Squirrels are arguably one of the most common animals that humans interact with on a regular basis. This is due to the fact that they are comfortable in a wide variety of settings, do not mind living around humans, and even benefit from humans. This is particularly true when they find ways to get into your home or into your garden. Continue reading to find out how to naturally deter squirrels from your home and property.
Seal Your Home
One of the best ways that you can naturally deter squirrels from your home is to be sure that they cannot gain access into it in the first place. This can be as simple or as detailed as you want to make it, but the bottom line is that it is important to seal up every potential entry point that a squirrel could use to get into your home. To begin, examine every inch of your home, particularly the attic and roof line of the home. Look for any holes, gaps, cracks, or other weak points.
Once you have examined your home and taken stock of what needs to be fixed, you can lay out your options. You can perform a do-it-yourself repair that will require you to use a variety of materials, such as all-weather sealant, aluminum sheeting, new lumber, and new shingles, in order to shore up your home. Another option is to hire a professional wildlife service, such as Wildlife X Team, that specializes in performing prevention services to keep squirrels out for good. Once you have sealed up your home, you can start trying these other tips.
Hot Peppers
Squirrels, like many other nuisance animals, are not a fan of hot peppers. This can be used to deter them in a variety of ways. One of the best ways to use hot peppers against squirrels is to mix hot sauce or cayenne pepper seasoning with water in a big spray bottle. Mix the concoction well, and then spray it around the areas you are trying to keep squirrels out of. This is particularly useful for vegetable gardeners who have one specific area that they want to keep squirrels out of. Another idea is to spread red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper powder around areas where you are wanting squirrels to stay out of. Any time there is rain, or after a few weeks, your hot pepper remedies might need to be reapplied.
Use Certain Plants
One of the more unique and interesting deterrent ideas is to plant some of the flowers and plants that squirrels cannot stand to be around. Not only are many of these plants pleasing to look at, but they can also protect your other plants, or entry points around your home and garage, from being invaded by squirrels. Some of the more common squirrel repelling plants are geraniums, peppermint, hyacinths, and daffodils. These are especially effective if you create a wall of sorts out of them, as they provide a barrier that squirrels do not want to cross.
Use Your Pets
One of the most common squirrel deterrents that people use in many places is just allowing their dogs and cats to roam freely. This is especially useful if you do not have to worry about your pet running away from your yard, as a freely-roaming dog or cat that does not like squirrels can be a powerful asset. The best part about this deterrent method is that it changes the squirrels’ behavior and makes them more cautious to be in areas where you do not want them, even if your pet is not outside.
Essential Oils
One of the most common wildlife prevention tips that has popped up in recent times is the use of essential oils to keep certain animals away from your home and property. With squirrels, it seems that there is one scent that they hate more than most others, and that is peppermint. Peppermint essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. One common method is to mix some essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it liberally around your yard and home. Another method is to soak a cotton ball or other absorbent material in peppermint oil and then set it where you are trying to keep squirrels away from.