How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in Your Yard 
If you want to get rid of a squirrel in your backyard, you can’t simply snatch it. You need to use a few different techniques to do this. These methods include natural repellents, trapping, and distraction stations. These are all proven to be effective in keeping squirrels away from your property. Read on to learn how to get rid of a squirrel in your yard.
Natural repellents
You can use plants as natural repellents to get rid of squirrels and other rodents from your yard. Mint is a good choice for this task as its scent can travel a long distance. Also, daffodils and geraniums are attractive plants that deter squirrels. And allium and spearmint are also effective. These plants are not only attractive to the eye, but they are easy to care for.
For a natural repellent, you can sprinkle peppermint oil on the soil and leaves of plants to keep squirrels away. This repellent is also non-toxic, which makes it a good option for gardens. You can also apply pepper seasoning to plant stalks. Or, you can buy a repellent spray that contains the urine of a squirrel predator. It will repel the rodents and prevent them from gnawing and digging into your plants.
If you do not have the funds to purchase a trap, you can also use a natural repellent spray. This spray contains ingredients that repel squirrels and deer. Apply the repellent to your plants and trees at the earliest sign of squirrel activity. Apply it on the exterior and the inside of your house as well. Repellant sprays can wear off after a while, so you need to repeat them regularly. Don’t forget to cover your roof and windows with netting to avoid rainwater from washing off the repellents.
Trapping
If you have squirrels in your yard, you may be wondering how to trap them. Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods to trap squirrels. You can coat a board with nuts and place it in a large dish of water. If the squirrel follows the trail to the nuts, it will fall into the dish, chomp on the nuts, and drown. The dead squirrel can then be disposed of safely.
First, consider that the mother squirrel will protect her young. If the squirrel has left its nest, it will most likely mate and have larger litters. You should be careful when releasing the baby squirrels, as these animals will bite through most leather gloves. If the female has already left the nest, however, it can be released into the yard. It may take some time for the mother to return. If the female has been in the hole for some time, you can use the capture pole to grab it.
Another option for catching squirrels is to poison them. Although this is illegal in many states, snap traps are legal in most. It is important to remember that the poisons used are not necessarily safe for humans and pets. Some of them can cause seizures or pain. Therefore, you must dispose of the poison properly. Fortunately, there are several natural methods for trapping squirrels. If you are determined enough, you can try a variety of methods.
Distraction stations
There are many ways to keep a squirrel from invading your yard. You can block off their entry points with plastic pipe or other materials. Especially useful for non-electrical wires, the plastic pipe can be slit lengthwise and spread open. The plastic pipe will spin on the wire, sending squirrels tumbling to the ground. This method is especially effective for large infestations.
Setting up a few distraction stations will help keep the squirrel away from your property. This way, they will be frightened of humans and will not hang around where you spend time. A squirrel is also a health threat. If a squirrel bites your dog or cat, it could transmit disease to them, so make sure to keep these areas clear of food and water sources. Distraction stations will also discourage them from destroying your patio or trash cans.
Keeping squirrels away from your property can be difficult if you don’t want to get rid of them permanently. However, some people enjoy the company of these adorable creatures and have set up distraction stations in their yard. You can also install a squirrel-proof fence to block their access to your property. This will help keep them away and keep them safe. There are many other ways to get rid of a squirrel in your yard.
How do squirrels get in your yard?
Squirrels can get in your yard by climbing over fences or trees or by digging holes under fences.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are mostly vegetarians and eat a variety of foods including nuts seeds fruits and vegetables.
Why are squirrels in my yard?
Squirrels are looking for a place to build their nest or for food.
What is the best way to get rid of a squirrel?
The best way to get rid of a squirrel is to trap it and release it in a wooded area away from your home.
How do I trap a squirrel?
Trapping a squirrel requires a live trap baited with foods that attract squirrels such as nuts seeds or fruits.
What if I can’t trap the squirrel?
If you cannot trap the squirrel you can try to scare it away by making loud noises or spraying it with water from a hose.
Will a squirrel attack me?
Squirrels generally do not attack people but they may bite if they feel threatened.
Is there a way to prevent squirrels from entering my yard?
Yes there are a few ways to prevent squirrels from entering your yard such as trimming trees and bushes away from your home and installing a fence with a tight mesh.
What if I find a baby squirrel?
If you find a baby squirrel the best thing to do is to leave it alone.
The mother will usually come back for it.
I think there is a squirrel in my house what should I do?
If you think there is a squirrel in your house the best thing to do is to call a professional wildlife removal service.
I found a dead squirrel in my yard what should I do with it?
If you find a dead squirrel in your yard the best thing to do is to call your local animal control to have it removed.
What diseases can squirrels carry?
Squirrels can carry a variety of diseases including rabies salmonella and leptospirosis.
Can I kill a squirrel?
In most cases it is legal to kill a squirrel if it is causing damage to your property.
However you should check with your local laws before doing so.
What should I do if I am bitten by a squirrel?
If you are bitten by a squirrel you should wash the wound with soap and water and then seek medical attention.
I think there is a nest of squirrels in my attic what should I do?
If you think there is a nest of squirrels in your attic you should contact a professional wildlife removal service to have it removed.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
