Squirrels can destroy a garden, dig up plants and make a mess if allowed to run amok. Sometimes they will nest in an attic and just not leave. Despite their adorable appearance, they can be quite a nuisance and the best way to prevent them from consistently showing up at one’s property is to avoid feeding them.

Simple ways to ensure you don’t have a squirrel problem

Get a dog

If you have always wanted to get a pet, then now is the best time. This one can be quite effective among the many tried and tested options for getting rid of squirrels. Not only should you get a dog, but allow it to spend plenty of time outdoors when the weather permits. Your new furry friend should be able to scare off these pesky rodents in no time at all.

Use cayenne pepper

According to a few expert gardeners, sprinkling a mixture of cayenne pepper, paprika, and red chili flakes over your plants or around their base can help in getting rid of squirrels. The spicy taste is quite unpalatable to them, and they should leave your produce well alone.

Use netting

Using netting and fences will help to keep the fruits and vegetables you have grown safe from squirrels and birds. If squirrels are not able to get their food easily, they are highly likely to move on.

Get sprinklers installed

This method of getting rid of squirrels is not only effective, but you can also avoid using harmful chemicals. Using a sprinkler system that turns on when it detects motion is one of the effective options for getting rid of squirrels. When these pests or even any stranger gets too close, it turns on and sprays them with water.

Use a squirrel repellent

Using a repellent is another great solution you can consider. Given below are the various types of the product to check out.

Squirrel repellent based on smell

You can get these quite easily at any nursery. These repellents most often contain the urine of squirrel predators. If you spray it around your garden and reapply it as needed, you should be able to keep squirrels at bay. You can also make your own repellent to get rid of squirrels. As the rodents cannot tolerate strong smells, you can use naphthalene or sprinkle mothballs around. However, keep in mind that this method’s effectiveness is based on how strong the smell of the repellent is; it might be more effective in an indoor area such as an attic rather than a garden.

Electric squirrel repellents

When set up at a certain spot, this repellant will give the animal a scare every time it touches the setup. The charge is meant only to scare, and over time, the squirrel will avoid the area.

Ultrasonic repellent devices

If you are looking for squirrel control measures to handle a family of squirrels, then this might be the best option. They work in the same way as dog whistles. All you need to do is plug the device in near the home or nest of the squirrels, and it will emit ultrasonic frequencies that cannot be heard by humans but are an effective way of getting rid of squirrels.

Use a squirrel trap
Squirrel traps are quite easily available at hardware or farm supply stores and are available in different types.

Non-lethal traps

These are ordinary wire cages or can be made from solid metal. Those made from metal are easier to move when the animal is trapped inside. Also, you can get single animal traps or multiple animal ones. It, however, might be better to use a multi-animal trap in an attic area so you can get rid of all the pests at once. Once you have trapped the squirrels, you can then release them in a far-off area or a forest if you live close to one.

Lethal traps

These are spring traps and are the most effective in getting rid of squirrels. They work similarly to a small bear trap and will need to be baited. However, as they can cause injury, you should keep them away from children and pets.

Poison

Squirrel bait stations or squirrel bait poison are rodenticides that can get rid of squirrels and rats. They are extremely toxic and need to be kept out of the reach of children and pets. You should be able to get this squirrel control solution at most hardware stores.

These are just a few effective ways to get rid of squirrels. If you have tried and failed to get rid of these pests by yourself, then it might be time to engage the services of an agency or expert.