Squirrels are typically thought of as relatively harmless creatures but they can definitely be an annoyance if they get into your attic or garden. If squirrels are causing trouble on your property, this article can help. Here are some frequently asked questions about squirrels who are making pests of themselves.
What Do You Do About Squirrels in the Attic?
If you hear strange noises, such as scratching and chewing sounds coming from your attic, squirrels might have found their way inside your home. To solve the problem, check the attic for a squirrel's nest. If you find a nest with baby squirrels, it's probably best to just wait until they are old enough to leave with their mother before taking any further action.
Otherwise, check for any openings or gaps in your roof exterior that the squirrels are using to gain entry. Seal the gaps with caulk or mesh wire to prevent entry. Leave one entryway open, so any squirrels in the house are able to leave. To catch a squirrel leaving the house, set a steel cage, live-animal trap outside of the entryway you left open. When the squirrel is caught you need to take it at least five miles from your property. Make sure you check your state laws about releasing wild animals before taking this action. Some states have laws against doing this.
To prevent squirrels from getting into your attic in the first place, trim back any branches that are overhanging the roof, put a plastic owl on the roof or spray a mixture of garlic, vinegar, and water around the exterior of the house.
How Do You Keep Squirrels Out of the Garden?
Squirrels are attracted to vegetable gardens, as they are always looking for sources of food. They are, of course, going to enter any garden where nuts, acorns, and berries might have fallen, so collect these items and place them in another location or dispose of them. Another idea is to enclose the garden with chicken wire or fencing.
Squirrels do not like the feel of mulch under their feet, so applying mulch to your garden beds can help keep them away. Another idea is to grow so-called "companion plants" that squirrels do not like, such as mint, mustard, and marigolds.
Do Squirrels Carry Disease?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Squirrels carry several diseases that they can transfer to humans, such as typhus, tularemia, and plague. For this reason, it's a good idea to avoid attempting to capture or remove any problem squirrels yourself and leave the job to one of the qualified squirrel removal services near you.
Contact a local squirrel removal service to learn more.