Squirrels seem harmless creatures at first glance. But do not be fooled by their cute appearance, they are considered serious pests. They can ruin your crop: dig up plants bulbs and nibble trees (especially new buds and bark).
Moreover, they steal food that people leave unattended and pollute the territory with their excrements. Squirrels can be carriers of various diseases and dangerous parasites, so they pose a severe threat to human health.
Furthermore, these animals love to chew on wires, which can lead to short circuits and even fires. They are used to sharpen their teeth on tree branches, but they cannot distinguish them from wires. According to statistics, the fifth part of all cases of unplanned outages in the United States occurs precisely because of squirrels.
If your home is close to a forest or garden or your neighbors have squirrels on their site, you should think of how to repel squirrels. Check all storage rooms, close basements, and attics, install a mesh on a vent and chimney, cut long tree branches, and make sure your trash cans are tightly closed. Remember that squirrels are easier to control before they build their nest in your house.
But even if these animals already settled on your site, do not be discouraged. There are a lot of products on the market that will help you get rid of these small pests forever. To help you choose the right tool, I have compiled a list of the best squirrel repellents that work.
Top 5 Best Squirrel Repellents
- Hoont Deer Repellent & Cat Repellent Outdoor
- Ortho Animal B Gon All Purpose Animal Repellent Ready-to-Use Spray
- Hoont Solar Powered Motion Activated Ultrasonic
- BH-1 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller — Electric Squirrel Repellent
- Exterminators Choice Vehicle Defense Rodent Repellent
My experience shows that in the fight against such smart creatures as squirrels, it is better to use complex measures. Be sure to do the housework described above and use the tools from the squirrel repellent reviews below. The list includes ultrasonic devices, sprays, and a sprinkler with a motion sensor.
Do not forget that although these animals are small, they belong to the wild; they can scratch and bite you if you act aggressively. Be careful: do not try to play with them or catch them with your bare hands.
1. Hoont Motion Activated Jet Fuse — Intimidate Squirrels with Water
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 1.92 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 10 inches
- Extremely Humane And Powerful
In addition to unpleasant sound and bright light, you can effectively use ordinary water against squirrels. If an animal is sprayed with a powerful jet of water, this will create a negative experience, and next time it will prefer to bypass the danger zone.
The Hoont Motion Activated Jet Blaster is equipped with a sensitive motion sensor that responds to an animal approaching up to 30 feet and releases a powerful stream of water towards a squirrel. It is one of the most humane squirrel control devices. The flow is ejected for about 5 seconds, which provides an economical flow of water.
Installing the Hoont Motion Activated Jet Blaster in a garden is easy. Just determine the zone where, in your opinion, animals walk the most, and stick the pole of the device into the ground. If you want to cover a larger area, use several devices at once. Just make sure that they are all connected to a water hose.
The device is really effective in repelling squirrels by scaring them with a sudden jet of water. You do not need to use additional chemical additives to get rid of pests. Only carefully place the device in your area, so as not to accidentally get wet yourself.
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2. Ortho Animal B Gon — Protect Your Garden from Squirrels
Specifications:
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Volume: 1-Gallon
- Item Weight: 9.3 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 4.88 x 8.95 x 12 inches
- Target Species: Rabbits, Groundhogs, Squirrels, And Other Small Herbivores
As I already wrote, squirrels like to host in the garden and can nibble young plants. To protect your garden, use the Ortho Animal B Gon repellent. It contains biodegradable and non-toxic components, does not harm squirrels, but makes them stay away from your house. It is a natural squirrel repellent; there are peppermint, cinnamon, and rosemary oils in it.
The product is easy to use; it does not need to be diluted with water or other components. Just water the plants you want to protect with this solution. It is recommended to use for ornamental plants and flowers. Please note that you must be careful when dealing with edible crops. Try to water the plants so that the liquid does not get on the fruit.
One gallon is enough for a site of approximately 4,000 square feet. As stated by the manufacturers, watering must be repeated every 30 days or immediately, as soon as new squirrel damage has appeared. However, as practice shows, weather factors must also be taken into account. If it rains heavily in your area, I recommend repeating the treatment.
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3. Hoont Solar Powered Motion Activated Ultrasonic with Flashing Strobe — Squirrel Repellent for Garden
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Batteries: 3 AA batteries required
- Item Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 2 inches
- Item Weight: 14.9 ounces
- Target Species: Mouses, Bats, Rats, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Raccoons, Squirrels, Skunks
Ultrasonic devices emit sound vibrations to which only animals are sensitive so that you would not hear any extraneous sounds. An excellent option for scaring off squirrels is the Solar Powered Motion Activated Ultrasonic with Flashing Strobe from Hoont.
This device emits not only ultrasonic waves, but also has built-in LED flashlights. With it, you can get rid of not only squirrels but also other large animals, for example, raccoons and dogs.
The device has three settings for the ultrasound frequency and seven settings for motion sensor sensitivity. An infrared sensor is capable of detecting animals at distances up to 30 feet. Therefore, I recommend that you not install it too close to the paths that you walk on or nearby trees with low hanging branches.
Due to its rugged and waterproof hull, as well as power from built-in solar panels, this squirrel repeller is perfect for using outdoors, on a farm or in a garden. No difficulties with the device installation should arise. It is attached to a small metal peg that you can stick into the ground in the desired area. And although the device charges batteries from solar panels, you can also charge it using a USB cable if necessary.
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4. BH-1 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller — Electric Squirrel Repellent
No products found.
Specifications:
- Color: White
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 3.99 Ounces
- Package Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.9 x 2.3 inches
- Target Species: Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Bats, Insects, Bed Bugs, Ants, Fleas, Spiders, Roaches
The high decibels of BH-1 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller noise will make the place of interest unbearable for squirrels that are just planning to occupy it or already live there and make them stay away from it. Just remember that upholstered furniture and carpet absorb ultrasound, reducing the effectiveness of the device. For the best results, it is better to move the furniture to another place.
This unit is easy to install and efficient even when used in over 1,600 square feet. It is great for protecting a garage, basement, or pantry. The manufacturer recommends using one device in each room. If you also suffer from the invasion of insects or other small rodents, the device will scare them away.
Please note that this ultrasonic squirrel repellent needs power from the mains to work, so it cannot be used in the garden. Although the device is quite compact in comparison with many analogs and has a minimalistic design, it can overlap an adjacent outlet.
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5. Rodent Vehicle Natural Repellent — Squirrel Repellent Spray
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Peppermint Oil 0.32%, Rosemary Oil 0.21%
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 2.16 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 10.87 x 5 x 3.82 inches
- Target Species: Rodents
If besides real estate, you also have a car or garden equipment, you should take care of it too. Squirrels can hide in a vehicle that has been idle for some time (especially in winter), and not only make a nest there but also bite wires and tubes. Use Rodent Vehicle Natural Repellent on time to get rid of pests, because car repair can cost you a lot.
This spray consists only of natural ingredients and is safe for use in a garage. It is not flammable and does not stain clothes. Although it contains only harmless components, avoid swallowing or contact with the eyes and thoroughly wash your hands after use.
The composition contains essential oils of rosemary, garlic, pepper, and mint, the aroma of which is pleasant to humans, but repels squirrels. I recommend thoroughly inspecting the vehicle and treating all possible access points (pedal shafts, air vents, cable holes, the tailpipe, etc.) with this spray. Rodent Vehicle Natural Repellent does its job perfectly — it scares squirrels off and prevents them from returning to their former place.
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Squirrel Repellent Buyer’s Guide
As you can see, there are many different pest control products on the market. After you have studied my recommendations regarding existing anti-squirrel products, you need to determine which one is better for you. In this guide, I will share with you several useful tips, and also tell you how to choose the best squirrel repellent.
Remember that it is better to take preventative measures than to try to get squirrels out of the house. If you miss the right moment, the whole family can appear on your site. Squirrels give birth twice a year, and there can be up to 10 cubs in one litter.
How to Repel Squirrels: Useful Tips that Work
First of all, you need to make sure that all the holes through which squirrels can enter the house are blocked. Approach the house and utility rooms inspection responsibly: one open vent hole will be enough for animals to get into the room.
Ensure that the doors and windows in the attics and basements are tightly closed, leaving no gaps. Although squirrels climb well on most surfaces, it’s best to reduce their chances of climbing into the attic. Cut tree branches that are too close to your house.
Try not to leave edible stuff open. And now I mean not only the food that you eat. Squirrels love to eat bird food because it usually contains seeds and nuts that are rich in protein. Make sure your trash can is hermetically sealed and free of holes and other damage.
If you planted seedlings in the garden, do not forget to clean everything around. The remaining pieces of bulbs or young leaves on the surface will attract the attention of these animals, and then they will definitely dig into the bulbs in the ground.
In spring, squirrels are especially dangerous for the garden. Nuts and seeds they buried already begin to germinate and are not suitable for food, and new ones have not yet ripened. Because of that, they begin to nibble the young buds of the trees.
And do not forget that the smell of a predator is what deters squirrels. Even if you don’t have a cat or dog in your house, you can borrow some fur from friends. Scatter small pieces of fur in the attic, basement, and garage so that the squirrel thinks there is a predator in the house.
Unfortunately, scaring off squirrels with dummies or a scarecrow will be unsuccessful. Squirrels are smart and do not respond to stuffed animals.
Different Types of Repellents: How to Choose and Where to Use
I recommend you follow the measures described above and regularly inspect all buildings on the site. In addition to this, use repellents that will have an additional effect on squirrels. The task of any repellent boils down to creating a negative experience for animals staying on your site so that they would no longer want to come back.
All the instruments I described are eco-friendly and humane; they do not kill squirrels, but only scare them away. So, they are safe both for people and for pets.
If you think squirrels have really settled under your roof, use indoor ultrasonic devices. The human ear is immune to the sounds it makes, but rodents cannot stand them.
They will avoid the rooms in which this unit is installed. Often these devices are small in size and are designed for relatively small areas. If you need to get rid of squirrels in several rooms at once, use one device for each room.
Squirrels can settle not only in residential premises but also in garages. They can pretty much ruin the upholstery of your car, chew on tubes and wires. To protect your car and garden equipment, use specialized vehicle sprays.
They contain natural ingredients such as rosemary and peppermint essential oils that squirrels cannot tolerate. It is enough to process all the holes with this spray to discourage animals from wanting to place their nest there.
To completely drive squirrels from the territory of your garden, you can use larger devices with motion sensors. Adjust the sensitivity of this sensor, and when animals approach the device, either LED flashlights turn on, or a sudden stream of water is thrown out.
Unexpected light or water strike is a great squirrel scare. The advantage of such devices is that they cover a large area and can be used at a distance from home because they work on batteries or solar panels.
Additionally, you can protect the plants themselves. If squirrels are used to digging flower bulbs or nibbling ornamental plants, pour them with liquid repellents. Since they contain only natural ingredients, they will not cause damage to your plants but will scare animals away. Most often, such solutions are sold in large containers, which last a long time.
FAQs about Squirrels and Repellents
Here I picked the most common questions that users ask me.
Do Ultrasonic Squirrel Repellents Work?
Although you do not hear the sound they make, it does not mean they do not work. Ultrasonic devices are considered one of the most effective tools in the fight against squirrels. The device emits sounds to which only rodents are susceptible.
The animal feels uncomfortable, panics, and tries to leave the room as soon as possible. It will still take some time to get rid of the squirrels as animals should memorize dangerous areas.
What Sounds Scare Squirrels?
Squirrels are afraid of ultrasound. These are sound waves with the frequency higher than the human ear can perceive. Usually, by the ultrasound, we mean frequencies above 20,000 hertz.
Sometimes in a battle against squirrels, people also use sound repellers, which imitate birds of prey’ cries or simply make sudden and loud pops. But such devices are not the most popular since humans hear such sounds perfectly.
What Smells Do Squirrels Hate?
Squirrels have a very acute sense of smell, so they do not like pungent odors. In most natural sprays, you will find essential oils of peppermint, rosemary, black or red pepper. Most often, these flavors are pleasant to people, and squirrels, on the contrary, try to avoid them.
Some repellents may contain an extract of predator secretions, for example, a spray from fox urine turn on the squirrels’ instinct of self-preservation.
Does Peppermint Oil Repel Squirrels?
Yes, many rodents do not like the peppermint aroma, both essential oil and the plant itself. This smell is a good squirrel deterrent because animals can feel it from afar. With the help of this oil, you can scare the squirrels off and spray it wherever they go.
The only minus of homemade peppermint-based repellents is that the smell disappears too quickly and needs to be reapplied. That is why I recommend using professional products that contain peppermint oil.
Why Do Squirrels Dig in Flower Pots?
Squirrels dig in flower beds in search of young plant bulbs. Perhaps you didn’t bury the bulb deep enough or left the husk on the ground, and the smell attracted a squirrels’ attention. As far as I know, these animals most often eat the bulbs of Colchicum, Tulips, Gladiolus, and Crocuses. However, such flowers as Narcissus, Hyacinth, Galanthus, and Muscari, they prefer not to eat.
Summarizing the Above
Perhaps not many of us have wondered what danger can bear such seemingly harmless creatures as squirrels. However, they can be a serious threat to your harvest and your health condition. In the fight against these smart animals, you need to show patience and a little ingenuity. My personal recommendation: combine several of these methods, as well as their regular use.
Tell me what sign of squirrel activity have you faced in your life? Maybe you have useful tips that I did not mention which were effective for you? If any of the readers still have questions, be sure to ask them in the comments box under this article.
References:
- Squirrels (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources):
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/squirrels - Effectiveness of predator odors as gray squirrel repellents (Frank Rosell):
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.575.7624&rep=rep1&type=pdf - How can I keep squirrels from digging up newly planted tulip bulbs? (Iowa State University Extension and Outreach):
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-can-i-keep-squirrels-digging-newly-planted-tulip-bulbs
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