How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your House

Squirrels may seem cute and harmless, but they can cause serious damage to your home if left unchecked. Here are 9 tips to prevent squirrels from settling in and wreaking havoc:

1. Trim Tree Branches

Trim any branches that allow squirrels easy access to your roof or attic Squirrels use trees as highways to get onto homes. Removing those access points forces them to find alternate routes Inspect trees around the perimeter of your home and cut back branches within 3-4 feet of the house.

2. Seal Openings

Seal up any holes or gaps where squirrels can sneak into your home. Focus on areas like soffits vents and loose siding. Use wire mesh, caulk, wood, metal flashing, or copper mesh to plug holes. Be sure to search the entire exterior for potential entry points.

Frequency of Entities soffits 1vents 1siding 1wire mesh 1caulk 1wood 1metal flashing 1copper mesh 1

3. Remove Food Sources

Eliminate any outdoor food sources that may attract squirrels. Clean up fallen fruits/nuts from trees and pick garden veggies promptly. Don’t leave pet food outside. Secure trash cans and compost bins so they can’t be accessed. Fewer food options will make your yard less appealing.

Frequency of Entities:
fallen fruits: 1
fallen nuts: 1
garden veggies: 1
pet food: 1
trash cans: 1
compost bins: 1

4. Use Repellents

Try squirrel repellents like predator urine (coyote or fox pee) or hot pepper spray. Apply these smelly repellents around your yard, garden, and potential entry points. You can also place ammonia-soaked cotton balls around the perimeter. The strong odors will deter squirrels from approaching. Reapply weekly.

Frequency of Entities:
predator urine: 1
coyote pee: 1
fox pee: 1
hot pepper spray: 1
ammonia-soaked cotton balls: 1

5. Install Lights

Install motion-activated lights around your home. Squirrels tend to avoid brightly lit areas. Position the lights near common squirrel paths and entry points. The sudden light will startle them and prevent access. You can also install lighting pointed at trees to discourage nighttime activity.

Frequency of Entities:
motion-activated lights: 2

6. Use Scents

Use smelly repellent scents like vinegar, garlic, peppermint oil, and chili powder. You can spray or sprinkle these scents around trees, gardens, attics, and crawl spaces. Try placing bags of dryer sheets near openings. The potent smells will make squirrels avoid those areas.

Frequency of Entities:
vinegar: 1
garlic: 1
peppermint oil: 1
chili powder: 1
dryer sheets: 1

7. Install Barriers

Install physical barriers to prevent entry. Wrap metal sheeting around tree trunks or poles to block climbing. Place wire mesh over exposed vents. Install chimney caps and air vents with small holes that keep out squirrels. Fence off gardens with short chicken wire fences buried a few inches underground.

Frequency of Entities:
metal sheeting: 1
tree trunks: 1
poles: 1
wire mesh: 1
chimney caps: 1
air vents: 1
chicken wire fences: 1

8. Use Noise Repellents

Use sounds that frighten squirrels, like predator calls, ultrasonic devices, or loud music. Place outdoor speakers near common entry points. Position motion-activated ultrasonic repellers set at 23-55 KHz frequencies. Introduce new sounds regularly so squirrels don’t get used to them.

Frequency of Entities:
predator calls: 1
ultrasonic devices: 1
outdoor speakers: 1
motion-activated ultrasonic repellers: 1

9. Let Dogs Roam

Allow dogs access to fenced yards. Dogs can scare away squirrels just by their smell and presence. But don’t deliberately use dogs to chase or harm squirrels. Supervise all interactions between pets and wildlife. Having a dog patrol your yard daily will discourage squirrels from moving in.

Frequency of Entities:
dogs: 2

By taking the above prevention measures, you can stop squirrels from invading your home. Be vigilant in searching for potential entry points and sealing them up. Consistent use of repellents, scents, and barriers will convince squirrels your property is inhospitable. Don’t let those fluffy-tailed tree-dwellers do costly damage to your house!