Squirrel Repellants - Keep Squirrels Away With These Repellants
Many of us enjoy the chatter and acrobatic shenanigans that a squirrel family provides. Hours of entertaining displays and dancing along the treetops can bring a smile to anyone's face. These scenarios are great as long as they stay in the forest where they belong. Cooler autumn temperatures however, may lead to squirrels trying to relocate in your home or garage. This can cause health concerns as well as damage to your electrical; not to mention completely destroying your bulbs and garden delights.
Keep Squirrels Away With These Repellants
- Peppermint: A voracious perennial, peppermint plants can be a wonderful natural squirrel repellent since these animals dislike the fragrance. As all varieties of this plant like to spread (Chocolate Mint, Orange Mint, Pineapple Mint, Spearmint) be sure you plant appropriately. If minimizing roots is your goal, consider burying your peppermint pots in the garden as opposed to directly planting. Alternatively, you can use Peppermint Essential Oil. Simply saturate a few cotton balls and strategically place where you notice squirrel activity.
- Cayenne Pepper: This spicy plant will cause skin, eyes and mucous membranes to become inflamed due to its high capsaicin content. Sprinkle some around your veggies and plants to create a protective perimeter.
- Dry Repellent Recipe: Mix a bottle of crushed red pepper flakes together with a bottle of Paprika. If you prefer, substitute cayenne pepper for the crushed red pepper flakes as this will also work. Sprinkle your squirrel repellant into your wild birdseed to prevent the squirrels from consuming all of it. Add some around your prized flower and veggie beds for additional barrier protection.
- Naphtha/Moth Balls: Another strong fragrance that squirrels detest, carefully add to your garden by hanging a few balls in nylon or left over mesh bags that accompany avocados, onions etc. Secure your hanging repellent from a garden stake.
Homemade Squirrel Repellent Spray
Make a solution by mixing water, vinegar and cut up jalapeno peppers. Allow the mixture to sit for 24 hours. Transfer the mix into a spray bottle and apply regularly to areas that seem to be attracting your squirrels.
Alternatively, make a batch of basic pepper spray to have on hand.
- 1.5 quarts of water
- 1TBS of cayenne pepper
- 2 chopped onions
- 1 chopped jalapeno
Bring water to a boil. Next add cayenne pepper and the chopped veggies. Let everything boil together for a half hour, then remove from heat. Strain out veggies once it cools and use a funnel to transfer liquid into a spray bottle. This is a natural deterrent that is ideal for porches, animal dishes, garden beds and bird feeder bases.
Grease Your Birdfeeders
One of the biggest complaints from people is that the squirrels are stealing all their bird food and keeping the birds away. Simply attach your birdfeeders to a metal pole and relocate within your yard. Apply some kind of cooking grease to the metal pole and watch the hilarity ensue. The squirrels will attempt your metal pole feeders once; however, it is much too slippery for them to make it to the top.
Calling the Professionals
Understandably, many people do not have the time or energy to evict their squirrel population. Climbing on ladders and inspecting your home is not ideal or safe for the elderly population either. Sometimes, it is simply easier to call a reputable animal control expert in to take care of this for you.