Heres how to discourage squirrels from becoming a nuisance in your home and garden.
Getty Images
Squirrels are incredible little athletes, and their antics are fun to watch.
But whats not fun?
Credit:Getty Images
When they gnaw on your bird feeder or take up residence in your attic.
You cant keep squirrels completely away from your home and garden, says Michael Mengak, PhD.
But you’ve got the option to take a few steps to reduce the damage they can cause.
They also can chew wires, causing potential fire hazards.
Over time, urine and feces can accumulate, too, in places such as attic insulation.
While gray squirrels are solitary, flying squirrels may live in colonies of four to five squirrels.
Both types also may find your house a nice, cozy place to raise their babies.
Youll also hear a lot of rustling or scratching noises as they move around.
Gray squirrels are active during the day, while flying squirrels are active at night, says Mengak.
If you discover a squirrel nesting in your home or shed,look for its entrywayinto the structure.
Theyre good at finding soft rotted wood and exploiting that weakness, says Mengak.
Youll also want to be sure no babies are present before you exclude the parents.
Replace any damaged wood and siding.
Next, clean up the area where they were nesting.
Wear disposable gloves and remove food debris.
Let it sit for five minutes, wipe up the area with paper towels, and dispose.
Fill feeders with less desirable seedssuch as safflower, millet and thistle.
Theres no guarantee theyll stop raiding the other feeders, but its worth a shot.
And sonic devices have zero science behind them.
