Squirrels, while often seen as charming woodland creatures, can cause significant damage when they invade residential areas. Their habit for chewing through wiring, insulation, and even structural components of homes makes them a nuisance that homeowners need to address. Here are five effective strategies to keep squirrels away from your property.
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Squirrels are drawn to areas where food is readily available. Removing potential food sources can make your property less attractive to them.
- Secure Garbage Bins: Ensure that garbage bins are tightly sealed and stored in a secure location. Squirrels are adept at scavenging and can easily tear through loose lids.
- Remove Bird Feeders: While bird feeders are delightful for bird enthusiasts, they are also a significant attractant for squirrels. Consider placing bird feeders far from your home or installing squirrel-proof feeders.
- Clean Up Fallen Fruits and Nuts: Regularly rake up and dispose of fallen fruits, nuts, and acorns from your yard. These items provide a readily available food supply for squirrels.
2. Install Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can effectively deter squirrels from accessing certain areas of your property.
- Tree Guards: Installing tree guards around the base of trees can prevent squirrels from climbing and nesting in them. These guards should be made of metal or plastic and extend at least 5-6 feet up the trunk.
- Fencing: Use a sturdy fence with a mesh size small enough to prevent squirrels from squeezing through. Ensure the fence is buried at least a foot underground to prevent burrowing.
3. Use Squirrel Repellents
Various repellents can be used to deter squirrels from your property. These can be natural or chemical-based.
- Natural Repellents: Ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic, and vinegar can be effective in repelling squirrels. These can be mixed with water and sprayed around your property, focusing on areas where squirrels are most active.
- Commercial Repellents: There are several commercial squirrel repellents available in the market. These typically come in spray or granule form and should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Squirrels often use trees and shrubs as pathways to access your home. Keeping these well-maintained can reduce their ability to invade your property.
- Prune Branches: Regularly trim branches that overhang or are close to your house. This reduces the chances of squirrels leaping onto your roof.
- Thin Out Dense Shrubbery: By thinning out dense shrubbery, you reduce potential hiding spots and make your property less inviting to squirrels.
5. Secure Your Home
Ensuring that your home is well-sealed can prevent squirrels from finding entry points.
- Inspect and Repair: Regularly inspect your home's exterior for potential entry points such as gaps, cracks, and holes. Repair these immediately using materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing.
- Install Chimney Caps: Installing a cap on your chimney can prevent squirrels from entering and nesting in this area.
- Screen Vents: Ensure that all vents are covered with durable mesh screens to prevent squirrels from accessing your attic or crawl spaces.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce the likelihood of squirrels causing damage to your property. For more comprehensive solutions and professional assistance, contact Critter Control of SW Missouri at 417.815.4476. Our experienced team can provide tailored strategies to manage and prevent squirrel infestations, ensuring your property remains safe and secure.