How To Keep Squirrels Off Your Property
Although many of us find squirrels to be one of the cuter rodents, they are still dangerous and can become a real problem. While you may not mind a squirrel scampering across a public park or out in the woods when they are in your yard, they can lead to the destruction of property, bite/scratch your pets, and they can even transmit rabies. Here are a few ways you can keep squirrels away from your home.
Do Not Feed Squirrels
This should go without saying, but if you provide a steady source of food for local pests/rodents, they will keep coming back. Any food found outside your property is likely to attract pests. This is why it is recommended to not leave food out for stray cats or other animals. Make sure to secure your garbage so it can’t be broken into by raccoons or squirrels. And consider getting read of that birdfeeder. As fun as it is to watch birds fly close to your home, bird feeders attract many different animals that you might be less excited to see out your window.
Clean Your Garden/Yard Frequently
Raking your yard can help you remove twigs and sticks, but more importantly, it can help remove any fallen fruit, nuts, or seeds. Squirrels are looking for yards that have trees, bushes, and other plants that provide a steady source of food for them. Protect your personal garden otherwise animals might enjoy your tomatoes, zucchini, and garden vegetables before you can.
Scare Squirrels & Racoons with Your Dog
Aside from removing what draws squirrels and raccoons to your home, there are also deterrents you can employ. If a squirrel has to choose between the home with an open trash can and no pets or the one with the open trash can and the scary dog it will choose the former. Outdoor dogs and cats are an effective way to keep rodents away from your home. If you do not have a pet, faux-owl decorations can convince your local squirrels that there is a dangerous predator in that yard.
Use Capsaicin or Another Repellent
There are a few repellents you can use to deter squirrels and other rodents from your yard Capsaicin for example can be used on nuts and seeds to deter squirrels from eating in your yard. Additionally, planting mint leaves around your garden can deter squirrels. Make sure not to apply Capsaicin to any vegetables or plants you plan to consume.
Hire Pest Control
If squirrels have already made your home their home it may be difficult to get them to leave. Local pest control services may need to be called to get squirrels off of your property, this is especially true if they have moved indoors. Removing pests can be dangerous as animals backed into a corner can become very violent. At Absolut Pest Control we service the Amesbury and Boston Massachusetts areas with our pest control services.
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