Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Keep squirrels under control outdoors
• Tips
• Warnings

Squirrels jump from branch to branch and bring a lot of fun to pets, the cute critters will certainly be missed if you never see them in your backyard again. However, if you have a feeding house or garden, then you also know that squirrels can be quite a nuisance. They eat birdseed, damage crops, and can even sneak into your home. In this article, you'll learn how to control squirrels both indoors and outdoors using animal-friendly yet effective methods.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Keep squirrels under control outdoors

1. Remove any food that can act as food for squirrels. You may feel that there is no food for squirrels in your garden, but if the bugs keep coming back you can conclude that there is indeed a lot of food to be found.
   • Remove nuts, berries and acorns from under trees and shrubs. These are the main food sources for squirrels.
   • Buy waste bins or containers that you can close properly. If squirrels can easily access your waste bins or containers, then you should replace them with well-closable variants. Make sure you seal the bins or containers at all times and never leave them open.
2. Scare off squirrels with a repellent. Various repellants are available at garden centers and hardware stores. The remedies are usually made from natural ingredients that keep squirrels at bay.
   • Some repellants contain cayenne or black pepper. These pepper varieties keep squirrels at bay but do not deter birds. These kinds of repellents can be placed near the feeding house.
   • Some repellants contain urine from the squirrel's natural enemies. Such repellants should be sprayed in the garden to keep squirrels at a distance.
3. Place a chimney cap over your chimney. If squirrels and other critters often enter your home, consider placing a chimney cap over your chimney. These are often made of stainless mesh, so you don't have to remove the hood when using the fireplace.
4. Buy a trap. Various web stores, garden centers, hardware stores and specialty stores sell traps made for catching squirrels without the bug getting hurt. Place the trap in your attic, and when you've caught the squirrel you can release it outside.
5. Enlist the help of a specialized company. You may not want to tackle the nuisance you experience from squirrels in the attic and chimney yourself. Enlist the help of a specialized company who can catch the critters for you.

Tips

• Try to take preventative measures before moving on to get rid of squirrels. If you can figure out why the squirrels keep coming back, you can also come up with solutions without having to catch or hurt the bugs.

Warnings

• While it may have looked funny and effective in the Roadrunner cartoons, spraying low-hanging trees with a slippery liquid, such as sunflower oil, is not an effective remedy for squirrels.
• After taking some of the measures outlined above, you still have to wait for the next season when squirrels build nests elsewhere. Patience is a virtue.