Although squirrels can be cute to look at when they’re scurrying up trees or snacking on acorns, you probably don’t want them setting up shop in your home. The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent squirrels from invading your property. However, squirrels are extremely clever and there’s still a chance that they can find a way into your home. Enlisting the help of a professional trained in squirrel removal can eliminate these pests from your property once and for all.

Hide the Food

It may sound obvious, but squirrels are drawn to food as a means of survival. Whether your garden is bursting with fruits and vegetables or there are acorns in the nearby woods, squirrels will go to great lengths to get their paws on some food. Be sure to rake up any fruits, vegetables, acorns or nuts that have fallen on the ground. You should also make sure that squirrels can’t scavenge through your garbage can, as this is an attractive food source for them.

Plant Flowers

Did you know that there are a few types of plants that actually deter squirrels? These include:

• Hyacinth
• Daffodils
• Mint
• Lily of the valley
• Galanthus
• Geraniums

Some of these plants are not only hated by squirrels but can actually be extremely toxic, causing them to stay away. For example, daffodils contain lycorine and calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic when ingested.

Be sure to plant these flowers around the walls of your home to hinder squirrel activity. Not only can they eliminate these pests, but they can also give your home a nice pop of colour.

Install a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

Squirrels are drawn to bird feeders because of their delicious array of fruits, seeds and nuts. You can either purchase a squirrel-proof bird feeder or opt for the DIY route. For example, suspending the bird feeder on a wire at least five feet above the ground rather than placing it on the soil can prevent squirrels from jumping up to reach it.

Get Rid of Standing Water

Just like all other living things, squirrels need water to survive. Not only will squirrels invade your property if it has a water source, but so will dozens of other types of animals. Be sure to check your yard for open tubs of water and empty out your birdbath until you’ve gotten your squirrel problem under control.

You should also check for any potholes where water can accumulate, especially after a rainstorm. Squirrels are known for sticking their tongues into hoses or faucets to lap up some droplets, so be sure that these aren’t leaking. Not only will this deter squirrels, but it’ll also save water.

Use a Repellent

There are two main types of squirrel repellents: pepper-based and urine-based. The pepper-based repellent can be sprayed directly on your bird feeder or flowers, which will deter squirrels without harming vegetation. However, if your squirrel infestation is more severe, you may want to use the urine-based repellent. This uses the urine of squirrel predators to keep squirrels at bay.

Contacting Wildlife Control in Barrie

Although these tips and tricks may provide a temporary fix, squirrels are extremely resourceful and may still find a way to invade your property. This is why enlisting the help of a professional is the easiest and most effective way to eliminate squirrels from your property. Not only can squirrels threaten the structural integrity of your home and ruin your surrounding property, but they’re also known to carry a variety of diseases, such as ringworm and typhus. 

At Skedaddle, we can safely remove squirrels from your home without putting you or your family in harm’s way. Call Skedaddle today to learn more about our squirrel removal services.