Simple and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Yard
Squirrels are undoubtedly cute little creatures with their fluffy tails and playful antics. However, when they start causing damage to your garden or decide to move into your attic, they can quickly become a nuisance. While having a few squirrels in your yard is perfectly normal, signs of an infestation such as destroyed flower beds and strange noises from the attic should not be ignored. If you’re facing an influx of squirrels in your backyard or suspect you have a squirrel problem, it’s essential to address the issue promptly and effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore nine simple and humane methods to remove squirrels from your yard. We’ve gathered insights from pest control experts to provide you with valuable tips on handling squirrel infestations, so you can enjoy a squirrel-free environment once again.
Meet the Experts
- Blair Calder
- Nicola Carpenter
- Jamie Nichols
How to Remove Squirrels from Your Yard
Here are nine effective ways to get rid of squirrels from your yard using do-it-yourself methods before considering professional assistance:
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Start by removing food sources that attract squirrels to your yard, such as bird feeders, nuts, seeds, and discarded foods. According to Blair Calder, “The best way to get rid of squirrels is to remove the food source or stop feeding them.”
2. Plant Repelling Flowers
Certain flowers like daffodils, hyacinths, and marigolds can act as natural repellents to keep squirrels away due to their bright colors, taste, and smells that squirrels find unappealing.
3. Use Squirrel Repellent
Squirrel repellents are an effective option to deter these rodents from digging up your yard. These products emit strong smells and unpleasant tastes that discourage squirrels from causing damage.
4. Trap and Remove Them
Utilize humane traps baited with nuts, apples, or fruits to catch and relocate squirrels to a different location at least five to ten miles away from your home.
5. Let Dogs Roam
Allowing dogs to roam in your yard can serve as a natural deterrent to keep squirrels away, as squirrels are typically afraid of dogs.
6. Utilize Chemical Repellent
Although they contain chemical ingredients, chemical repellents can be highly effective in preventing squirrel infestations by creating irritation for the rodents.
7. Put Up a Fence
While a backyard fence may not fully keep squirrels out, placing plastic netting or metal fencing around your garden can help protect your plants from squirrel damage.
8. Keep Trash Closed
Ensure that outdoor trash cans are tightly sealed and stored indoors to prevent squirrels from foraging for food in your bins.
9. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Removing food sources and trimming trees and shrubs at least 10 feet away from your home can help discourage squirrels from accessing your property.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Here are five common signs that indicate you may have a squirrel infestation in your home or yard:
1. Scratching or Scurrying Sounds
If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds in your home, particularly in the attic or walls, it’s likely that you have squirrels nesting in your property.
2. Droppings Around the Yard
Squirrel droppings, which are slightly larger and darker than rodent droppings, are a telltale sign of squirrel activity in your yard.
3. Half-Eaten Fruit
Discarded half-eaten pieces of fruit from your plants can indicate that squirrels are feasting on your garden produce.
4. Dug-Up Garden
Holes and burrows in your garden are signs of squirrel activity as they dig for shelter or food storage.
5. Tipped-Over Trash
If you notice tipped-over trash cans, chewed-up bins, or scattered trash in your yard, it may be a sign that squirrels are searching for food in your outdoor garbage.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Squirrels?
If DIY methods fail to alleviate your squirrel problem, it may be necessary to seek professional help. The national average cost for removing squirrels from your property with the assistance of a professional is approximately $350. The total cost may vary depending on the extent of the infestation and any repairs required to rectify damage caused by the squirrels.
How to Prevent Squirrel Infestations
Taking proactive measures to prevent squirrel problems is vital to maintaining a squirrel-free environment. While it’s challenging to completely eliminate squirrels from your yard, you can implement strategies to deter them from taking up residence:
- Remove food sources from your yard to discourage squirrels from foraging.
- Keep trash bins tightly sealed to prevent squirrels from accessing food waste.
- Seal gaps or holes in your home to prevent squirrels from entering.
- Use safe repellents like peppermint, garlic, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper to deter squirrels.
Remember, the key to effective squirrel control is to address the root causes that attract these rodents to your property. By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering squirrel infestations in the future.
In conclusion, dealing with squirrels in your yard can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can effectively remove these furry intruders from your property. By applying the methods mentioned in this guide and staying vigilant for signs of squirrel activity, you can enjoy a peaceful and squirrel-free yard. If you’re facing persistent squirrel problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to address the issue promptly. With a proactive approach and a bit of patience, you can reclaim your yard from unwanted squirrel guests and create a harmonious outdoor space for yourself and your family to enjoy.
