How to Keep a Squirrel Out of a Tree
One common problem that can be frustrating for homeowners is squirrels gaining access to their birdfeeds. You may have tried using capsaicin, Tabasco repellent, and copper mesh paired with expandable foam. These methods don’t always work. Here are some other methods you can try:
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Tabasco repellent
To repel squirrels from trees, mix some tabasco sauce with water. For an even more effective solution, mix half a bottle of Tabasco sauce with one gallon of water. The mixture should be sprayed on leaves in the evening, on cloudy days. You can also mix cayenne pepper and petroleum jelly, and smear it around the base of plant stems or poles. Alternatively, you can purchase a spray bottle and mix the pepper with a tablespoon of soap. Remember to wash your hands before consuming this repellent spray.
You can also plant peppermint, skunk cabbage, and spearmint, which are plants with a strong odor that repel squirrels. You can also spray this solution on nearby plants, such as roses and holly bushes, to keep the squirrels away. The scent of these plants deter squirrels from trees and other structures. A diluted solution of peppermint oil on a cotton ball is a great deterrent.
Copper mesh paired with expandable foam
For an effective squirrel deterrent, install a copper mesh paired with expandable foam on your tree’s outside. This material is thin enough to discourage squirrels from biting through it, but not so flexible that it will fall off. The metal mesh is made of copper wire, which can be stuffed into a variety of shapes and sizes. Apply expandable foam to the top and sides of the mesh to keep out dust and water. Once the foam has fully expanded, paint over it to hide any holes.
Another good option is a fence. It should be 30 inches high and extend at least six inches below the ground. Then, attach another six-inch section of wire mesh to the top, which will bend outward at a 90-degree angle to prevent burrowing. The same technique works for newly planted flower beds and crops. These two methods will keep squirrels out and prevent damage to your plants.
Owl scarecrow
One of the best ways to deter rabbits and other wildlife from your yard is to install an owl scarecrow. If you have a tree branch or an eave in your yard, you can install a scarecrow of an owl at eye level, so that the owl can be seen by passing birds. But, if you don’t have a tree branch, you can use a window ledge or balcony to place your scarecrow.
Scarecrows have been around for centuries, used to scare birds and animals. Some people put plastic owls on their trees as a temporary deterrent, but they only seem to work temporarily. You can also create DIY scarecrows for different purposes, from deterring rabbits to attracting birds to your yard. You can even create a scarecrow from scratch if you have the time to make it.
Capsaicin
It is possible to repel squirrels by sprinkling a hot pepper solution on them. Squirrels are sensitive to the hotness of capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers. You can purchase commercial products that contain capsaicin or you can prepare your own homemade repellent spray. Capsaicin is a chemical that puts off squirrels and deters them from eating fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Another option is to use a spray bottle filled with hot pepper spray. Capsaicin is a potent deterrent for animals, and most animals avoid it. However, the repellent does not work very long and may just ward off birds. You will have to reapply the spray to maintain its potency. Also, remember that capsaicin is highly flammable and may harm your plants.
Bird netting
One way to keep squirrels from climbing your tree is to use bird netting. While this type of netting will discourage birds, it isn’t as effective for keeping squirrels away from fruit trees. Birds will avoid the tree with netting if it is surrounded by many other trees. Moreover, netting is ineffective if you only have one apple tree. Squirrels are able to gnaw through the netting, so they will continue eating the easier-to-access fruit trees.
If you want to keep squirrels away from your fruit trees, you can use bird netting to keep them from gnawing through the netting. While this may discourage some squirrels, it will prove useless once they get through it. If you have a large tree with a lot of fruit, you may not be able to use netting. If you’d rather keep the squirrels away from your fruit trees, you can also put wire fencing around them. Make sure you install the fencing deep enough so that squirrels cannot dig through it. However, this will leave a big ugly hole in your garden – and this won’t make you look very good.
Planting companion plants
If you’re having trouble keeping squirrels out of a tree, you should plant certain plants that have strong smells. Some of these plants will discourage squirrels from accessing your tree, while others are highly unpleasant smelling. For instance, you should avoid planting imperial bulbs near inhabited areas of your property because of their awful smell. You can also try DIY squirrel repellents like garlic and peppermint oils. These repellents work best when planted in groups.
One plant that squirrels will often avoid is tulips, daisies, and other types of bulbs. Planting these flowers around the tree will discourage them from visiting the tree. Also, consider planting a chipmunk-proof fence to block access to your garden. These rodents love to eat fruit, twigs, and flowers. They can be quite hard to spot, but they can damage your garden.
What is the best way to keep a squirrel out of a tree?
By physically blocking the squirrel from getting into the tree.
What can you put around the base of the tree to keep a squirrel from getting in?
A physical barrier such as a fence.
What can you put on the tree itself to keep a squirrel from getting in?
A physical barrier such as chicken wire.
What can you put in the tree to keep a squirrel from getting in?
A physical barrier such as a net.
What can you do to make the tree less attractive to a squirrel?
Make sure there is no food or water available to the squirrel.
What can you do to make the squirrels more afraid of the tree?
Put a loud radio in the tree.
What can you do to make the squirrels more afraid of getting caught?
Put a bright light in the tree.
What can you do to make the squirrels more afraid of getting hurt?
Put spikes on the tree.
What can you do to make the squirrels more afraid of getting electrocuted?
Put a low voltage electric fence around the tree.
What else can you do to keep a squirrel out of a tree?
Remove any branches that the squirrel could use to get into the tree.

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.