Red squirrels, known for their energetic behavior and ability to adapt to various environments, can sometimes find their way into your garage, where they can cause damage, create nests, and become a nuisance. If you have red squirrels in your garage, it’s important to act quickly to ensure they don’t damage your property or create further problems. This guide will walk you through effective strategies to get rid of red squirrels in your garage.

1. Identify Entry Points

The first step in removing red squirrels from your garage is to identify how they are getting in. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.

• Inspect Vents and Gaps: Check for holes in the walls, vents, windows, and around doors. Red squirrels can fit through holes as small as 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Check the Roof and Roofline: Look for gaps around the roof, where squirrels may enter. They can easily jump from nearby trees, so ensure the roof is secure and there are no overhanging branches.
• Inspect Garage Doors: Sometimes, the edges of garage doors aren’t sealed properly, creating a gap through which squirrels can enter.

2. Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve identified where the squirrels are entering, it’s time to seal these openings. Doing so will prevent new squirrels from getting in and will help trap the ones already inside.

• Use Hardware Cloth or Mesh: Seal holes and gaps with durable materials like hardware cloth or metal mesh. These materials are strong enough to prevent squirrels from gnawing through them.
• Caulk Gaps and Cracks: Use weatherproof caulking or silicone to seal smaller gaps around windows, doors, or any cracks in the walls.
• Fix or Replace Damaged Vents: If there are damaged vents or screens, replace them with squirrel-proof mesh or vent covers.
• Install Squirrel-Proof Garage Door Seals: Ensure your garage door has a tight seal along the bottom and sides to prevent squirrels from squeezing under or around it.

3. Remove Attractants

Squirrels are often attracted to food sources or sheltered areas. By removing these attractants, you can make your garage less appealing to them.

• Remove Food: If you have pet food, bird seed, or even garbage stored in the garage, squirrels may be attracted to it. Ensure all food is stored in sealed containers and never leave food exposed.
• Clear Away Nesting Materials: Squirrels may use any available materials for building nests. Remove any leaves, insulation, or fabric they may have brought into the garage to make their nests.
• Check for Nests: If you find a squirrel nest in your garage, remove it carefully, wearing gloves, and dispose of it in a safe location.

4. Use Repellents

There are several natural and chemical repellents you can use to make your garage less inviting to squirrels.

• Spicy Repellents: Squirrels dislike strong smells and spicy substances. You can mix cayenne pepper or hot sauce with water and spray it around entry points and areas where squirrels are active. The strong smell and taste will deter them from coming back.
• Predator Urine: Squirrels are prey for many predators, including foxes and coyotes. Predator urine can be purchased at many hardware stores and sprayed around your garage to make squirrels feel unsafe.
• Essential Oils: Squirrels have a heightened sense of smell and dislike the strong scents of peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus. Mix a few drops of these oils with water and spray the solution around your garage.

5. Trapping and Relocation

If you have an active infestation and sealing entry points doesn’t work, setting traps may be the most effective way to remove red squirrels from your garage.

• Live Traps: Live traps are humane ways to catch squirrels without harming them. Set the trap near areas where you’ve seen squirrel activity, such as around entry points, nesting sites, or food sources. Bait the trap with foods that squirrels enjoy, such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or apples.
• Check Traps Regularly: It’s important to check the traps frequently (at least once or twice a day) to avoid leaving a squirrel trapped for too long. Once you catch a squirrel, relocate it to a wooded area or a place far from your home.
• Consult with Professionals: If you’re unable to catch the squirrels or if you have a large infestation, it may be best to call a wildlife control professional. They can set traps and ensure the squirrels are removed safely and effectively.

6. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

If trapping and sealing off entry points don’t solve the problem, you can try using motion-activated deterrents to scare the squirrels away.

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Squirrels dislike getting wet, so a motion-activated sprinkler that sprays water when it detects movement can be an effective deterrent. Position it near the garage entrance or areas where squirrels are most active.
• Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit high-pitched sounds that irritate squirrels but are inaudible to humans. Place them near areas where squirrels are frequenting, such as near the roofline, vents, or entry points.

7. Remove Squirrel Nests

Squirrels often build nests in attics, walls, or other sheltered areas. If a squirrel has already established a nest in your garage, you will need to remove it before they can return.

• Wait for the Squirrel to Leave: If the squirrel is still in the nest, wait for it to leave before removing it. This will reduce the risk of harming any babies or causing the squirrel to become aggressive.
• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling a squirrel nest. Be cautious, as squirrels may carry diseases or parasites.
• Dispose of the Nest Safely: After removing the nest, dispose of it far from your property to ensure that the squirrel doesn’t return to it.

8. Install One-Way Exclusion Doors

One-way exclusion doors can be installed to allow squirrels to leave the garage but prevent them from re-entering. These doors can be placed over entry points such as vents, chimneys, or attic openings.

• Exclusion Doors: These special doors are designed so that squirrels can exit your garage but cannot get back in. Once the squirrel leaves, you can remove the door to seal the area.

9. Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried the above steps and the squirrels are still a problem, it may be time to call a professional pest control service. Wildlife experts have the experience and equipment to remove squirrels safely and ensure they don’t return.

Conclusion

Getting rid of red squirrels in your garage requires a combination of prevention, repellents, trapping, and sometimes professional intervention. By sealing entry points, removing attractants, and using effective deterrents, you can create an environment that is less inviting to squirrels. If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, consulting a wildlife control professional may be the best solution for the safe removal of red squirrels.