Squirrels scurrying up trees and jump from branch to offshoot may see cute and harmless , but they can make serious holding wrong . As spry climber , squirrels often take up residence in trees , where they can chew through wooden fixtures , destroy gardens , and cause superpower outages by gnawing through wires . Getting free of squirrels in trees requires solitaire and persistence , but there are several methods you’re able to adjudicate to make your grounds less hospitable to these cheeky rodents
Why Squirrels Nest in Trees
squirrel are highly adaptable fauna that expand in urban and suburban neighborhoods . Mature trees provide idealistic protection for squirrel , offering cavities and sturdy branches for nest building . Backyards also provide access to abundant food for thought sources , include hiss feeders , vegetable gardens , and fruit trees . Once squirrel take up residence in a tree diagram , they are notoriously unmanageable to force out completely . Their nests , call dreys , are usually build high up in the canopy or privileged cavities , keep them safe from predators . A distaff squirrel may give birth to several litters throughout the year , so if you comment one squirrel , there are likely more nearby .
Prevent Squirrels from Climbing Trees
The best solution is to make it hard for squirrels to access Tree in the first position Here are some tactics to test
Install Squirrel Baffles
baffle board are strobile - shape barrier that you install around tree diagram trunk or pole . They forestall squirrels from climbing up by create a slippery angled surface that the squirrels can not grip . baffle come in plastic and metallic element and are usable at most hardware store . For big Tree , twine a 2 - foot plane section of sheet metallic element around the trunk about 6 feet off the flat coat . verify the baffle board or alloy barrier extends at least 2 feet out from the proboscis in all centering .
Apply Repellents
Squirrel repellents create unpleasant grain or scents that deter squirrels from wax onto surfaces . essay using a muggy library paste like polybutene , which take a crap tree bark too tacky for squirrels to grip . you could also sprinkle or spray pungent repellents like capsaicin , the chemical found in chili peppers . Reapply repellents frequently , especially after rainstorms .
Install Fences
A fence with a curved top that extends at least 3 feet out from trees can prevent squirrels from jumping onto branches . inhume the bottom part at least 6 inches underground to hold back squirrels from digging underneath . For string link fencing , add a tension wire along the top . Electric fence also work to shock and startle squirrels that sample to wax over them .
Trim Back Branches
If squirrels have admission to tree on your property from telephone origin or neighboring Tree , trim back any branches within 6 to 8 feet . Without any connexion , squirrels can not jump over to realise approach . discourse trimming plans with your local utility program fellowship before bring down back branches near power line .
Scare Them with Predator Sounds
attempt frightening squirrels away from tree diagram by play broadcasts of marauder noises , like hawks , owls , or bobcats . you’re able to find appeal of these threatening sounds online to download or bet through outdoor speakers . Just be cognizant the noises may also frighten off away other backyard wildlife .
Remove Food Sources That Attract Squirrels
Even if you successfully block squirrels from climbing up trees , they will continue assay to get in if your yard offers irresistible food sources . Eliminate anything that provide solid food to thin temptation .
Take down doll feeders or select squirrel - resistant styles . Also clean up any fallen seed beneath feeders .
establish non - cuttable alloy guards around the trunks of yield and crackpot trees .
Remove fall fruits , nuts , and cones from around trees .
Keep shabu cans firmly closed and obviate compost piles , which can attract insects squirrels consume .
Protect vegetable gardens with fences and only plant squirrel - tolerant flowers like Narcissus pseudonarcissus .
invalidate feeding pets outside , which can exit food scrap behind .
Remove Existing Squirrel Nests
If squirrels have already rig up dens inside tree cavities or branches , function on evict current occupant and dismantling nests to prevent future occupancy .
seal off entry kettle of fish with sword mesh once you are certain squirrel are run . For cavity , insert a one - way door first , then seal off it shut once squirrels exit .
Pull down drey you may reach using a recollective pole . wear down thick gloves to protect from sharpness .
Consider trimming back small-scale limb and limbs with nests work up on them .
refer a professional tree service if nest are very gamey up or locate in tricky areas to touch .
Use Traps as a Last Resort
Trapping should not be your first solution , since take food for thought sources and cut back access are more effective in the long run . If squirrels persist , humanistic live cages and release trap allow you to catch and relocate squirrels away from your belongings . Set traps on branches and near entry muddle ahead of time in the forenoon or at dusk when squirrel are most active . Bait traps with walnut , pecan , peanut butter , or wise fruit . Once trapped , liberate the squirrel at least 5 Roman mile from your home in a rural wooded domain .
Some central consideration when trap tree squirrel :
scrutinise traps frequently so you may release non - target animals like fowl .
Be aware pin and relocate squirrels may be illegal in some states . Check your local regulations .
Releasing squirrels too close to homes take chances them finding their way back or becoming a problem elsewhere .
Relocated squirrel have low survival of the fittest rates due to challenger for resources in unfamiliar habitats .
Call In Professional Help
For severe squirrel infestations or nests in tall tree that are challenge to service , calling a professional may be your practiced bet for lasting removal . Wildlife control companies have the expertise and equipment to :
name incoming pointedness and seal off up holes .
Safely break apart dreys and nests .
Install commercial-grade - grade exclusion solutions .
cakehole squirrels without harming them .
Clean up droppings , nesting materials , and terms .
Offer preventative maintenance to conquer re - entry .
Look for accredited companies with training in humane squirrel exclusion . Getting free of every squirrel is nearly impossible , but following these tip can help confine the population in your yard and minimize unwanted damage . With diligence , you could reclaim your tree and keep the squirrel where they belong — out in the forest .
Overview of Damage Prevention and Control Methods
How to Get Rid of Squirrels – Fast & Easy!
FAQ
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