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Are cute, furry, ground squirrels playing you for a fool? Are you finding these animals to actually be real pests, that cause damage and destruction to your property? If so, you can join the hundreds of others in the fight against invasive squirrels.
If you want to know how to get rid of ground squirrels, we can help. Read on to find our top 7 methods of squirrel removal that you need to know.
1. Plant Ground Squirrel Repelling Plants
Squirrels are not generally fussy, but there are a few plants that will keep them away. Luckily for you, many of these plants are easy to tend and can also liven up your garden. All of them can deter squirrels from making a home in your yard.
They work by combining bright colors with strong odors. While this may be pleasant to us, it is not to squirrels. You can choose to add them at the borders of your garden, and around trees to protect them from squirrel damage.
Any bright-colored, flowering plants with strong scents should work. Daffodils, Geraniums, Hyacinth, Galanthus, and Lily-of-the-Valley will all help keep the pests away.
2. Remove Food and Water Sources
It can be hard to keep all sources of food out of your garden. If you have fruit or nut trees, then squirrels will view it as a 24-hour restaurant. All you can do is keep the seed from the ground and maintain the trees, taking the fruit and nut from them as you can.
Bird feeders also have the same effect. If you do not have the heart to move them completely, then you may try to make it harder for squirrels to get to the bird food. Lift feeders off the ground completely and droop them places that only flying animals could reach.
Finally, make sure the squirrels have no access to your food. Tie all trash bags and place them in containers, so squirrels can not penetrate your rubbish. Make sure that any outdoor dining areas are completely cleared of food and waste.
3. Use Strong Scents
In addition to planting scented flowers and plants, you can increase the efficiency of your squirrel deterrents by adding even more scent to your garden. The more smells you have, the less likely squirrels are to enter or stay in your yard.
Squirrels hate pepper, both the black and white varieties. They also despise strong garlic, and many sweet mint smells like peppermint. The real conundrum lies in how you should apply the scents in an outdoor environment.
One solution is to spray the leaves and vines of your plants with water, then sprinkle on ground pepper or garlic powder. You could also use peppermint oil, placed around the pots of your plants. Of course, you will need to reapply them should it rain.
Another technique is to see if you have any main entry and exit points in your garden, perhaps under fences or gates. Tie the scents in a small, thin gauze bag and attach them to the entrance points to deter critters.
4. Use Deterrent Sprays
Squirrels are not stupid, and they will not go anywhere they think may be inhabited by a predator. As such, they will avoid any areas that smell of animal urine, particularly that of predators.
You can purchase a number of commercial repellant sprays to see off the ground squirrels. These sprays tend to mimic the urine of larger animals, such as foxes and coyotes so that the ground squirrel assumes predators are in the area. Nature Niche Squirrel Guard is one such product that you can use in this situation.
If you have squirrels inside the house, you may not want to spray urine mimicking products. As an alternative, you can use apple cider vinegar. Soak towels in the substance and leave them in attic spaces or garages, making sure you replace them regularly.
5. De-Clutter
When it sees food, a squirrel will weigh up the possible danger of retrieving it against the pay off it brings. If your yard is clean, and they have to move across a large expanse in the open, a squirrel will be less likely to take the risk. However, a cluttered yard offers them protection as they make their way towards their meal.
Make sure your grass is mowed short, so pests are visible. Cut back plants, and remove any tools or garden furniture left lying around. This will also make it easier for natural predators such as birds of prey, weasels, and snakes to get to your pests.
6. Scare Ground Squirrels Away
As mentioned, Squirrels will not go anywhere that they suspect may be inhabited by predators. While scents are one giveaway, the sight of a predator will be an even bigger deterrent. It may be hard to get a figurine of a full-size coyote in your garden, but birds of prey such as owls and buzzards are easy to replicate.
Other than this, you could always get an actual predator. If you have a dog or cat, then allow them into the yard to chase the pests away. They will soon realize that the garden is a dangerous place to go and not return.
7. Use Water Wisely
Water sources on your property will provide fluids for squirrels. This is an attraction to pests, just as much as food would be. If you have ponds, water features, or birdbaths, you may wish to consider removal.
However, water can work to your advantage. If you have a sprinkler system, consider installing a motion detector. Squirrels hate being sprayed, and a blast of cold water will make them scurry away from your yard at speed.
Carry on the Methods
None of these methods will be a one time fix. Ground squirrels can and will return, so you need to ensure you are enforcing these tips regularly. Now you know how to get rid of ground squirrels, you should have no problem putting these tips into your garden maintenance schedule.
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