Most people love squirrels. From their bushy tails to their scurried antics, squirrels are a delight. Still, despite adding a little excitement and entertainment to neighbourhood life, the wildlife can become a little much, especially when they start to make a home of your patio. The patio is supposed to be your safe place to relax and unwind after a long workday. While squirrel removal in Victoria can help prevent the animals from overtaking your outdoor spaces, you can also take several actions to limit their interest in your patio.
4 Ways To Deter Squirrels
Squirrels are not enigmas; they have very clear motivations for every behaviour. If a squirrel is frequenting your patio, it is likely getting one of three things — shelter, food, or water; in some instances, the animal might have access to all three.
To deter the animal, you must eliminate access to any potential motivators, which might be easier said than done because squirrels are determined creatures. Still, focus your efforts on four steps.
1. Remove Attractants
Eliminate any obvious incentives for squirrels, primarily food. Squirrels are foragers, so they eat almost anything. While they have meal preferences, a hungry animal will eat what it can, including birdseed, trash, insects, and plants.
If you must have bird feeders on your property, ensure they are away from your patio and out from under any tree canopies. Also, purchase squirrel-proof feeders to prevent easy access to the seed.
If you store your garbage outside, buy cans with tight-fitting lids. If a squirrel can get the top off, it will tear into the bags and leave a trail of trash in its wake.
To limit the number of insects available for snacking, you can treat your patio and the area around your home’s foundation. Also, keep the grass cut short.
Finally, install cages around your garden or specific plants. The harder you can make it for squirrels to access food, the more likely they are to find it elsewhere.
2. Use Patio Furniture Covers
Squirrels begin building nests in early summer. They use everything from twigs to trash to cotton to create a warm and functional nest. Unfortunately, many homeowners will find patio furniture with the stuffing ripped out because a squirrel figured it would make an excellent insulator.
Patio furniture covers can help protect your furniture. The covers can deter squirrels from chewing through materials and protect furniture from squirrel droppings.
3. Trim Tree Branches
While trees are excellent at providing natural shade, homeowners must refrain from allowing branches to grow over their patio or close to their houses. Squirrels use branches to gain easy access to roofs and patios. You need to keep tree branches or limbs trimmed back from the house by at least 5 ft.
4. Use Their Senses
You can also use the animal’s senses to deter it. For example, you can listen to your radio or install motion-activated sprinklers. Some people also suggest using apple cider vinegar-soaked rags because it mimics the smell of predator urine.
While some techniques may be helpful, the evidence is anecdotal. The surest way to deter squirrels is with preventative treatments from professional wildlife control services.
Reason To Hire Professionals
Professionals in wildlife removal on Vancouver Island understand the nature and motivations of squirrels. They can help homeowners adopt practices to reduce the risks of an infestation, and they can effectively remove current wildlife residents from properties.
Could you use some help with a squirrel problem? Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property inspection. The service will send a team to assess the situation and propose solutions.
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