The trouble is, as most of us know, squirrels are very difficult to catch — they’re quick, clever and can fit through the smallest of gaps. So what can be done if you’ve got a squirrel problem, but don’t want to hurt them? Here, we take you through some tips and tricks to keep squirrels at bay, whether they’re in or around your home. Here’s how to get rid of squirrels.  If you suspect something larger has taken up residence in your attic, check out how to get rid of raccoons.

How to get rid of squirrels 

Before we start, you should always refer to your local state laws in relation to dealing with squirrels. You may require a permit to use traps, and there may be restrictions on using toxic chemicals. None of the following methods use such chemicals.   

  1. Don’t feed them — First of all, as cute and fluffy as they are, don’t start feeding the squirrels. This will only encourage them to return to your home. Also, look out for any food sources around your yard which may be unintentionally feeding them, such as pet food bowls, bird feeders, or unsecure bins. Keep all sources of food sealed and out of reach.  
  2. Make your home inaccessible — If squirrels are finding their way onto your property, take the time to consider how they’re getting up there. If you have an overhanging tree placed nearby, that may well be what they’re using. You can fashion and fit a baffle around the trunk to prevent the squirrel from climbing — you would likely have to make one yourself however, as such designs seem limited online. Alternatively, you can remove the branches that provide access to your home. Bear in mind that squirrels can jump up to 7 feet from tree-to-tree, so a baffle alone may not be enough if there’s other trees nearby. As a last resort, you could also remove the tree. 
  3. Let the dog out — If you’ve always wanted a dog, this is a good excuse to get one. Dogs are natural predators to squirrels and love to chase them around. So, if you have a dog frequenting your yard, squirrels are far less likely to visit. 
  4. Protect your plants — Your plants will likely be another food source for the squirrels — in fact, your entire garden will provide a smorgasbord of options. Squirrels will eat anything, from fruit and veggies to nuts and seeds and bulbs, so your plants will need some protection. You can invest in a greenhouse for the most precious of plants, but it needs to have a solid, sealed design which the squirrels can’t penetrate. You can alternatively place netting or fencing around your plants.
  5. Be selective with your plants — There are some plants squirrels love, and some they hate, so depending on which you choose can start or stop a squirrel infestation. To keep squirrels away, plant daffodils and peppermint. The bulb of the former is toxic to squirrels and they hate the smell of the latter, so they will steer clear of both. Squirrels are also repelled by the aroma of alliums, catnip and hyacinths. Avoid tulips though; these are a favorite on the menu.
  6. Keep your yard maintained — While you may have sealed away all obvious food sources, squirrels will still be attracted to an unkempt lawn. These provide plenty of hiding spaces. Not to mention there will be food sources hidden by the grass itself. Take the time to tidy up your yard and rake the grass to remove all potential berries and nuts — here’s how to rake leaves the easy way for guidance. If you have a fruit tree, make sure any fallen fruit is collected as soon as possible as well.    If all else fails, and your squirrel problem is persistent, it’s time to call in a professional. You should also be sure to get any damage to your home repaired and sealed as soon as possible, to prevent any other squirrels from taking up residence. Are you dealing with unwelcome guests in your backyard too? Here’s how to get rid of moles without hurting them. You might also want to check out how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any at home and how to get rid of mice. 

title: “How To Get Rid Of Squirrels Without Hurting Them” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-11” author: “Sarah Mellon”

The trouble is, as most of us know, squirrels are very difficult to catch — they’re quick, clever and can fit through the smallest of gaps. So what can be done if you’ve got a squirrel problem, but don’t want to hurt them? Here, we take you through some tips and tricks to keep squirrels at bay, whether they’re in or around your home. Here’s how to get rid of squirrels.  If you suspect something larger has taken up residence in your attic, check out how to get rid of raccoons.

How to get rid of squirrels 

Before we start, you should always refer to your local state laws in relation to dealing with squirrels. You may require a permit to use traps, and there may be restrictions on using toxic chemicals. None of the following methods use such chemicals.   

  1. Don’t feed them — First of all, as cute and fluffy as they are, don’t start feeding the squirrels. This will only encourage them to return to your home. Also, look out for any food sources around your yard which may be unintentionally feeding them, such as pet food bowls, bird feeders, or unsecure bins. Keep all sources of food sealed and out of reach.  
  2. Make your home inaccessible — If squirrels are finding their way onto your property, take the time to consider how they’re getting up there. If you have an overhanging tree placed nearby, that may well be what they’re using. You can fashion and fit a baffle around the trunk to prevent the squirrel from climbing — you would likely have to make one yourself however, as such designs seem limited online. Alternatively, you can remove the branches that provide access to your home. Bear in mind that squirrels can jump up to 7 feet from tree-to-tree, so a baffle alone may not be enough if there’s other trees nearby. As a last resort, you could also remove the tree. 
  3. Let the dog out — If you’ve always wanted a dog, this is a good excuse to get one. Dogs are natural predators to squirrels and love to chase them around. So, if you have a dog frequenting your yard, squirrels are far less likely to visit. 
  4. Protect your plants — Your plants will likely be another food source for the squirrels — in fact, your entire garden will provide a smorgasbord of options. Squirrels will eat anything, from fruit and veggies to nuts and seeds and bulbs, so your plants will need some protection. You can invest in a greenhouse for the most precious of plants, but it needs to have a solid, sealed design which the squirrels can’t penetrate. You can alternatively place netting or fencing around your plants.
  5. Be selective with your plants — There are some plants squirrels love, and some they hate, so depending on which you choose can start or stop a squirrel infestation. To keep squirrels away, plant daffodils and peppermint. The bulb of the former is toxic to squirrels and they hate the smell of the latter, so they will steer clear of both. Squirrels are also repelled by the aroma of alliums, catnip and hyacinths. Avoid tulips though; these are a favorite on the menu.
  6. Keep your yard maintained — While you may have sealed away all obvious food sources, squirrels will still be attracted to an unkempt lawn. These provide plenty of hiding spaces. Not to mention there will be food sources hidden by the grass itself. Take the time to tidy up your yard and rake the grass to remove all potential berries and nuts — here’s how to rake leaves the easy way for guidance. If you have a fruit tree, make sure any fallen fruit is collected as soon as possible as well.    If all else fails, and your squirrel problem is persistent, it’s time to call in a professional. You should also be sure to get any damage to your home repaired and sealed as soon as possible, to prevent any other squirrels from taking up residence. Are you dealing with unwelcome guests in your backyard too? Here’s how to get rid of moles without hurting them. You might also want to check out how to get rid of fruit flies quickly if you find any at home and how to get rid of mice.