As a nature lover with several years of experience observing and interacting with squirrels all around the world, I can tell you one thing: they are not picky eaters! But did you know that there are certain foods that squirrels really don’t like? In this blog post, I’m going to reveal exactly what do squirrels hate to eat, so you can use it to prevent these pesky critters from invading your home. So read on if you want to learn how to keep your property safe and squirrel-free!

Squirrels typically don’t like to eat foods that they consider to be too spicy, acidic, or sour. They prefer nuts, fruits (especially apples), and other high-calorie treats. Squirrels also dislike citrus fruits, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and anything containing spices.

What Do Squirrels Hate To Eat?

Squirrels have an incredibly diverse diet, but there are certain foods they tend to avoid. While they’ll eat almost anything they can find, some edibles are simply too unappetizing or bitter for their taste buds. Common foods that squirrel generally dislike include citrus fruits, onions and garlic, chili peppers and spices.

Citrus Fruits

When it comes to distasteful sustenance for squirrels, nothing beats acidic citrus fruits. Lemons and limes, in particular, create an unpalatable bitterness that squirrels find revolting. Unfortunately, citrus fruits also contain healthy vitamins and minerals which may make them attractive options for squirrels rather than other more palatable food items.

Grapefruit
Oranges
Tangerines
Kumquats

Onions & Garlic

Squirrels also detest the pungent aroma produced by onions and garlic. Both vegetables provide not only a repugnant scent but also a harsh flavor that can cause burning sensations in the mouth when ingested. In general, most wild animals regard onions and garlic with extreme aversion.

Chili Peppers & Spices

It is no secret that chili peppers contain large amounts of capsaicin, a spicy compound which leaves a sting on the tongue. This is enough to deter adventurous squirrels away from these fiery snacks! Furthermore, many other common spices like cayenne pepper have become natural deterrents to ward off unwanted visitors in the garden.

How To Get Rid Of Squirrels From Your Home And Yard

Keeping squirrels away from your home and yard can be tricky, but here are several methods you can use to deter them:

1. Physical Barriers

One of the simplest ways to protect your home and garden from squirrels is by covering the plants and any potential entrances like chimneys with something like chicken wire or other protective barriers. This will keep squirrels away while still allowing sunlight and moisture to reach the soil. It’s also important to make sure any cages used are tall enough but also that they don’t block out light completely.

These covers should be applied as soon as possible after planting your garden in order to dissuade any curious critters. If you’re short on time before planting season begins, consider pre-building cages at home that can be placed over the top of flower beds swiftly when needed.

2. Avoid Smelly Fertilizers and Plant Among Other Plants

Another easy way to deter squirrel visitation is by decreasing odors near the flower bed. Fertilizers often create strong smells which attract squirrels, so it’ s best to opt for slow-release varieties instead. Placing potted plants around your bulbous flowers can also provide added protection since these odors may mask their presence.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Natural repellents such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, fox urine, or castor oil can help prevent scavengers from noshing on your flowers. Sprinkle this deterrent around each area you would like to protect a few times a week in order make sure it’ s effective.

Using hot pepper wax or a spray of cayenne pepper over foliage may also help keep these critters away from your garden for good. You can create the squirrel repellent spray DIY or purchase some commercially available options.

In addition, you can also spray around scents that squirrels don’t like, there are many of those that are commercially available.

4. Sharp Gravel

You might want to place sharp gravel around your plants as this makes it more difficult for furry critters to burrow into the earth. Alternatively, mulch your plants with a thick layer of wood chips or straw around their base. This will make it harder for squirrels to dig up your bulbs in search of a snack.

5. Provide Alternate Food Sources and Clean Up Areas

Adding extra food sources in nearby areas may distract the scavengers away from your home. Consider putting out unsalted nuts or fruits in feeders throughout your yard during springtime. Just bear in mind if you leave out too much food then this might actually draw more wildlife than necessary!

Additionally, reducing decaying material such as fallen leaves will limit habitats for rodents looking for shelter near flowers beds.

6. Get Plants and Trees That Don’t Appeal to Squirrels

Protecting your home and garden from hungry squirrels is possible! If the climate in your area allows it, plant a citrus tree as well as onions, mint, garlic, chili pepper and other spices: squirrels hate those!

Additionally, you can also use garlic powder or cayenne pepper on the soil around your yard to help repel them away.

7. Delay Planting Time for Maximum Protection

To protect your garden from hungry squirrels, delay planting time of your flowers until the ground is thoroughly cold and squirrels’ food sources have become scarce. Planting some crocus flowers in early autumn will also help, as you’ll be able to enjoy blooming crocus flowers before some of the more temperamental springtime weather hits.

8. Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Adding a motion activated spray device onto the fence may provide an additional layer of protection against furry burglars, although this option can be pricey. Plus, if you have any four-legged friends who like to sunbathe near the fence line, you may want to avoid this option.

9. Coffee Grounds

Squirrels don’t like the smell of coffee grounds, so you can put those around your garden and mix them with the soil to deter squirrels. Moreover, coffee grounds will also act as a fertilizer.

10. Offer Alternative Food & Water

A counterintuitive trick to keep squirrels away from your crocus bulbs is to offer them food and fresh water somewhere near your house but far enough from your flowers in your garden.

Once the squirrels will start noticing that there is a constant supply of threats and freshwater over there, they are less likely to enter your house and garden, especially if you couple this with some additional deterrent. Squirrels will prefer the food and water option that requires them less effort.

11. Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders and Unsavory Seed

Keep them away with squirrel-proof bird feeders and unpleasant tasting seed. Bird feeders can be found at most hardware or pet stores and are designed to keep the squirrels out while still allowing birds to access the food. To deter squirrels, use seeds that have an unpleasant taste such as hot pepper, which they won’t eat. You can also buy pre-treated bird seed mixes or make your own with cayenne pepper.

12. Get A Watch Dog (Or Cat!)

While no pet can completely prevent all rodent intruders, having a guard dog (or cat!) around your property has been found effective by many homeowners. Despite being domesticated animals, cats still have natural hunting instincts while dogs give off territorial smells which tell trespassers “stay away”. Training your pets regularly never hurts either, so when problem arises they quickly react with utmost confidence!

13. Decoy Predators

Motion-activated decoy devices can also be used as a form of auditory deterrence against unwanted invaders such as squirrels. There are decoy predators available such as predator-shaped silhouettes or stuffed animals that contain pepper oil or cinnamon powder which emit strong odors or sounds when activated by motion. These devices scare away unsuspecting trespassers.

Just remember to move the decoy around and place it in different spots or after some time the furry critters may notice that it is not a real owl.

14. Ultrasound & Lights

Ultrasonic devices and lights are both effective tools for protecting your yard and house from unwanted visitors. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that can scare away squirrels and other animals, while motion-activated lights can startle them with a bright flash of light when they enter an area. These solutions are easy to install and provide long-lasting protection for your trees.

15. Trapping & Relocating the Squirrels

As a last resort option, you may also consider trapping and releasing the squirrels in a different area. Trapping and relocating squirrels may be necessary if other methods of discouraging their presence are unsuccessful.

Live traps baited with foods like peanuts or sunflower seeds prove very successful in trapping them for relocation away from gardens where they will no longer cause damage to crops or flowers.

WARNING Always check local laws before attempting any type of trapping on your property. Some states in the USA and Canada may have regulations regarding animal relocation.

Once trapped, take extra care when transporting wildlife, choose containers designed specifically for animals and make sure you release them as far away from residential areas as possible.

Finally, consider hiring professional pest control specialists for the job. This will ensure compliance with any additional regulations that may exist in your State.

Why Are Squirrels Attracted To My Yard?

Squirrels are very active little creatures that love to explore, hunt, and search for food. They are constantly on the lookout for places to build nests, fill their bellies and play. Your yard is just perfect for all of these activities, especially if it’s filled with trees, thick vegetation, and potential sources of nourishment.

Thick Vegetation

Squirrels feel protected in areas with thick vegetation as it provides them with a natural camouflage from predators or humans. As long as shrubs, trees and other plants are abundant in your yard, squirrels will keep coming back time after time.

Food & Water Sources

Squirrels have an incredible sense of smell when it comes to sniffing out food and water. Birds will bring food scraps to your yard, leaving them scattered and easy to access for a hungry squirrel. Water sources such as bird baths or water buckets might also attract them as they keep them hydrated during dry seasons.

Trees

Trees act like beacons for the curious critters; they provide shelter and may even contain delicious treats like nuts or acorns. Squirrels will climb the branches searching for morsels while feeling safe from danger up high in the canopy.

Therefore, if your property has any of these elements – thick vegetation, food sources or tree trunks – be prepared for a squirrel visit sometimes!

The Dangers Of Having Squirrels In Your Yard

Squirrels can cause serious damage to your home, yard, and plants if they are allowed to remain in the area. They will chew through wood, wires and tree branches, creating both damage and mess. Additionally, they are capable of raiding bird feeders and flower gardens, stealing the food meant for birds or destroying the flowers.

If left unchecked, squirrels can spread diseases such as leptospirosis, typhus and salmonella. These infections can be transmitted through their urine and droppings which can contaminate other animals in the environment. Therefore, it is essential to limit their access to your yard and home.

Tree Stress

Having an infestation of squirrels living in the trees of your yard can cause a lot of stress on those trees. The constant chewing by these rodents can weaken or even crack branches, making them more vulnerable to weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds. In addition, it exposes the trees to other diseases that will further weaken them.

In some cases, squirrels may chew off parts of a tree bark resulting in blockage of photogenic tissues which will likely result in death of the tree if not properly treated. As such, it is important to take steps to prevent a squirrel infestation.

Plant Destruction

Squirrels don’t just chew away at tree branches – they are also fond of consuming fruits from fruit trees and vegetables from vegetable gardens. They love tomatoes especially so much that they will often strip entire vines within a short amount of time.

If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees in your yard then you know how much work goes into taking care of them; protecting them from squirrels is essential to ensure that your hard work is not for nothing.

Food Theft

If there are bird feeding stations in your yard then you’re most likely familiar with seeing some wildlife from time-to-time helping themselves out! Unfortunately these furry bandits take advantage of these stations regularly. Not only do they reap all the rewards without paying entry fee, but they end up leaving quite a mess behind them.

Without proper prevention techniques many homeowners find themselves having to buy additional food more frequently than necessary since the thieves have been helping themselves out!

Home Damage

When it comes to damaging homes squirrels are just as destructive as any other rodent species! They will chew through wiring insulation causing electrical shorts or fires if not promptly dealt with. They also tend to build nests near fixtures or openings allowing excess moisture into areas which promote rotting.

These critters certainly make themselves comfortable when given an opportunity, but this comfort comes with a price tag! If given enough time squirrels can destroy porch furniture pieces or deck railings due to their sharp claws and teeth.

Diseases

Beyond the physical destruction caused by their presence Squirrels also carry certain diseases with them! Leptospirosis, typhus and salmonella are all illnesses which can be contracted through contact with infected animals! Therefore, limiting their access should always be deemed priority when trying to protect yourself and family members.

FAQ

What is the most effective way to remove squirrels quickly?

If you are looking to get rid of squirrels as soon as possible, the best way is to keep your yard clean and free of food scraps. Additionally, having a pet such as a dog or cat will help to keep them away. Planting a Malthus tree or shrub is also helpful as they are known to be disliked by squirrels. Lastly, if all else fails, consider purchasing and installing a motion-activated sprinkler in order to scare them away.

Does using Irish Spring soap prevent squirrels from coming near?

No, Irish Spring soap does not keep squirrels away. To effectively repel squirrels, there are several methods that can be employed. These include maintaining a clean environment and removing food scraps, planting trees or shrubs that are disliked by squirrels, and setting up motion-activated sprinklers to scare them off.

What is the most effective method of removing troublesome squirrels?

There are several ways to get rid of pesky squirrels. You can keep a pet such as a dog or cat in your yard to deter the animals, or plant trees and shrubs like Malthus which they don’t like. To scare them away, a motion-activated sprinkler can provide an extra layer of security.

What is the most effective way to prevent squirrels from entering a space?

The best way to keep squirrels away is to take preventive measures. This includes keeping your yard clean and free of food scraps, having a pet or other animal that helps scare off the squirrels, planting trees and shrubs they dislike, and installing a motion-detecting sprinkler. Taking these steps can help ensure that squirrels won’t get close to your plants.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of foods that squirrels do not like to eat. If they’re invading your home, then it’s time to start thinking about what to put in place to stop them. By understanding what do squirrels hate to eat, you can easily create a deterrent plan and keep them out of your yard and garden.

By making sure that any food sources are properly secured and by eliminating any scented foods or citrus fruits, you can help deter or discourage squirrels from visiting your home or invading your property. While there may never be a foolproof way to make sure the squirrels stay away from your house, taking these simple steps will help give you peace of mind knowing that your property is free from unwanted visitors!