Squirrels are a common sight in neighborhoods and parks across Hennepin County, often darting around Minnehaha Park or scaling backyard trees. While these small, agile creatures are fascinating to watch, they can sometimes pose challenges for homeowners. From chewing through wooden soffits to nesting in attics, squirrels can cause significant damage to homes if not addressed properly. Learning how to safely and humanely coexist with squirrels can save your property from costly repairs while fostering a respectful relationship with your wildlife neighbors. 

Below are practical, humane, and effective strategies to manage squirrels responsibly in Maple Grove and surrounding areas.

Coexist With Squirrels Humanely  

Living alongside squirrels is entirely possible if you take measures to create boundaries that work for both parties. At their core, squirrels are simply trying to survive by finding food and shelter. Sometimes, those survival instincts lead them too close to human spaces, like attics or gardens.  

Here are actionable steps to coexist humanely with squirrels while ensuring your home remains protected:

Block Access to Your Attic:  

• Inspect your roof and eaves regularly for small openings. Squirrels only need a gap about two inches wide to enter.  
• Seal any holes using heavy-duty materials like galvanized steel mesh or sheet metal. Extend the material several inches beyond the opening to prevent chewing.  

Protect Your Garden:  

• Squirrels may occasionally dig up vegetable gardens or flower beds. You can minimize this activity by planting border plants (like daffodils) that squirrels dislike.  
• For extra protection, consider laying down a wire mesh over the soil, ensuring it has small openings for plants to grow through but prevents digging.  

Secure Food Sources:  

• Keep your trash cans sealed tightly to deter squirrels from rummaging for scraps.  
• If you have a bird feeder, use squirrel-proof designs like those with baffles to keep squirrels from accessing birdseed.  

Create New Feeding Zones:  

• Distract squirrels from key areas by providing a designated space in your yard where they can find food like nuts or seeds. This approach helps redirect their focus away from your garden or roof.  

Squirrels want to stay safe and protect their young, just like we do. By implementing steps like proper sealing, securing food, and redirecting activity, you can peacefully share your space without conflict.  

Safe Squirrel Management Tips  

Encounters with squirrels around your home don’t have to turn into headaches. You can manage their activity safely and effectively by using prevention-focused strategies. Below are tips to ensure your property stays protected while prioritizing humane interactions.  

1. Secure Common Entry Points:

Squirrels often enter homes through vents, chimneys, or damaged soffits. Begin by conducting a thorough walkthrough of your home. Pay close attention to sections where soffits meet the roofline or where tree branches overhang your roof. Trim any tree limbs within six feet of your roof to limit access.  

2. Use One-Way Doors for Eviction:

If squirrels are already nesting in your attic, one-way doors allow them to leave, but they can’t get back in. This method ensures they’re evicted naturally without separating mothers from their young. Seal the entry as soon as activity ceases.  

3. Manage Waste Responsibly:

Leaving waste out, even for a few hours, can attract squirrels to your property. Seal your trash bins and compost containers securely and avoid leaving pet food outside for extended periods.  

4. Invest in Durable Materials:

When sealing entry points, use strong materials like galvanized steel mesh. This prevents re-entry and holds up against persistent gnawing. Avoid weaker materials like plastic or thin wood.  

You don’t need to resort to harmful practices when managing squirrel activity. Safe and humane methods not only protect your home but also ensure the well-being of wildlife.  

Living With Squirrels Responsibly  

Having squirrels around your yard can be enjoyable if managed responsibly. Even though they might dig up flower beds or bury acorns in your lawn, there are ways to reduce the impact while allowing them to thrive naturally.  

Outdoor Tips for Living in Harmony:  

• Provide Natural Deterrents: Scatter natural repellents like cayenne pepper or coffee grounds around gardens to keep squirrels from digging.  
• Fence Vulnerable Areas: Use a small perimeter fence around vegetable gardens to act as a physical barrier. Ensure the fence is tall enough to deter climbing.   
• Minimize Lawn Damage: If squirrels are burying nuts in your yard, the lawn often recovers by itself. Raking the soil smooth can prevent trip hazards and maintain a clean appearance.  

Show Respect for Nesting Seasons:  

Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons in Hennepin County—once between February and April, and again between August and September. During these times, they are focused on raising their young. Avoid disruptive activities like tree trimming near obvious nests to prevent separation or injury to baby squirrels.  

Encouraging responsible measures for coexisting with squirrels doesn’t mean you need to surrender your outdoor space. Instead, think of it as building a respectful relationship where both humans and wildlife coexist peacefully.  

Safe Squirrel Management Tips For Hennepin County Residents  

Hennepin County’s mix of urban and suburban environments creates a perfect habitat for squirrels. Whether you live near major green spaces like Theodore Wirth Regional Park or in a more residential setting, squirrels are part of our shared ecosystem. Below are specific tips for residents on managing squirrel activity without conflict.  

• Regular Home Inspections: Conduct seasonal checks of your home exterior, especially as colder months approach. Look for signs of chewing, gaps in soffits, or droppings near wall cavities, which may indicate squirrel activity.  
• Trim Overhead Branches: Throughout Hennepin County, older neighborhoods often feature mature trees with sprawling canopies, perfect for squirrel crossings. Keep tree limbs trimmed back to discourage easy access to roofs or chimneys.  
• Understand Squirrel Behavior: Squirrels are often diurnal, meaning they’re most active during the day. If you hear rustling in your attic or walls at night, it might not be squirrel activity and could require further investigation.  
• Engage with Humane Experts: When squirrels gain entry despite your best efforts, professional wildlife control services like ours at Skedaddle can provide specialized, humane removal strategies tailored to the needs of Hennepin County homes.  

By tailoring your squirrel management to suit your local environment, you can prevent potential issues early on while maintaining harmony with the wildlife around you.  

Skedaddle’s Humane Squirrel Removal Services  

At Skedaddle, we are proud to provide humane and effective squirrel removal services that cater to the unique needs of homeowners. Our process begins with a thorough assessment of your property to identify entry points and determine the extent of the intrusion. Once this detailed evaluation is complete, our team uses innovative exclusion techniques to remove squirrels safely and compassionately, ensuring no harm comes to them during the process. 

To prevent future issues, we implement comprehensive prevention measures, such as sealing access points and securing vulnerable areas, to ensure squirrels are unable to return to your home.

Our approach prioritizes coexistence with wildlife by offering sustainable solutions that protect both your home and the surrounding ecosystem. With the expertise of our trained team, you can rest assured that your home and local wildlife are in safe hands.

With decades of experience and a commitment to customer-first service, Skedaddle is dedicated to delivering professional and reliable results rooted in humane practices. You can trust us to help restore peace to your home while ensuring the well-being of wildlife in your area is respected.

Take Charge Of Squirrel-proofing Your Property  

Protecting your home and garden while living alongside squirrels is not only achievable but also rewarding when done humanely. By employing preventative measures, respecting nesting seasons, and taking steps to discourage unwanted behaviors, you can create a balance that benefits both your property and the wildlife around it.  

If you’re dealing with squirrel-related challenges or need expert advice tailored to your property, get in touch with us at Skedaddle. Our experienced team is here to help you safeguard your home while maintaining humane practices that benefit the squirrels and you.