reapply after rain or watering.
• Mint: Squirrels reportedly dislike the strong scent of mint. Planting mint around your garden or placing mint leaves in affected areas can help deter them. Peppermint oil, diluted with water, can also be sprayed.
• Garlic and Onion: The strong odor of garlic and onions can also be a deterrent. Garlic powder or chopped onions sprinkled around plants may keep squirrels at bay.
• Coffee Grounds: Some gardeners find that spreading used coffee grounds around their plants helps to repel squirrels due to the strong scent and slightly bitter taste.

Taste-Based Repellents

These are applied directly to plants and are designed to make them unpalatable.

• Bitter Sprays: Products containing bitter apple or bitter lime can be sprayed on plants. While not a true repellent, the unpleasant taste discourages nibbling.
• Egg Wash: Some gardeners have success applying a mixture of eggs and water to their plants. When the egg dries, it creates a thin coating that squirrels find distasteful.

Other Natural Deterrents

Beyond scent and taste, other natural methods can be employed as squirrel deterrents.

• Sound Deterrents: While not entirely natural, ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but generally inaudible to humans and pets. Their long-term effectiveness can vary.
• Water Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to startle squirrels and make them avoid certain areas. A sudden burst of water is a harmless but effective deterrent.
• Predator Urine: Products containing the urine of predators like foxes or coyotes can be sprinkled around your yard. The scent signals danger to squirrels.

Making Your Garden Squirrel Proof

Creating a squirrel proof garden involves a multi-pronged approach. It’s about making your plants inaccessible or unappealing to these persistent rodents.

Protecting Plants

• Physical Barriers:

  • Netting: Fine mesh netting can be draped over vulnerable plants, especially berry bushes and vegetable plants, to prevent squirrels from reaching them. Ensure the netting is secured firmly to the ground to prevent them from burrowing underneath.
  • Cages: For individual plants or small garden beds, consider using wire cages or fencing. The mesh size should be small enough to exclude squirrels.
  • Row Covers: Lightweight row covers can protect young seedlings and tender plants from early-season nibbling.

• Plant Choices: Some plants are naturally less appealing to squirrels. These include plants with fuzzy leaves, strong scents, or toxic properties. Examples include:

  • Bee Balm
  • Columbine
  • Bleeding Hearts
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums
  • Mint
  • Geraniums
  • Onions and Garlic

• Bulb Protection: To protect flower bulbs, plant them deeper than usual (at least 8-10 inches). You can also bury chicken wire or hardware cloth just below the soil surface where bulbs are planted. This allows bulbs to grow through but deters digging.

Squirrel Proofing Structures

If squirrels are targeting your shed, deck, or house, the goal is exclusion.

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home, shed, and garage for any small openings. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Seal these with sturdy materials like hardware cloth, metal flashing, or concrete. Pay close attention to soffits, vents, and gaps where utility lines enter.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Branches that reach your roof or attic can serve as highways for squirrels. Trim them back at least 6-8 feet from your house to make access more difficult.

Deterring Squirrels from Bird Feeders

Deterring squirrels from bird feeders is a common challenge for many bird enthusiasts. Squirrels are agile and determined, but there are strategies to outsmart them.

Squirrel-Proof Feeders

There are several types of feeders designed to be squirrel-resistant:

• Weight-Activated Feeders: These feeders have a mechanism that closes the seed ports when a squirrel’s weight is detected, but allows smaller birds to feed.
• Caged Feeders: These feeders have an outer wire cage with openings large enough for birds but too small for squirrels.
• Pole-Mounted Feeders with Baffles: Feeders mounted on poles are less accessible. A squirrel baffle, which is a cone-shaped or cylindrical metal guard, placed above or below the feeder can prevent them from climbing the pole.

Feeder Placement

• Distance from Trees and Structures: Place feeders at least 10-15 feet away from trees, fences, and the house. This makes it harder for squirrels to jump onto the feeder.
• Clearance Around the Feeder: Ensure there’s no launching point for squirrels directly above the feeder.

Seed Choices

• Safflower Seeds: Many squirrels dislike the taste of safflower seeds, while many desirable birds (like cardinals and finches) enjoy them.
• Chili-Treated Seeds: Some birdseed mixes are coated with capsaicin. Birds cannot taste capsaicin, but squirrels and other mammals can, making the seeds unappealing.

Other Tactics for Bird Feeders

• Grease the Pole: Applying a thin layer of vegetable shortening or petroleum jelly to the feeder pole can make it too slippery for squirrels to climb. Be cautious, as this can be messy and potentially harmful if ingested in large quantities by birds or other wildlife. It needs regular reapplication.
• “Squirrel Proof” Feeders Aren’t Always Foolproof: Even the best feeders can sometimes be defeated by a particularly determined squirrel. Regular observation and adjustments are key.

Humane Squirrel Trapping and Removal

If natural deterrents aren’t enough, humane trapping can be an option. It’s crucial to handle this process responsibly and legally.

When to Consider Trapping

Trapping should be a last resort, especially if squirrels have already established themselves in your attic or are causing significant damage.

Humane Squirrel Trapping Methods

• Live Traps: Use live traps designed for small animals, such as Havahart traps. These traps are designed to catch the animal without injury.
• Choosing the Best Squirrel Bait: The best squirrel bait is often a combination of appealing scents and textures.
  • Peanut Butter: A small dollop of peanut butter is highly attractive to squirrels.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, mixed nuts, or pieces of walnuts or pecans can also be effective baits.
  • Oats or Grains: Rolled oats or birdseed can be used as a base or in combination with other baits.
  • Fresh Fruit: Slices of apple or pear can be enticing.

Table 1: Best Squirrel Bait Combinations

Bait Type	Combination 1	Combination 2	Combination 3
Primary	Peanut Butter	Mixed Nuts	Sunflower Seeds
Secondary	Rolled Oats	Small Piece of Apple	Small Piece of Walnuts
Optional	Pinch of Cinnamon (for scent)	Sprinkle of Birdseed	Drizzle of Honey (use sparingly)

• Trap Placement: Place the trap in an area where you have seen squirrel activity, preferably near their entry points or feeding areas.
• Baiting the Trap: Place the bait at the back of the trap, past the trigger plate. You can also sprinkle a small amount of bait leading up to the trap to guide them inside.

Releasing Trapped Squirrels

• Check Local Regulations: Before trapping, familiarize yourself with your local wildlife laws. Some areas have restrictions on trapping and relocating wildlife.
• Relocation: If permitted, relocate the squirrel to a suitable habitat at least 5-10 miles away from your property. This is crucial because squirrels have established territories. Releasing them too close might result in them returning or facing territorial disputes with other squirrels.
• Release Site: Choose a location with ample trees, food sources, and water. Avoid releasing them near busy roads or other residential areas.
• Handling: Wear thick gloves when handling the trap, as even a “tame” squirrel can bite when scared.

Squirrel Exclusion Methods

Squirrel exclusion methods involve preventing squirrels from entering specific areas, particularly your home or attic.

Removing Squirrels from Attic

Squirrels can be a nuisance when they get into attics, chewing wires and creating nests.

1. Identify Entry Points: The first step is to find out how they are getting in. Look for gnawed holes in eaves, soffits, vents, or gaps in the roofline.
2. One-Way Doors (Exclusion Devices): These devices are installed over the main entry point. They allow squirrels to exit the attic but prevent them from re-entering. A typical setup involves securing hardware cloth around the opening, leaving the primary exit clear for the one-way door.
3. Seal Other Potential Entry Points: While the one-way door is in place, meticulously seal all other possible entry points into the attic using hardware cloth or metal sheeting. This prevents new squirrels from entering and ensures the trapped squirrels cannot simply find another way in.
4. Remove Nesting Material and Clean: Once you are certain all squirrels have left, remove any nesting materials and thoroughly clean the attic. Sanitize the area to remove any scent markers.
5. Prevent Re-entry: Ensure all entry points are permanently sealed after the exclusion device is removed.

Protecting Other Structures

The principles of sealing entry points and creating barriers apply to sheds, garages, and other outbuildings as well. Use sturdy materials like hardware cloth (1/4 inch or 1/2 inch mesh) to block any openings.

Squirrel Damage Prevention

Proactive measures are key to squirrel damage prevention. By making your yard less inviting and your property less accessible, you can significantly reduce the risk of squirrel-related issues.

Regular Maintenance

• Inspect Your Home Regularly: Periodically check your roofline, eaves, vents, and siding for any new holes or signs of chewing.
• Trim Trees: Keep tree branches trimmed back from your house.
• Secure Trash Cans: Squirrels are attracted to garbage. Use bins with tight-fitting lids and consider securing them.
• Clean Up Fallen Fruit and Nuts: Don’t leave fallen fruit or nuts from trees scattered on your lawn, as these are prime food sources.

Creating Less Favorable Habitats

• Remove Potential Food Sources: Beyond bird feeders and gardens, check for other attractants like spilled pet food or accessible compost piles.
• Eliminate Water Sources: While less common, some squirrels might be attracted to leaky faucets or standing water.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, especially in your attic, or if you’re uncomfortable with trapping or exclusion methods, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will cayenne pepper hurt squirrels?
A1: Cayenne pepper acts as an irritant to their eyes and mucous membranes, but it’s generally considered humane. It makes plants taste unpleasant, deterring them from eating, without causing lasting harm.

Q2: Can I use mothballs to repel squirrels?
A2: Mothballs are often suggested, but they are toxic and can be harmful to pets, children, and other wildlife. Their use is generally discouraged due to potential health risks and limited effectiveness. Stick to safer, natural repellents.

Q3: How do I stop squirrels from digging in my flower pots?
A3: You can cover the soil surface with chicken wire, hardware cloth, or decorative stones. Another method is to plant strongly scented herbs like mint or rosemary around the edges of the pots.

Q4: Are there any traps that kill squirrels instantly?
A4: While lethal traps exist, they are not humane and are often illegal or discouraged by wildlife authorities. The focus of this guide is on safe and humane removal.

Q5: How can I tell if squirrels are in my attic?
A5: Signs include scratching or scurrying noises, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. You might also find nesting materials, chewed wires, or droppings.

Q6: Can I relocate a squirrel to a different part of my yard?
A6: Relocating squirrels within your own property is generally not recommended. They may struggle to adapt, return to your yard, or encounter territorial conflicts with existing wildlife. Long-distance relocation is usually more effective if permitted.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage squirrel populations in your yard, protect your property, and enjoy a more harmonious coexistence with nature. Remember, patience and consistency are key to successful natural squirrel control.