If you’ve noticed grey squirrels causing trouble in your garden, you may wonder if you can trap them. Yes, you can trap grey squirrels in your garden using humane traps. This method allows you to safely remove them without harming the animals, while also preventing ongoing damage to your plants.
Squirrel infestations can be frustrating as these clever creatures can dig up your flowers or raid your vegetable patch. By using the right techniques and tools, you can effectively deal with these pests. Trapping is a practical solution that helps you reclaim your garden space and keep it thriving.
In this article, you’ll learn the best practices for trapping grey squirrels and tips for ensuring your garden remains squirrel-free. With a few simple steps, you can protect your backyard from their antics and enjoy your outdoor space again.
Understanding Grey Squirrels
Grey squirrels are common in many gardens and can be quite a challenge for homeowners. They have specific habits and characteristics that affect their interactions with your property. Knowing about their habitat and behaviors can help you manage their presence better.
Habitat and Behavior
Grey squirrels thrive in a variety of environments, including urban gardens, parks, and woodlands. They prefer areas with ample trees for nesting and foraging. These squirrels are known for their agility and ability to climb, making bird feeders and other elevated food sources easy targets.
Their diet mainly includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and even bird food. When food is scarce, they can be more aggressive in searching for it, leading to a possible squirrel infestation in your garden. To discourage squirrels, make sure to secure trash bins and choose squirrel-resistant bird feeders. This will help keep them at bay and reduce potential damage to your plants.
Differences Between Grey and Red Squirrels
Grey squirrels and red squirrels are often confused, but they have distinct differences. Grey squirrels are larger, with a bushy tail and a greyish coat. Red squirrels, on the other hand, are smaller and have a reddish-brown fur.
Another key difference is their habitat preference. Grey squirrels are more adaptable to urban settings, while red squirrels prefer coniferous forests. This difference impacts how likely you are to encounter each type in your garden. Protecting your garden from grey squirrels also helps preserve the habitat for the less common red squirrels.
Practical Squirrel-Proofing Strategies
Preventing squirrels from invading your garden can be achieved through practical strategies. These methods include modifying your garden, using physical barriers, applying repellents, and protecting your bird feeders. Here’s how you can keep those pesky squirrels at bay.
Garden Modification
Making specific changes in your garden can help deter squirrels. Start by trimming trees and shrubs that could provide easy access to your garden. Keep branches at least 8 to 10 feet away from your garden space.
Consider planting squirrel-resistant flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, or alliums. These plants can add beauty to your garden while naturally discouraging squirrels.
You can also use plants like marigolds which are known for their strong scent. Squirrels find these smells unpleasant, making them less likely to invade your space.
Physical Deterrents
Setting up physical barriers is an effective way to keep squirrels out. One option is to build a fence around your garden. Using materials like chicken wire, wire mesh, or hardware cloth can help create a strong barrier. Make sure the fence is at least three feet high to prevent jumping.
Another method is using a squirrel baffle. Installing it on poles or tree trunks can stop squirrels from climbing in. Don’t forget to bury a section of wire mesh underground to prevent digging.
Positioning motion-activated sprinklers can also scare off squirrels when they enter your garden. The sudden burst of water will startle them, encouraging them to leave quickly.
Repellent Options
There are several natural repellents that can help keep squirrels away. Sprinkling cayenne pepper around your plants can deter them due to the spice’s strong scent. Squirrels often dislike the smell of mint and garlic as well, so consider placing these around your garden.
You can also find repellents that contain predator urine in garden supply stores. This scent mimics the presence of natural predators, which can scare squirrels away.
Regularly applying these natural options can increase their effectiveness. Just be sure to reapply them after rain or watering to maintain their strength.
Protecting Bird Feeders
If you have bird feeders, they can attract squirrels easily. Switching to squirrel-proof bird feeders is a great first step. These feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the bird seed.
Another method is to use bird netting to cover your feeders. This netting can create barriers that block squirrels while allowing birds to feed.
Placing feeders away from trees and structures can also help. Aim to have them at least 10 feet from any climbing surface to minimize squirrel access.
