If you’ve noticed grey squirrels invading your garden or home, you’re not alone. These little critters can cause damage by chewing on wires, digging up plants, and raiding bird feeders. To effectively get rid of grey squirrels, you need a mix of deterrents, habitat modifications, and humane traps.
One of the best ways to start is by removing easy food sources like bird feeders, or switching to seeds that don’t attract squirrels. You can also use barriers in your garden to protect plants from being dug up. If they’re persistent, installing a squirrel baffle can keep them away from bird feeders and other area where they cause mischief.
Taking a proactive approach will help you reclaim your space from these furry visitors. With the right strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy your garden and home without the hassle of grey squirrels.
Understanding Grey Squirrel Behavior
Knowing how grey squirrels behave is essential for managing them effectively. Their habits can give you clues about how to prevent them from causing problems in your yard or home.
Habitat and Diet
Grey squirrels are adaptable creatures. They can thrive in various environments, including parks, forests, and urban areas. They prefer places with plenty of trees for nesting and foraging. Their nests, called dreys, are often found in tree branches or hidden in your attic or the eaves of your home.
Their diet is quite varied. Grey squirrels eat nuts, seeds, and fruits. They enjoy mast like acorns, hickory nuts, and beechnuts. They also forage for mushrooms and berries. When food is scarce, they may raid bird feeders or gardens for a meal. This adaptability makes them frequent visitors to backyards.
Common Areas of Infestation
You may notice grey squirrels around areas that provide easy access to food and shelter. Common spots include your attic, where they can nest, and the eaves of your house. They can find entry through small openings, often unnoticed by homeowners.
They are also attracted to bird feeders. If you have one in your yard, grey squirrels will likely try to access it for seeds. They can easily climb trees and fences to reach food sources. To manage them, it’s crucial to secure these entry points and minimize food availability.
Effective Control and Prevention Strategies
Dealing with grey squirrels effectively involves a mix of protecting your home and garden, using natural deterrents, and implementing advanced control techniques. These measures can significantly minimize squirrel problems and prevent future damage.
Home and Garden Protection
To keep squirrels out of your home and garden, start by sealing entry points. Check your home’s exterior for gaps, especially around windows, doors, and vents. Use materials like steel wool or caulking to block these openings.
In your garden, protect valuable plants by creating barriers. Install chicken wire around garden beds or wrap tree trunks in plastic baffles to prevent climbing. Also, keep bird feeders high and use squirrel-proof feeders to avoid unwanted visitors.
Additionally, consider removing food sources such as fallen fruits and nuts. Keeping your garden tidy helps minimize attractants that may draw squirrels into your space.
Natural Repellents and Deterrents
Natural deterrents can effectively repel squirrels without harm. Spraying areas with essential oils like peppermint or apple cider vinegar can help keep them away.
Using strong-smelling spices, such as cayenne pepper, garlic, or coffee grounds, can also deter them. You can sprinkle these around your garden or on mulch to help.
Another option is using predator urine, which can create the scent of danger for squirrels, making your yard less appealing. Mixing these substances with water to create a spray can effectively cover larger areas.
Advanced Control Techniques
For more intense squirrel problems, you might need to consider advanced control methods. One option is to use live traps to catch and relocate the squirrels. Ensure to check local regulations about relocation to avoid any legal issues.
In your yard, consider using disguised traps that provide bait without encouraging other wildlife to enter. Maintaining your garden regularly will help reduce habitats that squirrels find appealing.
Also, if you see signs of damage, treat your garden with repellent sprays or products containing capsaicin, which squirrels dislike. This can help protect your plants and deter future visits.
