The Best Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels

Squirrels might look cute and fuzzy, but when they start occupying your home, they can quickly become a nuisance. These creatures can cause damage to your property, chew through electrical wiring, and even pose a fire hazard. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to get rid of squirrels and prevent them from coming back.

1. Seal All Entry Points

• Inspect your property for any holes or gaps that squirrels can use to enter.
• Seal all openings with materials like caulk, wire mesh, and hardware cloth.
• Be sure to check the roofline, vents, and chimneys as these are common entry points for squirrels.

Why is sealing entry points important?

Sealing entry points is crucial because it prevents squirrels from entering your home. When squirrels cannot find a way in, they will move elsewhere in search of food and shelter. This will reduce the chance of squirrels causing damage to your property.

2. Get Rid of Their Food Sources

• Keep garbage cans sealed and secure.
• Don’t leave pet food outside for extended periods.
• Trim tree branches away from your home to prevent easy access to the roof.

Why is eliminating their food sources important?

Squirrels are attracted to food, and if you provide a food source, they will be more likely to stick around. By eliminating their food sources, you will reduce the likelihood of squirrels settling in your home.

3. Use Squirrel Repellents

• Use squirrel repellent sprays and granules.
• Plant peppermint or garlic in your garden as squirrels dislike the smell.
• Use ultrasonic squirrel repellent devices.

Do squirrel repellents actually work?

While there is no guarantee that squirrel repellents will work, they can be effective in some cases. Repellents work by creating an unpleasant environment for squirrels, making them less likely to stick around.

4. Use Traps

• Use humane traps to catch squirrels.
• Release the squirrels at least five miles from your home so that they don’t return.
• Be sure to check traps regularly to minimize the squirrel’s time in the trap.

Should I use lethal traps?

We do not recommend using lethal traps as they are cruel and inhumane. Humane traps are a more ethical option as they do not harm the squirrel and allow you to release them into the wild.

5. Call in Professionals

• If you have a severe squirrel infestation, it’s best to call in professionals.
• Professional pest control companies have the experience and tools necessary to eliminate squirrels and prevent their return.
• They can also assess your property for any structural damage caused by squirrels.

Why call in professionals?

Professional pest control companies have the expertise, tools, and resources to safely and effectively eliminate squirrels from your property. They can also help prevent future infestations by identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a squirrel infestation?

If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds in your attic or walls, see squirrels entering or leaving your home, or notice squirrel droppings, you may have a squirrel infestation.

Are squirrels dangerous?

While squirrels are generally not dangerous, they can cause property damage and pose a fire hazard if they chew through electrical wiring.

What do I do if I find a baby squirrel?

If you find a baby squirrel, do not touch it. Call a professional wildlife rehabilitation organization as they have the experience and resources to care for the baby squirrel.

Can squirrels transmit diseases to humans?

While squirrels can carry diseases like Lyme disease, the risk of transmission to humans is relatively low.

How long does it take to get rid of squirrels?

The length of time it takes to get rid of squirrels depends on the severity of the infestation and the methods used. It’s essential to remain patient and persistent in your efforts to eliminate squirrels.

Conclusion

Getting rid of squirrels can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it’s essential to act quickly to prevent them from causing damage to your property. By sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, using repellents and traps, and calling in professionals if necessary, you can successfully eliminate squirrels from your property. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and ethical in your efforts to remove squirrels. Good luck!

Method	Pros	Cons
Sealing entry points	Prevents squirrels from entering your home	Can be time-consuming and challenging to locate all entry points
Eliminating food sources	Reduces the likelihood of squirrels sticking around your property	Can be challenging to maintain over time
Using repellents	Some repellents can be effective in deterring squirrels	Not guaranteed to work and can be expensive
Using traps	Humane traps provide an ethical option	Traps require regular maintenance and may not work in all cases
Calling in professionals	Professional pest control companies have the expertise, tools, and resources to safely and effectively eliminate squirrels from your property	Can be expensive and may not be necessary for mild infestations