Do you have a problem with squirrels in your garden but don’t know what to do? These creatures with their big, bright eyes and bushy tails might look cute at first. But if you’ve ever had a swarm of them in your garden, you know what a hassle they can be.
However, there is no need to rush to call the exterminator just yet. Whether you’re in the midst of a squirrel invasion or are simply looking to prevent one; there are a lot of simple and humane ways to keep them away from your property.
If you want to learn how to get rid of squirrels in the garden without having to pay money to have it done, then the advice that we have will help you get started in the right direction.
USE ODORS THEY DON’T LIKE
It turns out that squirrels are extremely sensitive to odors, to the point where they will avoid certain fragrances at all costs. Squirrels despise the smell of coffee grounds, so consider spreading them out in your borders (the soil will benefit from this, too) or adding pots of mint to your patio (excellent for mojitos). If they are causing problems in your garden, you can try spraying the affected areas with a solution of peppermint oil and water.
Sprinkling chilli flakes, or cayenne, white, or black pepper, can also deter them due to their aversion to the spice. People have even tried spraying their yard with hot sauce that has been diluted with water. Remember to reapply after it rains.
GROW FLOWERS WITH STRONG ODORS
Not all fragrant flowers appeal to squirrels, especially those with strong scents. While we like the sweet fragrance of lilacs and hyacinths in the fresh air of spring, these creatures will avoid them.
Also, the oniony smell of the allium family (which includes garlic and chives) is unpleasant to them, so planting these around your property lines can be effective pest control. Also, they are very easy to grow and are a great way to add architectural structure to a garden.
These plants alone won’t get rid of squirrels in the garden, but paired with other methods, they’ll help.
CHOOSE SQUIRREL-PROOF BIRD FEEDERS
Squirrels will raid a bird feeder if they see one since it’s like a buffet for them.
If you have a squirrel problem, try a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These often feature a caged design around the feed to keep squirrels out whilst allowing birds easy access.
Keep in mind, too, that the aroma of chili peppers is offensive to squirrels. The good news is that many producers of bird food are aware of this and have altered their products accordingly. You can now buy bird seed blends that have a spicy coating that the birds will love but the squirrels will avoid.
USE ULTRASOUND
Squirrels are naturally wary creatures. They’re always on guard. And loudness is one thing that will shock them enough to scare them away.
There are more social ways than playing your radio all day. It turns out that squirrels, along with many other rodents, can hear sounds that humans cannot. Therefore, you can now buy devices that emit ultrasonic sound waves when they detect motion and act as repellers. In fact, some are solar-powered to further save upkeep.
PREVENT SQUIRREL ACCESS TO YOUR LOFT
Having squirrels up in the attic is a problem for a number of reasons. Once they’ve made a home for themselves, they won’t think twice about tearing off cables and pieces of wood to build a massive, untidy nest. Moreover, their scurrying can be rather noisy.
Making sure they can’t enter your loft in the first place is the most effective approach to stop them from settling there. Overhanging trees and branches should be pruned. You should make sure that the best climbing plants or greenery you have snaking up your home’s exterior aren’t also providing an easy access route to your roof.
You should use materials like securely affixed mesh or metal plates to proof any gaps or entries. Squirrels can cause a lot of damage if not properly secured.
USE A MOTION-ACTIVATED SPRINKLER
No one likes it when water is thrown on them out of the blue, not even squirrels. So, if you want to get rid of squirrels, why not buy a motion-activated sprinkler? If they try to invade your yard, you can just spray them with water to send them running.
INSTALL A DECOY PREDATOR
Squirrels are small, so it comes naturally for them to run away when they feel scared.
Incredibly, a fake owl can be a very effective decoy. Even if you hide it from view, your would-be invaders will see it from a distance, so it’s not completely useless as a lawn decoration.
LET PETS OUT
Do you own a cat or a dog? If you take them for walks in the park often, you may already know that they enjoy chasing squirrels.
When you see a squirrel getting into mischief in your garden, take advantage of this and let it out into the yard. If they see it, they’ll probably scare it away, and it will probably find a different, friendlier spot to hang out in the future.
