Do you hear scratching in your attic? Are your bird feeders empty again? If so, you may have a red squirrel problem. These small, active critters can be a big pain for homeowners. Knowing how to get rid of red squirrels in a kind way is key. Red squirrels can be more bold and cause more damage than gray squirrels. The good news is you do not have to live with them. There are many humane ways to make them leave.
This guide will show you six easy and kind ways to handle red squirrels. We will talk about simple yard changes. We will also talk about calling a pro for help. You can solve this problem without hurting these animals. This article will give you the steps to take back your home and yard. As a result, you can have a quiet, squirrel-free home. Let’s start on a humane plan to deal with these pests.
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Why Do I Need to Know How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels?
Before we talk about how to fix the problem, it helps to know why red squirrels are a problem. They may look cute, but they can cause big issues. They always need to chew. They can also be mean to other animals. Learning about them will show you why you need to act.
What Kind of Damage Can Red Squirrels Cause to My Home?
Red squirrels have teeth that never stop growing. So, they need to chew all the time to keep their teeth short. They are not picky about what they chew on. They can cause a lot of damage.
- Damage to Houses: They can chew on the wood siding of your house. They can also chew on your roof. This can make holes that let in rain and other pests.
- Chewing Wires: One of the biggest dangers is that they chew on electric wires. If they get in your attic, they can chew the plastic off wires. This can cause a fire.
- Making Nests Inside: Red squirrels like to find warm, safe places for their nests. Your attic or garage is a perfect spot for them. They will bring in leaves and tear up the soft stuff in your walls.
Are Red Squirrels a Threat to Birds or Other Wildlife?
Yes, red squirrels can be very mean. They like to have their own space. They will chase bigger gray squirrels out of your yard. They are also a big problem for bird feeders. They steal the seeds and can break the feeders. Red squirrels also eat bird eggs and baby birds. If you like to watch birds, a red squirrel can stop that fun. This is another big reason why people want to know how to get rid of red squirrels.
Method 1: How Can I Make My Yard Less Appealing to Squirrels?
The first and easiest step is to make your yard a less fun place for red squirrels. If they cannot find food or a place to hide, they will likely go somewhere else. This is a simple way to start your plan for how to get rid of red squirrels that costs no money.
How Does Removing Food Sources Help Get Rid of Red Squirrels?
Red squirrels are always looking for food. If you take away their food, your yard is not as nice for them.
- Bird Feeders: This is what they love most. You may need to take down your bird feeders for a few weeks. This will make the squirrels look for food in other places.
- Fallen Nuts: If you have nut trees, be sure to rake up the nuts that fall on the ground.
- Pet Food: Do not leave pet food outside. This is like asking squirrels to come eat.
- Trash Cans: Make sure your trash cans have lids that close tightly.
Will Cleaning Up My Yard Discourage Them?
Yes, a clean yard has fewer places to hide. Red squirrels like to hide in messy piles. Clean up any piles of wood or leaves in your yard. If you have a woodpile, keep it far from your house. When you take away their hiding spots, they feel less safe. This can make them want to find a new home.
Method 2: How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels with Natural Repellents
You can use smells that squirrels do not like to keep them away. These natural repellents are safe for your family and pets. They are also safe for the squirrels. They are a great, kind option to try. This is a popular way people learn how to get rid of red squirrels.
Can I Use Spicy Scents like Cayenne Pepper to Deter Squirrels?
Yes, squirrels do not like how spicy things smell or taste. You can put cayenne pepper on the ground around your plants. You can also mix it with water and a little soap to make a spray. Some people mix it in with birdseed. Birds cannot taste the spice, but squirrels hate it.
Do Squirrels Dislike the Smell of Peppermint or Apple Cider Vinegar?
Many people find that squirrels do not like other strong smells. You can put peppermint oil or apple cider vinegar on cotton balls. Then, put these cotton balls where you have seen squirrels. You can put them in your garden or near your attic. You will need to change the cotton balls every few days because the smell goes away.
Will Predator Smells Work for How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels?
This method uses a squirrel’s fear of other animals. You can buy predator pee, like from a coyote or fox, at stores. You can spray this around your yard. The smell can make squirrels think a predator is near. This can make them too scared to stay. Be sure to read the label and follow the directions.
Method 3: How Can I Protect My Bird Feeders and Garden?
If you want to keep your bird feeders and garden safe, you need to do more to protect them. It is possible to live with squirrels, but you have to be smart.
What Are the Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders?
There are many bird feeders made to keep squirrels out. Look for feeders that close when something heavy lands on them. When a heavy squirrel sits on the perch, a door closes so it cannot get the seeds. Light birds can still eat. Feeders with a wire cage around them also work well. The cage lets small birds in but keeps squirrels out.
How Can I Use Baffles to Protect My Feeders?
A baffle is a plastic or metal cone. You can put it on your bird feeder pole. It makes a slippery wall that squirrels cannot climb. Put the baffle on the pole under the feeder. Make sure the feeder is far from any trees. A squirrel can jump very far.
How Can I Protect My Garden Plants from Squirrels?
Squirrels can also harm a garden. They like to dig up flower bulbs and eat vegetables. You can cover your plants with a net or wire screen. You can also build a simple wood frame around your garden beds to hold up the net. This makes a wall that keeps squirrels out.
Method 4: How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels by Squirrel-Proofing Your House
If squirrels are in your house, you must close any holes they use to get in. This is the most important step to fix the problem for good. A squirrel in your attic is a big problem you need to fix right away.
Finding Entry Points: A Key Step for How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels
You need to check your home to find how they get in. Look for small holes.
- Check the vents in your attic.
- Look for gaps where parts of the roof meet.
- Look at the spot where power lines go into your house.
- Check for any loose wood on the side of your house.
- Make sure you have a good cap on your chimney.
What Materials Should I Use to Seal Holes to Get Rid of Red Squirrels?
Do not use wood or plastic to close the holes. A squirrel can chew through them. You need to use something strong. A wire screen or metal sheets are the best choices. Cut a piece to fit over the hole and screw it on. Before you close the last hole, make sure no squirrels are trapped inside. You can use a one-way door for a day. This lets squirrels out but not back in.
Method 5: How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels Using Humane Trapping
If you have a squirrel that will not leave, you may need to trap it. Live trapping can work well. But you must do it the right way. Important: You must check your local laws first. Some places have rules about trapping and moving animals.
What Type of Live Trap Should I Use for Red Squirrels?
You should use a small trap for live animals. A trap that is 16 to 18 inches long is a good size. These traps have a plate on the floor. When the squirrel steps on the plate to get the food, the door shuts.
What Is the Best Bait to Use in a Squirrel Trap?
Squirrels love nuts and seeds. Peanut butter is a great bait. It is sticky, so they cannot just grab it and run. You can put peanut butter on a piece of apple. Put the bait at the back of the trap.
Where Should I Relocate a Trapped Squirrel to Get Rid of It?
This is a very important step. Once you trap a squirrel, you need to take it far from your home. You should take it at least 5 to 10 miles away. Let it go in a place with trees, like a big park. Do not let it go in someone else’s neighborhood. To learn more about how to deal with wild animals, you can check guides from schools. Cornell University has great info on wildlife damage management.
Method 6: When Is It Time to Call a Professional Wildlife Expert?
Sometimes, a squirrel problem is too big to handle by yourself. If you have squirrels in your attic, it is best to call a pro. They have the skills and tools to handle it safely.
What Are the Signs of a Serious Squirrel Infestation?
You should call a pro if you see these signs:
- You hear noises like scratching or running in your walls.
- You find squirrel poop or nests in your attic.
- You see chewed wires or wood in your home.
- You have tried other ways, but the squirrels still come back.
How Do I Choose a Good and Humane Wildlife Removal Service?
Look for a company that removes animals in a kind way. This means they try not to hurt the animals. Ask them how they do it. A good company will not just take the squirrels away. They will also help you find and close the holes to stop them from coming back. Check their reviews online. Make sure they have a license and insurance.
By following these six kind methods, you can solve your red squirrel problem for good. You can protect your home and still be nice to these animals.
FAQ – How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels
When should I consider calling a professional wildlife removal service?
A professional should be called if you notice signs of a serious infestation, such as noises in walls, squirrel poop or nests in your attic, chewed wires or wood, or if other methods have failed to resolve the problem.
What are some simple yard modifications I can make to deter red squirrels?
You can make your yard less attractive by removing food sources such as bird feeders, fallen nuts, pet food, and securing trash cans. Keeping your yard clean and removing hiding spots like piles of wood or leaves also discourages squirrels.
How do red squirrels affect local birds and wildlife?
Red squirrels can be aggressive, chase away larger gray squirrels, steal food from bird feeders, damage feeders, and even eat bird eggs and young birds, disrupting the local birdwatching experience.
What kinds of damage can red squirrels cause to my property?
Red squirrels can cause damage by chewing on wood siding and roofs, chewing on electrical wires which can lead to fire hazards, and making nests inside attics or garages by tearing up soft materials to create a safe environment for themselves.
Why is it important to learn how to get rid of red squirrels humanely?
Learning how to get rid of red squirrels humanely is important because, despite their cute appearance, they can cause significant damage to homes and gardens, and a humane approach ensures their safety while effectively solving the problem.
