Red squirrels are a common sight in many yards, and while they may seem harmless, they can actually cause a lot of damage to your property. These small, energetic creatures are known for gnawing on trees, bird feeders, and even outdoor furniture. If you're dealing with red squirrels in your yard and want to keep them at bay, there are several effective strategies you can use. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get rid of red squirrels in your yard and prevent them from coming back.

Why Are Red Squirrels Problematic?

Before diving into the solutions, it's important to understand why red squirrels can be a problem:

• Damage to Property: Red squirrels chew on tree bark, wooden fences, and even your garden furniture. This damage can sometimes be severe and expensive to repair.
• Bird Feeder Raiders: These squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders and stealing seeds, which can deprive birds of their food and create unnecessary messes around your yard.
• Trees and Crops: Red squirrels often raid fruit-bearing trees, including nut trees like pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts, as well as gardens growing vegetables. This can result in significant crop loss.
• Nesting in Attics and Sheds: Red squirrels may also seek shelter in attics or sheds, where they can build nests and cause damage to insulation, wiring, and other structures.

Now that you know why red squirrels can be problematic, let's look at some effective ways to get rid of them in your yard.

How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels in Your Yard: 8 Effective Solutions

1. Remove Food Sources

Red squirrels are opportunistic feeders, so removing their food sources is one of the most effective ways to discourage them from hanging around.

• Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders in your yard, consider switching to squirrel-proof feeders or moving them to an area that is harder for squirrels to access. You can also try placing feeders on poles with squirrel baffles to prevent them from climbing.
• Fruit Trees: Harvest fruit from trees as soon as it ripens. Red squirrels love to raid nut and fruit trees, so removing any fallen fruit and nuts will discourage them from sticking around.
• Gardens: Protect your garden crops by using fencing or netting to keep squirrels away from your vegetables or flowers.

2. Install Squirrel Baffles on Trees and Poles

Squirrel baffles are devices designed to prevent squirrels from climbing trees, poles, or other structures. By placing a baffle around the trunks of trees or on poles that hold bird feeders, you can make it much more difficult for red squirrels to access food sources.

• Tree Baffles: A metal or plastic baffle placed around the trunk of a tree prevents squirrels from climbing up to access bird feeders or other food sources. Ensure the baffle is placed high enough to prevent squirrels from leaping over it.
• Feeder Baffles: If your bird feeders are mounted on poles, installing a baffle just below the feeder will make it harder for squirrels to climb and reach the food.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Several natural repellents can discourage red squirrels from frequenting your yard. These repellents typically use smells or tastes that squirrels find unpleasant.

• Cayenne Pepper: Squirrels dislike the taste of cayenne pepper, and sprinkling it on bird seed or around areas where squirrels are active can help keep them away. Be cautious when applying to make sure it doesn’t come into contact with your plants or pets.
• Peppermint Oil: Squirrels have a strong aversion to peppermint oil. You can make a simple repellent spray by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spraying it around your yard, especially on trees and feeders.
• Garlic or Hot Sauce: Similar to peppermint, garlic and hot sauce can be used as repellents. These substances have strong odors that squirrels find off-putting.

4. Create a Squirrel-Proof Fence

If you have a garden or orchard that’s being raided by red squirrels, consider installing a squirrel-proof fence. A mesh or wire fence with small openings (less than 1 inch in diameter) will prevent squirrels from squeezing through and accessing your plants.

• Height: Make sure the fence is at least 4-5 feet tall. Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, so it’s important to ensure the fence is tall enough to deter them.
• Barrier at the Base: You can also bury the bottom of the fence a few inches into the ground to prevent squirrels from digging underneath it.

5. Use Motion-Activated Devices

Motion-activated devices can help scare away squirrels without causing them harm. These devices use sensors to detect movement and then activate a sound, light, or spray of water to deter the squirrels.

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers spray a burst of water when they detect movement. The sudden water spray is enough to startle squirrels and send them running.
• Motion-Activated Noise Makers: Some motion-activated devices emit loud noises that scare squirrels away. These devices are an effective way to keep squirrels from getting too comfortable in your yard.

6. Remove Shelter and Nesting Sites

Red squirrels often seek shelter in attics, sheds, and other structures around your property. If you’ve noticed squirrels in these areas, it's essential to take action to eliminate potential nesting sites.

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home and garage for any gaps or openings that squirrels could use to enter. Seal these holes with metal mesh, steel wool, or caulking to prevent them from entering.
• Trim Trees: Squirrels use trees to access your roof or attic. By trimming branches that overhang your roof or close to windows, you can make it more difficult for them to gain access.

7. Live Trapping

In some cases, live trapping may be necessary to catch and relocate red squirrels. Always check your local regulations to ensure that trapping and relocating squirrels is legal in your area.

• Trap Placement: Place live traps near areas where you've noticed squirrel activity, such as under trees or near bird feeders. Bait the traps with foods squirrels love, like peanuts or sunflower seeds.
• Relocation: Once trapped, relocate the squirrels at least several miles away from your property to prevent them from returning.

8. Call a Professional Exterminator or Wildlife Control Expert

If you're unable to effectively get rid of red squirrels on your own, it may be time to call in the professionals. Wildlife control experts have the knowledge and tools to safely remove squirrels from your property and prevent future infestations.

• Humane Removal: A professional can help relocate squirrels in a way that’s humane and complies with local regulations.
• Exclusion Services: Many pest control services offer exclusion services to seal entry points and help prevent squirrels from re-entering your home or yard.

Conclusion: How to Get Rid of Red Squirrels in Your Yard

Getting rid of red squirrels in your yard requires a combination of preventive measures and active deterrents. By removing food sources, installing baffles, using natural repellents, and creating physical barriers, you can reduce squirrel activity and protect your property. If these methods don’t work, consider trapping and relocating the squirrels or consulting a professional pest control service. With the right approach, you can successfully reclaim your yard from red squirrels and enjoy a peaceful, pest-free outdoor space.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to keeping red squirrels at bay and maintaining the beauty of your yard and garden.