Squirrels can be charismatic, with their playful antics and fluffy tails, but when these critters invade your beautiful garden, their charm quickly dissipates. Suddenly, they become the enemy, nibbling at your plants, and digging up your bulbs. These small creatures can wreak havoc on your green sanctuary, causing you unnecessary stress and frustration. But do not despair, as this war is not lost.
This blog post will guide you through proven tactics for effective squirrel control, including squirrel removal and repellent methods. Brace yourself for the battle and let’s reclaim your garden from these furry intruders!
How to Identify a Nuisance Squirrel Problem
The first step in any war is to assess the situation. The same applies when it comes to controlling pesky squirrels. As such, you must identify if there’s an issue before taking action. Here are some telltale signs that point to a possible problem:
▹ Damaged or missing plants and bulbs
▹ Gnawed flowerpots
▹ Hollowed-out garden beds
▹ Hollowed-out garden beds
▹ Squirrel droppings near plants and fruits
▹ Unusually active squirrels in the garden
If you detect any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Don’t worry though – with some patience and effort, you can win this war!
Squirrel Removal
The first step in winning the war against garden squirrels is to understand their behavior and habitat preferences. Armed with this knowledge, you can preemptively keep them away from your precious plants or remove them if they have already invaded. Some common tactics for removal include:
Live Traps: Using a trap baited with food such as nuts can help you catch the pesky squirrels, which can then be released elsewhere. Only licensed professionals can trap and release nuisance squirrels. Do not attempt this yourself.
Exclusion: If you know where the squirrels are accessing your garden, seal off these entry points using metal or wooden barriers.
Repellents: There are many commercial repellent products containing either taste or smell to deter squirrels from entering your garden.
How to Make a Non-Toxic Squirrel Repellent Spray
If you want to use a more natural solution for deterring squirrels from your garden, make your own non-toxic repellent spray. All you need is one or two of the following ingredients: garlic cloves, chili powder, capsaicin oil, and/or vinegar. You can also use fox urine, as they are a common predator of squirrels. Then just mix 2 tablespoons of each ingredient with 3 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and spray it liberally around your garden to keep squirrels away naturally.
Squirrel Control
Once you have removed the squirrels, it is time to implement wildlife abatement measures to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips for effective squirrel control:
Plant Species: Choose plants that squirrels don’t find appealing, such as prickly shrubs (globe thistle, marigolds, cucumbers) and trees or plants with strong scents (menthol, chili pepper, eucalyptus).
Fencing: A fence around your garden can discourage squirrels from entering. Make sure the fence is at least 3 feet tall and buried 6 inches deep for maximum effectiveness.
Scare Tactics: Use motion-activated sprinklers, decoys, or even barking dog recordings to scare away any squirrel that dared cross the line.
Squirrels and Bird Feeders
Are you looking for ways to protect your bird feeders from pesky squirrels? If so, here are some tips:
Opt for a squirrel-proof feeder. There are several on the market and they can be very effective.
Hang your bird feeders high and away from trees and rooftops where squirrels can easily climb up to them.
Add baffles above and below the feeders to prevent squirrels from reaching them.
Place the feeders near a window and use slinky toys to keep squirrels away.
In Conclusion
Winning the war against garden squirrels requires patience and dedication, but it is possible with these proven tactics. Understand their behaviors and habitat preferences, remove any intruders, implement control measures, and use natural or commercial repellents to keep them away. With these tips in your arsenal, you can reclaim your garden from these furry intruders! Finally, don’t forget to protect your bird feeders with squirrel-proof feeders and baffles.
Hopefully this blog post has helped provide useful information on controlling local squirrel populations. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for squirrels, chipmunks, and more!
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