If you have squirrels in your neighborhood, you’ve probably seen them scampering along fence tops and driving your dog crazy. While amusing at first, this can quickly become a nuisance. As a homeowner, keeping squirrels off fences is important to protect your garden, prevent damage, and maintain peace and quiet.
The good news is there are effective deterrents that will encourage squirrels to stay off your fence without harming them. By implementing a combination of exclusionary devices, repellents, and habitat modification, you can outsmart these crafty rodents. Here are 10 clever tricks to stop squirrels from turning your fence into their own personal racetrack.
1. Install Fence Toppers or Spikes
Pointed metal strips or cones installed along the top rail or wire of the fence make it uncomfortable for squirrels to land on or grip. Look for humane toppers that are rounded or collared to prevent injury yet still discourage climbing. For best results, ensure toppers extend at least 3 inches vertically.
2. Apply Slippery Coatings
Applying slippery lubricants like cooking oil or petroleum jelly to fence lines creates an unstable surface. Be sure to reapply monthly or after rain. Some commercial squirrel deterrent gels stay slippery for up to 3 months.
3. Attach Tilt Rods or Roller Bars
Rods attached along fence tops freely pivot when squirrels land on them, The unstable rotation prevents squirrels from getting secure footing to climb up or across Commercial “squirrel spooker” roller bars utilize the same principle
4. Position Upside-Down Carpet Runner
Lay sections of upside-down plastic carpet protector rods with the nubby side up. The prickly surface deters squirrels from gripping and makes them wary to step on the fence top.
5. Install Movement Deterrents
Pinwheels, strips of tin foil and mylar balloons create random motion and noise when the wind blows. This scares timid squirrels away from the fence. Be sure deterrents are securely fastened.
6. Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder
These spice powders contain capsaicin that irritates squirrels upon contact. Apply directly to the fence or mix with a silicone caulk and apply in lines. Reapply after rain or every 2-3 weeks.
7. Spray With Strong-Smelling Repellents
Repellent sprays use smells unpleasant to squirrels but safe for use around humans. Common fragrances are white vinegar, mint, garlic and predator urine. Reapply repellent sprays frequently.
8. Install an Electric Fence
A low-voltage electric wire mounted on insulators about 5” above the fence top delivers a harmless but startling shock to teach squirrels to avoid. An electric fence charger connects to the hot wire.
9. Apply Scat Mats
Plastic mats with flexible plastic spikes are uncomfortable for squirrels to walk across. Position them along fence tops or where squirrels access the fence. Check that mats lay flat for effectiveness.
10. Modify Fence Design and Habitat
During new fence installation, use designs with overhangs or no top rails. Trimming back trees near fences removes squirrel highways into your yard. Removing bird feeders discourages lingering.
With persistence and variety in your exclusion tactics, you can successfully evict squirrels from your fence. Don’t be afraid to get creative installing deterrents – your peace of mind is worth the effort! Just be sure whichever solutions you choose are wildlife and pet friendly. With smart prevention, you’ll have outfoxed those pesky squirrels and reclaimed your fence.
Share “How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Yard and Garden”
Squirrels can be frequent visitors to any yard or garden, but they aren’t always welcome guests. It might be best to take steps to keep squirrels out of the yard and stop them from coming when they are being noisy and destructive.
About Squirrels – And the Problems They Can Cause
The world is home to more than 275 different kinds of squirrels. They can be found on all continents except Antarctica. All squirrels are members of the animal family Sciurida, closely related to chipmunks and groundhogs. As rodents, their strong front teeth are always growing and need to be gnawed, chewed, nibbled, chomped, munched, and crunched to stay in shape. It is that constant chewing that can be one of the biggest problems in the yard and garden. Depending on the type of squirrel, the location, and what they can access, squirrels may….
- Electrical wires, internet cables, extension cords, holiday light strands, and power cords are all things that they can chew through.
- Chew on the handles of garden tools, patio furniture, roof shingles, fence pickets, and other things in the garden and yard.
- Eat crops grown in gardens or farms, like seedlings or edible bulbs dug up in flowerbeds and landscaping
- Break bird feeders to get to birdseed, suet, or other foods; this could mean chewing on or knocking them over.
- Gnaw on tree bark, hurting the tree in ways that could slow its growth, stop harvests, or even kill it.
- They like to nest in sheds, attics, and garages, where they damage insulation and chew on wires inside the building. They also leave messes.
With so many potential problems from squirrels, many homeowners and gardeners prefer not to welcome these furry neighbors.
How to keep squirrels off your fence?
FAQ
How do you make a squirrel proof fence?
What do squirrels hate the most?
Why do squirrels lay on my fence?
How do I keep squirrels away permanently?
How to keep squirrels off a fence?
To keep squirrels off a fence, there are several effective methods to try. Firstly, you can use scents and noises as deterrents. Secondly, consider implementing physical barriers like chicken wire, metal mesh, or PVC pipe covers. Another option is to install motion-activated sprinklers to startle and scare away squirrels.
How do you keep squirrels from getting under your house?
To keep squirrels from getting under your house or in the garden, use 1-by-1-inch mesh wire or chicken wire to deter squirrels from finding their way under your deck and into your garden. For keeping chipmunks out of your garden and house, make sure you bury the fence at least a foot underground to keep them from being able to dig under it.
How do I get rid of squirrels in my yard?
Natural and Chemical Repellents: Using natural substances like garlic, vinegar, or cayenne pepper and chemical deterrents can discourage squirrels. Alternative Solutions: Providing separate feeding stations, trimming trees near the fence, and using scare tactics can also help.
Do squirrels run on fences?
Even though squirrels are rarely dangerous, they can be exceptionally infuriating. They’ll dig holes in your garden, rile up your pets, and stay out of reach by running on the top of your fences. That’s why many people want to find reliable ways to stop squirrels from running on their fences.