Dealing with grey squirrels in your garden can feel frustrating. These lively animals often raid bird feeders, dig up bulbs, and cause other problems in your outdoor space. To get rid of grey squirrels, you can use a combination of humane methods like deterrents, repellents, and barriers that make your garden less attractive to them.
Creating an environment that discourages these critters can help control a potential squirrel infestation. You can install squirrel-proof mesh around vulnerable plants or use decoys such as plastic owls to scare them away. Additionally, keeping your garden clean by removing fallen fruit and nuts can reduce their food sources, making your garden less appealing.
With some simple strategies, you can reclaim your outdoor space from grey squirrels. Read on to discover effective tips and tricks to enjoy a squirrel-free garden!
Understanding Grey Squirrel Behavior and Habitat
To effectively manage grey squirrels in your garden, it’s important to know where they live and what they eat. Understanding their habitat preferences and common food sources can help you reduce their presence in your yard.
Habitat Preferences
Grey squirrels prefer environments that provide shelter and easy access to food. They often make their homes in trees, especially hardwoods like oaks and maples.
You might find their nests, called dreys, in tree branches. These nests are typically made of twigs, leaves, and bark.
They can also invade attics, eaves, and even inside walls, which may lead to damage like gnawed insulation. Keeping your yard clean and offering fewer nesting opportunities can help deter them.
Common Food Sources and Attractants
Grey squirrels have a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, acorns, berries, and even mushrooms. They are particularly attracted to bird feeders. If you have bird feeders in your garden, consider using safflower seeds, as these are less appealing to squirrels than other seed types.
They will forage for food in your garden, often causing damage to plants in the process. Removing food sources and securing compost bins can reduce their visits. Keeping your yard tidy helps minimize attractants and thus discourages these persistent creatures.
Effective Strategies to Discourage and Remove Grey Squirrels
Dealing with grey squirrels in your garden can be challenging, but there are many effective strategies to discourage and remove them. From physical barriers to natural repellents and humane traps, these methods can help keep your garden safe.
Physical Barriers and Repellents
One of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is to create physical barriers. Use chicken wire, hardware cloth, or wire mesh around vulnerable plants. For example, if you have flower beds with tulips, daffodils, or crocus, a wire mesh can prevent squirrels from digging them up.
You can also try using metal collars around trees to stop squirrels from climbing them. Setting up squirrel-proof bird feeders can be handy, too, as they prevent squirrels from stealing bird food.
Adding motion-activated sprinklers can startle squirrels when they enter the area and encourage them to leave.
Natural and Chemical Deterrents
Many plants can naturally help deter squirrels. Consider planting marigolds, hyacinths, or alliums in your garden, as these scents are not appealing to them. You can also use garlic or peppermint sprays as natural squirrel repellents.
For a stronger deterrent, mix cayenne pepper, hot chili pepper, or other spicy substances like capsaicin with water and spray it around your plants. This will discourage them without harming the squirrels.
Another option is to use predator urine, which can signal danger to squirrels and encourage them to stay away.
Humane Trapping and Relocation
If squirrels become a persistent problem, humane trapping is an effective option. Use squirrel traps that capture them without causing harm. Be sure to check traps regularly, as keeping squirrels in them for long periods can be stressful.
Once trapped, relocate them at least 5 miles away from your home to give them a better chance of finding new shelter and food.
If traps are not an option or you prefer professional help, consider contacting a pest control service that specializes in humane methods. They can help safely remove the squirrels for you.
