Squirrels can become a nuisance when they invade our homes and gardens. Their incessant gnawing, nest-building, and potential for damage make it crucial to address the issue promptly. In this article, we will explore effective DIY methods to get rid of squirrels, ensuring a peaceful coexistence.
Signs of Squirrels in Your Home
Recognizing the signs of squirrel activity in your home early is crucial to address the issue effectively. Check for chewed wires, gnawed wood, and insulation damage in your attic or loft. Squirrels tend to gnaw on various materials, including electrical cables, which can lead to fire hazards. Additionally, their constant chewing can weaken the structure of wooden beams or furniture.
Another clear indicator of squirrel presence is their droppings. Squirrel droppings are typically small and cylindrical, resembling dark pellets. If you notice these droppings scattered in your attic or around entry points, it strongly indicates an infestation.
Unusual noises emanating from your ceiling or walls are also telltale signs of squirrels. These critters are agile climbers and can easily navigate through crawl spaces and wall voids. If you hear scampering, scratching, or scurrying sounds, especially during the day when squirrels are most active, they have likely made your home their nesting ground.
By promptly identifying these signs, you can take immediate action to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your property.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Understanding their behaviour patterns is important to address a squirrel infestation effectively. The grey squirrel is the most prevalent species in the UK, known for its adaptability and ability to outcompete native red squirrels. However, in certain regions, red squirrels may still be encountered.
Squirrels are highly skilled climbers, capable of scaling trees, fences, and buildings. They are attracted to warm, secure, and secluded spaces, making attics and lofts appealing nesting spots. During colder months, squirrels seek shelter in these areas, often building nests from twigs, leaves, and other available materials.
Understanding their nesting habits is crucial for effectively deterring squirrels. You can prevent them from establishing nests in your home by identifying and blocking potential entry points, such as gaps in eaves, vents, or damaged fascia boards. It's important to note that squirrels are persistent and can chew through weak or vulnerable areas, so using sturdy materials like wire mesh or metal flashing is essential.

DIY Methods to Deter Squirrels
When deterring squirrels, a combination of preventive measures and repellents can be effective. Here are some additional DIY methods to help you keep squirrels at bay:
Squirrel-Proofing Your Loft or Attic
Inspect your attic or loft thoroughly to identify all potential entry points. In addition to sealing gaps and holes, reinforce weak areas using heavy-duty wire mesh or metal hardware cloth. Pay close attention to vulnerable spots like eaves, vents, and damaged fascia boards.
Consider applying a non-toxic squirrel-repellent paint or coating to deter squirrels from gnawing on wooden structures. These products have a bitter taste that squirrels dislike, acting as a deterrent and protecting your property from their destructive chewing.
Repelling Squirrels in the Garden
Squirrels can wreak havoc in your garden, especially around bird feeders and flower beds. To discourage their presence, try the following methods:
- Install motion-activated sprinklers near bird feeders or other areas frequented by squirrels. When they approach, the sudden burst of water will startle them, making them think twice before returning.
- Create barriers around your flower beds using wire mesh or fencing. Ensure the barriers are buried at least a few inches below the soil to prevent squirrels from digging underneath.
- Incorporate plants and flowers that squirrels dislike into your garden. For example, alliums, daffodils, and hyacinths deter squirrels due to their strong scents or unpalatable taste. Planting these strategically around your garden can help protect your prized flowers and vegetables.
- Consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed with mechanisms that prevent squirrels from accessing the bird seed. Look for feeders with weight-activated perches or adjustable feed openings that close when a squirrel's weight is detected.
3. Homemade Squirrel Repellents
In addition to physical barriers and deterrents, homemade squirrel repellents can effectively deter these critters from specific areas. Here are a few recipes you can try:
- Hot Pepper Spray: Create a homemade squirrel repellent by mixing water with cayenne pepper and a few drops of dish soap. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to areas where squirrels are active. The spicy nature of the pepper will discourage them from approaching the treated areas.
- Predator Urine: Squirrels are naturally wary of predators. Look for predator urine, such as fox or coyote urine, at garden centres or online. Spray or sprinkle the urine near entry points or areas where squirrel activity is prominent. The scent will signal squirrels that a predator is nearby, deterring them from approaching.
- Strong-Scented Repellents: Squirrels have sensitive noses and dislike strong scents. Soaking cotton balls in vinegar, ammonia, or essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus can create strong-smelling repellents. Place these cotton balls in areas where squirrels are active or use them to plug entry points.
Remember to reapply these repellents periodically, especially after rain or when the scents fade. Regular maintenance and vigilance are crucial to ensure their effectiveness.
Humanely Removing Squirrels
If preventive measures and repellents don't suffice, and you need to remove squirrels from your property, it's important to do so humanely. Here are a couple of options for humane squirrel removal:
- Live Traps: Set up live traps near entry points or areas where squirrels are active. Use baits like peanut butter or nuts to attract them into the traps. Once captured, carefully release the squirrels far away from your property, preferably in a suitable wooded area. Ensure that you follow local regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife.
- Professional Assistance: If you find it challenging to deal with a squirrel infestation on your own, it's advisable to seek help from professional pest control services. They have the expertise and experience to safely and effectively handle squirrel removal while ensuring the well-being of humans and wildlife.
By using humane methods to remove squirrels, you contribute to preserving wildlife while safeguarding your home and property.
Conclusion
Squirrel infestations can be a persistent challenge, but with the right knowledge and DIY methods, you can effectively deter squirrels and prevent further damage. By being vigilant, addressing potential entry points, employing repellents, and utilizing humane removal techniques, you can restore peace and harmony to your home and garden.
Early detection and prompt action are key when dealing with squirrel issues. Implementing these DIY methods, along with regular maintenance, will help you maintain a squirrel-free environment while ensuring the safety and integrity of your property.
Take proactive steps today and reclaim your space from these mischievous yet resourceful critters. By adopting these DIY methods to deter and remove squirrels, you'll enjoy a pest-free home and garden, allowing you to appreciate the tranquillity of your surroundings fully.
FAQ
What is a home remedy to get rid of squirrels?
One effective home remedy to eliminate squirrels is using hot pepper spray. Mix water with cayenne pepper and a few drops of dish soap, then transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to areas where squirrels are active or where you want to deter them. The spicy nature of the pepper will discourage squirrels from approaching the treated areas.
What is the best homemade squirrel repellent?
There are several effective homemade squirrel repellents. One popular option is to create a strong-smelling mixture using vinegar, ammonia, or essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus. Soak cotton balls in these scents and place them in areas where squirrels are active or use them to block entry points. Squirrels dislike these strong smells and are less likely to approach the treated areas.
Will vinegar kill squirrels?
No, vinegar will not kill squirrels. Vinegar is often used as a repellent due to its strong smell, which squirrels dislike. However, it is important to note that vinegar is not a lethal or harmful substance for squirrels. It simply acts as a deterrent to keep them away from certain areas.
How do you stop squirrels from coming?
To stop squirrels from coming, it is important to take preventive measures. Start by squirrel-proofing your home by sealing all potential entry points, such as gaps, holes, and damaged areas, using sturdy materials like wire mesh or metal flashing. Regularly inspect and maintain these barriers to ensure their effectiveness.
In the garden, consider using motion-activated sprinklers near bird feeders or areas frequented by squirrels. The sudden burst of water will startle squirrels and discourage them from returning. Planting squirrel-deterring flowers and herbs, like alliums, can also create an environment that squirrels find unpleasant.
Combining these preventive measures with homemade squirrel repellents and maintaining a clean and uninviting environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of squirrels coming to your property.
Remember, persistence and regular maintenance are key to successfully deterring squirrels and preventing future infestations.