How to Keep Squirrels Away?

Although cute, those rodents with fluffy tails can be a big pain. Squirrels are very fond of collecting and burying nuts, they also have a taste for fruits, but those aren’t why they’re a nuisance to have around. Like other rodents, squirrels have the everlasting urge to chew and gnaw on whatever they find around, be it nuts, tree branches, fruits, fascia boards, and soffits.

Squirrels on your roof can chew their way into your attic and damage your insulation, they can also chew on cables and wires which can cause power outages or fire hazards. Squirrels look cute and innocent, but far from it, they are actually harmless animals with very dangerous and destructive habits.

These rodents will also wreak havoc in your vegetable patch because they will help themselves to fresh ripe apples and tomatoes, berries, flower blossoms, and so on. Squirrels dig holes in garden soil to seek for seeds or bury food for later use. You certainly don’t want them around, but what if they are already in your property? Then you have to act fast to get rid of them before they have the chance to cause serious damage to your home. Here are some strategies to help keep squirrels away:

Remove food sources

Food and water sources in and around your property are undoubtedly one of the reasons squirrels keep coming to your home. You can get them to stay by making an effort to remove any of the attractants. If you do leave food or water out for animals like birds, make sure it’s in a location that only they can access. Squirrels are voracious foragers, and they seize every opportunity they get, so keep an eye out for fallen nuts, fruits, and seeds. Also, remember to properly close trash can lids and bury food wastes deep in compost piles.

Get Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

Installing bird feeders is a good way to attract birds to your property, but you should know that there are downsides to it. For instance, bird feeders tend to attract unwanted rodents like rats, mice and squirrels. Rodents also enjoy bird food, and rats and mice will hang around for any of the grains that fall off the feeders. But squirrels are excellent climbers and will climb to enjoy the bird food with the birds.

There are a few ways you can deal with this problem; the first is to consider removing the bird feeder. The second is to move the feeders to a location where squirrels will be unable to reach, or you can install a squirrel guard on poles or trees with bird feeders. Finally, you can try squirrel-proof bird feeders. These are bird feeders designed to allow only birds to access the food, but not squirrels. If you take these precautions, squirrels and other rodents will understand that your backyard isn’t a good food source and move on.

Install a motion-sensitive sprinkler 

Squirrels are not repelled by water, but being harshly sprayed with water whenever they approach a certain area will send them running in the opposite direction. Squirrels will not be able to make themselves at home on your property if you use motion-activated sprinklers. They are extremely alert creatures and will be less likely to enter your yard if there are things that could catch them off guard with water.

Try squirrel deterrents

Another strategy for keeping squirrels away from your lawn, and property in general, is by using predator urine. Squirrels have natural predators, and they actively try to stay away from them. Coyotes and red foxes are natural predators of squirrels, if squirrels detect the presence of these animals in your yard, they will be less likely to stay. You can purchase and spray coyote or red fox urine around your property to repel squirrels. This method is only temporary and will be effective for as long as the smell lasts, it should be reapplied on a regular basis to ensure that squirrels never feel comfortable around your home.

 

How To Keep Squirrels Out Of The Attic?

Squirrels are a common nuisance animal. Here you’ll learn all about them and how you can protect your home from these rodents.

What Problems Do Squirrels Cause In The Attic?

Squirrels are just as problematic as their rat relatives. These are just a few of the ways that these animals can wreak havoc in your home.

• Damaging the exterior of your home. As squirrels enter and exit the attic, they’ll start damaging the exterior of your home. Some of this comes from the general wear and tear of their movement, while some is caused by squirrels chewing through material.
• Chewing electrical wires. The attic often contains electrical wiring. Squirrels love to chew on these because of their rubber casing. This frays the wire which damages the machinery, causes electrocutions, and can lead to a fire.
• Destroying furniture. Whether you’re storing furniture in the attic or the squirrels found a way to the rest of your home, you can expect these rodents to chew on your things.
• Leaving waste. Much like rats and mice, rodents leave their droppings in the attic. Over time, this builds a terrible stench and even stains parts of your home.

How To Prevent Squirrels From Entering The Attic?

Squirrels are small and very dexterous, so keeping them out of your attic is more difficult than with other animals. Try some of these techniques to keep these rodents out.

• Trim nearby trees. Squirrels are known to climb trees close to your home and then jump on to your roof or into your attic. You can make this difficult by trimming the limbs of the trees, so that they are at least 6 feet (but preferably 10 feet) away from your home.
• Install squirrel guards. You can stop these rodents from climbing up metal poles and trees by installing squirrel guards. These devices are often metal sheets or cones that physically block the squirrel’s path up.
• Use chimney caps. Squirrels are known to use the chimney to access other parts of your home. It’s recommended you install a chimney cap and to perform regular maintenance to stop the rodents from using it.
• Seal entry points. These rodents can get into your attic through small openings. Keep an eye out for open vents which you can seal with wire mesh. You should also find any rotting wood, cracks, or holes and seal them with caulk and steel wool.
• Secure garbage cans. Your trash can attract more than just raccoons. You should buy an animal-proof garbage can and seal it after use. This prevents the smell from attracting squirrels and other wildlife; it also stops them from getting inside.
• Remove bird feeders. Squirrels are notorious for stealing food from bird feeders. You can remove these to give squirrels less of a reason to enter your home. Alternatively, you can buy squirrel-proof bird feeders, but they don’t always work.
• Spray repellents. You can irritate squirrels to keep them at bay. Some options include hot sauce, vinegar, and ammonia. These need to be constantly reapplied, and they don’t always work.

What Are The Benefits Of Calling Professionals?

Experts will help you remove and prevent squirrels and other wildlife. Their services often come with a guarantee, so you can be confident that wild animals stay out of your home.

Professionals will also save you time and effort that you can use on the things you value. All while providing years of experience and know-how, allowing them to find and fix issues that would have been overlooked.

Wildlife removal companies will also offer solutions that address your unique situation, so call them now to solve your squirrel problem.