Squirrels are a common sight in Minneapolis, often seen climbing trees or darting across yards. However, their chewing can cause problems for homeowners, damaging tree bark, roof shingles, and outdoor wiring.

Squirrels chew for reasons like sharpening their teeth, marking territory, or accessing food, but this behavior can lead to costly damage if not managed. Protecting your property means addressing this early to prevent home repairs and keep your trees healthy.

This guide will cover practical ways to reduce damage, including tree protection, property maintenance, and minimizing attractants. For expert help in Minneapolis, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers humane solutions to protect your home and trees effectively.

Preventing Damage to Trees

Trees are often among the first victims of squirrel chewing. Protecting them is essential to maintaining a healthy yard and preventing squirrels from gaining easy access to your property. Here are three methods to minimize tree damage:

• Install Tree Guards: Protecting the trunks of your trees is a straightforward and effective way to limit damage. Tree guards, made from plastic or metal, can be wrapped around the base of the tree to block squirrels from chewing on the bark. Make sure to choose a material and size that fits securely but doesn’t harm the tree as it grows.
• Prune Overhanging Branches: Cutting back branches near rooftops, fences, or other structures can make it harder for squirrels to access your property. Without these pathways, squirrels are less likely to move from your trees to your home. Regular pruning not only helps with squirrel prevention but also keeps your trees healthy and looking great.
• Choose Squirrel-Resistant Tree Species: If you’re considering planting new trees, opt for species that are less prone to squirrel damage. Certain trees, like ginkgo or spruce, are less appealing to animals due to their taste or bark texture. Planning ahead with these varieties can save you future headaches.

By taking these steps, you help protect the health of your trees while limiting the damage caused by chewing. Once tree damage is under control, the next step is ensuring your home and property are safe from unwanted gnawing.

Protecting Your Property

Squirrels can cleverly find their way into vulnerable parts of your home, causing costly damage. To stop this, follow these simple strategies to protect your property:

• Seal Entry Points: Squirrels only need small gaps or holes to get into your home, so it’s crucial to cover any potential entry points. Focus on rooftops, vents, and siding. Use strong materials like steel mesh or metal plates, which are more difficult for squirrels to chew through. Pay special attention to areas around your roofline and attic.
• Protect Outdoor Wiring: Squirrels are notorious for damaging electrical and cable lines. To keep your wires safe, consider installing protective coverings like squirrel-proof conduits or weather-resistant tubing. These barriers make it much harder for squirrels to chew through and prevent costly repairs.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Items like patio furniture, wooden planters, or even children’s toys can attract squirrels looking for chew-friendly materials. Store these items in enclosed spaces whenever possible or cover them with durable, water-resistant materials to limit access.

Making these small changes to your property can go a long way in preventing squirrel-related damage. Taking the time to reinforce vulnerable areas now will save you from bigger problems later.

Minimizing Attractants

One of the easiest ways to reduce problems with squirrels around your home is by taking away the things that attract them in the first place. They’re always on the lookout for food or materials they can use to make nests, so keeping these out of reach is essential. 

For starters, avoid feeding them, even unintentionally. If you have bird feeders, choose ones with built-in squirrel baffles so squirrels can’t get to the seeds. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean up your yard since fallen nuts, fruits, or seeds can provide plenty of encouragement for squirrels to stick around. 

Another helpful tip is to store materials like firewood or anything squirrels could use for nesting. Keep these off the ground and stored away from your house in a secure structure. Being mindful of what draws them in can make a noticeable difference in how often they visit your property. Little changes like these can go a long way in preventing bigger issues down the line.

Humane Deterrents for Both Trees and Property

Keeping squirrels away doesn’t mean you have to harm them. There are plenty of humane ways to discourage them from causing trouble. Motion-activated devices, for example, are a great option. 

These devices, like sprinklers or noise-makers, activate when squirrels come too close, scaring them off without causing any damage. You can also use your garden to send a message—plants like mint or daffodils can act as natural barriers because squirrels tend to avoid them. Adding these to your yard helps make the environment less appealing to them. 

Another popular solution is using predator decoys, like realistic owls or hawks. Squirrels are naturally cautious, and the sight of one of these fake birds of prey can make them think twice before venturing closer. Using these methods gives you peace of mind while keeping nature’s balance intact.

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Once you’ve set up ways to prevent squirrel damage, it’s important to keep them in good shape. Regularly check your property for signs of chewing or new entry points. Spotting small issues early, like gnawed wood or tiny holes, lets you fix them before they turn into bigger problems.

Fix any damage quickly. Whether it’s a tree trunk that’s been chewed or a gap in your roof, handling these repairs right away stops the problem from getting worse. Also, make sure tools like motion-activated devices or tree guards are working properly.

Some protections may need updates over time to stay effective. By inspecting and maintaining your measures regularly, you’ll ensure they keep working and provide long-term protection against squirrel damage.

The Humane Way to Protect Your Property and Trees

Managing squirrel chewing habits is an important step in protecting your trees and property. Repairs from chewing might be costly, but a proactive approach can save you time and stress. By implementing these prevention techniques, you can keep your home safe, your yard healthy, and your trees free from unnecessary damage.

For homeowners in Minneapolis, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers expert assistance. Our team specializes in squirrel removal in Minneapolis, using humane techniques that ensure animals are guided out without harm while preventing their return. With years of experience, we’re here to help you protect your property and trees with reliable, environmentally friendly solutions.

Don’t wait for chewing damage to get worse—reach out to us today for expert guidance and prevention services. Together, we can safeguard your home and yard, keeping it squirrel-free for the long term.