Squirrels often draw adoration from people for their cuteness. But for others, they are a big nuisance capable of destroying a flower or vegetable garden. Squirrels particularly love to eat plants, fruits, and insects. All of these morsels can be found in your garden or backyard.
What can a homeowner do to keep squirrels off their land? Read on for some helpful tips.
Home Remedies
Avid gardeners swear by a concoction of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika powder, or other spicy seasonings to repel squirrels or other pests from their plants. This simple trick will convince the squirrels that your flower or vegetables are not a tasty treat. Sprinkle the mixture at the base of the plants and all around your garden.
Some homeowners opt for a less intrusive method to keep squirrels from munching their gardens to oblivion. They place treats for them in areas located a distance from their gardens or backyards. You can also set up something called a sacrifice garden. This garden is built specifically to be ravaged by the squirrels—serving to deter them from your prized garden.
If these diversions fail, it’s time to employ a sterner method. Nets and fences work great in preventing small critters from entering your garden or lawn. They don’t hurt the animal and keep your plants safe from damage. Moreover, nets and fences can keep away other garden pests, including insects and birds.
If you don’t like fences, you can also utilize existing technology to combat squirrels: a motion sensor in your sprinkler system. It’s not only smart but also cheap. Because you are only spraying squirrels with water, this method is chemical-free.
Professional Removal
Any of the methods above can easily be performed by any homeowner. However, if your squirrels are particularly resilient, it might be time to contact a professional pest remover. Typically, experts will perform a catch and release operation.
A live squirrel trap is typically used in this instance to promote humane squirrel removal. The experts will identify the locations around your home most frequently accessed by the squirrels. They will then place the traps in those areas. Often, they bait the cage in the form of treats that can’t be absconded from the trap. Peanut butter is one of the most commonly used and effective baits in this regard.
Removing or relocating the squirrels once trapped depends largely on local ordinances, so, make sure to consult a professional on this front. Generally, experts will relocate the squirrels at least five miles away from your home. A professional knows how to keep them healthy and alive during transport and how to release them into the wild free of harm. An inexperienced person might be bit during such a process due to the squirrel’s natural defense mechanism and clumsy handling of the release.
To fully protect your residence, your greenery, and your garden from squirrels, hiring a professional is the best option. They will provide the most humane, safest, and most permanent results.
Sources
How to Get Rid of Squirrels, HouseLogic.com
Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden, HGTV.com