They might be cute, but when squirrels start destroying your garden and lawn, it can be very frustrating to try to eradicate them.
Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate these unwelcome intruders from your yard without too much effort or stress. Try these tips for repelling squirrels so that you can enjoy your beautiful landscaping again.
Get a Dog
A dog is a great squirrel chaser and a natural deterrent to have around the yard. Dogs are hunters and predators by nature, so they love to chase things. Even domesticated dogs retain their primal hunting instincts. Your dog might not catch the pesky squirrels eating up your garden, but they will discourage them from getting too close. This is an ethical and cost-effective method of deterring squirrels from your yard for good.
Don’t Feed Them
Just like humans, squirrels love to eat. If you want to keep these pests off your property, don’t do anything that will encourage repeat visits. If you consistently provide their daily snack, you’re sure to acquire more visitors. Never feed a stray squirrel and remove any nuts or acorns that drop from trees.
Don’t Bother Trapping Squirrels
Generally, if you see one squirrel, there are dozens more waiting to make their debut. If you trap a squirrel, this just makes room for another to take its place. Deterrents are typically a more effective solution than trapping and relocating.
Never Leave Food Scraps Sitting Out
Food scraps are magnetic for squirrels and other scavenging wildlife. If your trash cans sit out in the open, make sure you have tight-fitting lids to discourage snacking. We also recommend keeping dog and cat food inside when trying to eradicate a squirrel problem.
Implement Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can usually get the job done as long as the material is suitable. Here are a few barriers that have proven effective:
- Installing a wire fence around your garden (make sure it is at least 6 inches deep!)
- Place chew-proof netting over your plants and pots
- Apply aluminum foil across the top of vegetable pots
- Lay wire mesh over garden soil
Use Scent Repellents
Strong odors like white pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, or peppermint are naturally unpleasant to squirrels. Sprinkling your plants and flowers with any of these scents can help send irksome rodents elsewhere. There are also squirrel repellents on the market that serve the same purpose.
Plant Natural Deterrents
Bulbs with an unpalatable taste and robust odor are a great way to turn pests away. These include daffodils, alliums, scilla, hyacinth, snowdrops, and fritillaria. Planting a few of these deterrents in your garden can go a long way.
Summit Lawn & Pest Control Can HelpIf squirrels or other pests are wreaking havoc on your yard, it’s time to call in the professionals at Summit Lawn & Pest Control. Whether you’re in need of a pest exterminator or lawn services in Lehi, Orem, Springville, or anywhere else in Utah County, our highly qualified technicians have the experience needed to help solve your problem. Contact us today to get started!
