Tips for Getting Rid of Squirrels

Inspect your home and property for gaps in the roofline, chimneys, vents and soffits, holes in siding, or open windows and doors. Seal any openings with durable materials like steel mesh, caulk, or heavy-duty screens, and install a chimney cap to prevent squirrels from nesting inside.

Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or place them away from trees and structures, store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers, pick up fallen fruit and nuts, and avoid leaving food scraps or garbage accessible to wildlife.

Squirrels dislike the strong scent of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder mixed with water and sprayed around entry points. Predator scents like fox or coyote urine can make them think a predator is nearby, and peppermint or vinegar-soaked rags can also keep them at bay.

Cut branches that extend close to your house to prevent easy roof access, wrap tree trunks with a 2-foot-wide band of smooth metal flashing to stop climbing, and use wire mesh fencing around vegetable gardens to keep squirrels from digging up plants.

If squirrels have already invaded your home, a live trap baited with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or nuts can help. Check local laws regarding trapping and relocating wildlife, and release squirrels at least 5 miles away in a wooded area to prevent them from returning.

Owls, hawks, and snakes naturally prey on squirrels — installing an owl box may attract these birds to your yard, and cats and dogs can also help deter squirrels from settling in your space.

Squirrels dislike loud noises and sudden movements, so motion-activated sprinklers or lights, ultrasonic repellers, or wind chimes and aluminum foil strips that move in the wind can all help keep them away.

If the infestation is severe or DIY methods aren't working, a professional wildlife removal service can safely and humanely remove the squirrels and provide long-term prevention solutions. The key to success is persistence and making your property less appealing to these persistent rodents.