10 Proven Tips on How to Stop Squirrels
Squirrels may look cute with their large eyes and bushy tails, but they can also become a real nuisance. From damaging trees to nesting in attics and chewing through electric wires, squirrels can cause rather serious and expensive problems.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home and garden from squirrels. Here are ten proven methods we recommend on how to stop squirrels and keep them out of your home and garden.
#1 Seal Entry Points to Your Home
Squirrels can squeeze through small gaps and cracks especially in your roof, attic, and walls. Inspect your home regularly for holes and seal them with galvanised steel mesh or metal flashing. Avoid weaker materials like wood and plastic as squirrels can gnaw through these relatively easily.
#2 Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Squirrels are excellent climbers who often use tree branches to access or jump onto your roof. To counter this, we recommend trimming back branches so they are no closer than 2 meters from your house. This makes it a lot harder for them to access your roof and taking residence in your attic.
#3 Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Bird feeders may be great for attracting birds but do so at the cost of attracting other pests such as squirrels too. We recommend investing in a squirrel-proof bird feeder or if not possible, positioning your feeder as far away from fences and trees as possible. You may also wish to consider using baffles to prevent squirrels from climbing onto feeder poles.
#4 Secure Your Rubbish Bins and Food Sources
Squirrels is that they are opportunistic feeders who will take advantage of any fortune that comes their way. This makes it important to Keep bins tightly closed at all times and clean up any fallen fruit, nuts, or seeds from your garden. You should also store birdseed and pet food in metal containers with secure lids to prevent squirrels from raiding them.
#5 Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
A harmless but effective deterrent are motion-activated sprinklers. When a squirrel gets too close, it triggers a spray of water, scaring it away. This method works especially well for protecting your garden and outdoor structures.
#6 Use Squirrel Repellents
Non-toxic repellents using scents or tastes can deter squirrels from chewing on trees, fences, and entry points to your home. Apply a commercial or DIY repellent containing capsaicin (hot pepper), garlic, or predator urine to keep them away.
#7 Protect Trees with Metal Guards
To stop squirrels from climbing trees and stripping off bark, we recommend wrapping the base of trees with smooth metal tree guards. This prevents them from getting the foothold they need to start climbing, and protects the tree from damage.
#8 Regularly Check Your Attic and Loft
Regular inspections maximise your chances of early detection which is key to prevent a full-blown infestation. Inspect your loft, attic, and roof space regularly for signs of squirrels, such as scratching noises, droppings, or chewed wires. If you spot signs of activity, you must take action immediately.
#9 Set Up Humane Traps (If Necessary)
If grey squirrels have already entered your home, trapping may be an option. However, UK law prohibits releasing trapped grey squirrels - instead they must be humanely dispatched. If you're not comfortable doing this, consider professional pest control instead.
Also note that red squirrels are protected under the Wildlife and Country Act 1981 which means it's illegal to intentionally kill or injure them as well as disrupt their shelters in any way.
#10 Call a Professional If Infestations Persist
DIY methods don't always work, especially if squirrels have already established a nest in your home. If you continue to hear activity in your attic or notice extensive damage, we recommend hiring a licensed pest control professional to handle the situation legally and humanely.
Final Thoughts
Stopping squirrels from your home and garden is easier than dealing with an infestation. By making your home and garden less inviting, sealing off entry points, and using squirrel deterrents, you can have a great chance of protecting your property. If DIY solutions don't provide the results you want, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY rodent control products are effective, fast & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of squirrels from your home or workplace.
