Squirrels are neighbourhood staples. Whether you love the furry critters or their sight sends you running, in most suburban and rural areas, you cannot go a single block without seeing the animals. Still, seeing the animal is not the problem. The primary concern for most homeowners is that squirrels are foragers, meaning trash is a constant source of food. Unfortunately, without the help of squirrel removal in Hamilton, it can be a challenge to keep the adorable fur babies out of your bins. 

However, not all hope is lost. There are several things a homeowner can do to keep squirrels from getting in their bins. Keep reading to learn some top tips to protect your trash from squirrels. 

1. Metal Bin 

Many trash bins are plastic. While it is an affordable solution, plastic is not the most secure material, especially against squirrels’ sharp claws and agile bodies. A squirrel can likely grip a plastic bin or chew through its sides to access potential food. 

You can never underestimate the motivation of a stable food source for an animal. Squirrels require more than just a daily meal; they are looking for food to add to their stockpile for the cold season. 

Upgrading your plastic garbage bins to metal is an excellent way to reduce access to squirrels and other neighbourhood foragers. The metal is not easy to climb and nearly impossible to chew. However, you want to ensure the bin has a secure lid. 

2. Tight Fitting Lids 

Squirrels are not dumb, and they are persistent. If the animal knows a trash bin has a potential meal, it will try and try again to gain access to the garbage within.  

Loose-fitting lids are no match to the perseverance of squirrels and other animals. A bin with a straightforward flip top is equally accessible.  

To keep squirrels and other wildlife out of your bins, you want to find some with tight-fitting lids. You can also find containers with latches or locking mechanisms to ensure the top remains secure. The more complicated the locking mechanism, the less likely a squirrel will get a free meal. 

3. Secure Location 

Tight lids and metal bins provide some protection against squirrels, but these precautions do not eliminate all possibilities. If you want a surefire way to keep your trash in the container, you need to find a secure location to store it. 

The two best places to keep your bins are a garage or shed. Both structures have lockable access points. Having the containers behind closed and secured doors means squirrels are less likely to gain entry. Additionally, a squirrel might not even sense or smell the potential meal behind walls and doors. No wildlife will put forth more effort than a meal is worth. Storing bins indoors presents a significant barrier to animals and increases the difficulty of getting a meal. 

4. Wildlife Professionals 

If you feel that you have taken every measure possible to control access to your trash bins and squirrels or other wildlife are still managing to access it and make a mess, it is time to call in the professionals. Continued access to cans despite precautions could indicate an increase in wildlife populations and a lack of food supplies in your area. The only solution in such situations is to help wildlife find new homes away from your property. 

Still, if you decide to use a wildlife control service, find a humane organization. Squirrels and other wildlife are not being malicious when they dig through your garbage. The animals are only trying to survive. 

If you are struggling with local squirrel populations on your property, you might need some assistance. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property assessment. The business will send out a team to inspect your property and the presence of wildlife. They will determine how best to alleviate your challenges.