How to Get Rid of Squirrels and Keep Them Out of Your Yard

If you’ve spent weeks cultivating a thriving garden, the worst possible outcome is for a hungry squirrel to go on a feeding frenzy of your hard work. This means you’re probably wondering how to get rid of squirrels humanely before they can help themselves to your carrots and squash. 

Though seemingly harmless, squirrels can—and will—wreak havoc on your flower beds, walls, attic, and more if not otherwise deterred, causing even the most dedicated of gardeners to call it quits. But despite how quick and clever they are, they have their weaknesses, too. 

1. Sprinkle Used Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

The smell of coffee in the morning might be the perfect way for you to wake up, but for squirrels—not so much. Using coffee grounds is a triple win because squirrels dislike the strong smell of coffee, your garden benefits from the minerals in your coffee grounds, and you get to have that morning cup of coffee! 

Here’s how to strategically use coffee grounds to deter squirrels:

• Sprinkle used coffee grounds evenly on the ground or in planter containers.

• Use only 1/2–1 inch of coffee grounds.

• Pay special attention to areas prone to squirrel activities.

• Apply at least once a week and increase as needed.

2. Grease Bird Feeders With Petroleum Jelly

If you’ve ever had a bird feeder, then you know just how frustrating it can be to have squirrels eating all the bird seeds and knocking the feeder to the ground. Some squirrel-proof feeders have an industrial appearance, so if you’d rather keep your current feeder, you may be surprised to learn you can use petroleum jelly to keep squirrels out.

This method only works for bird feeders supported by a metal pole or extended arm. Simply apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the metal part of your bird feeder. Petroleum jelly makes the feeder too slippery for squirrels to shimmy their way up.

3. Spice Up Your Garden With Chili Peppers

Squirrels will flee at the scent of hot pepper, so a simple and natural way to squirrel-proof your garden is to add a little spice to it. Proceed with caution if you choose this option, and use gloves while applying the hot pepper to your garden. 

Spray and Sprinkle Methods

You have two effective options to deter unwanted critters from your garden. For the spray method, create a mixture of hot sauce, water, and cayenne pepper in a spray bottle. First, test it on a plant leaf to ensure it won't harm your greens. Then, apply the mix to susceptible areas in your garden. 

Alternatively, for the sprinkle method, spread cayenne pepper or chili around your plants' soil, but be careful—wash your hands thoroughly afterward and make sure kids and pets don't venture near the pepper-covered spots. You will need to reapply both methods after rainfall.

4. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

Squirrels don’t like the smell of apple cider vinegar.  You can apply this solution directly to most plants, plastic, or glass. Avoid applying any kind of vinegar to brick, concrete surfaces, or metals susceptible to corrosion.

First, grab a spray bottle and fill it with apple cider vinegar, then test the solution on a less noticeable section of a plant to make sure it won't harm it. Once you are in the clear, use the spray to encircle your garden's perimeter. To keep those pesky squirrels at bay, it's recommended to reapply the apple cider vinegar spray two to three times a day.

5. Use Essential Oils

Peppermint is another scent that can keep squirrels away from your yard and garden. Here’s how you can use this essential oil to get rid of squirrels. 

Spray and Cotton Ball Methods

Combine one drop of peppermint oil with one ounce of vinegar in a spray bottle. Afterward, spray the solution around your garden or at entry points to your home. 

For the cotton ball method, soak cotton balls in the same solution, place them in jars without lids, and position them throughout the garden.

6. Add Some Garlic

Though it’s a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere, garlic isn’t on the menu for garden-invading squirrels. If you love garlic, planting it in your garden will not only repel squirrels but will also mean fresh garlic for you. If you’d rather not plant it, using simple garlic powder will also do the trick. 

To deter squirrels, spread garlic powder across your garden, windowsills, or any potential squirrel-prone spots in your home. If you're uncertain about its effect on your plants, test the garlic powder near one plant before using it on a larger scale or across a wider area.

7. Chop Up Scented Soap

Moving on to another odor that squirrels can't stand—scented soap. Here's what you can do to harness soap's power as a deterrent. Grate or chop the soap into manageable chunks. Then, evenly distribute these shavings or pieces around the plants that have been targeted by squirrels.

8. Install an Ultrasonic Squirrel Repellent

Take a more proactive approach with a motion-activated ultrasonic pest repeller. These devices emit a high-frequency pitch that squirrels can’t stand. For these devices to work, the sound must be set to go off intermittently, or squirrels will learn to tune it out. 

The best part about ultrasonic devices is that they also will keep deer out of your garden, as well as mice, cats, and other animals you don’t want in your yard. 

Install the device either directly into the ground, on a flat surface, or mounted onto a wall to protect your home from unwanted squirrels. Follow the instructions for your repellent to ensure you’re getting the best results.

9. Use a Humane Squirrel Trap

If push comes to shove, and you have squirrels inside the walls or flue of your chimney, a deterrent might not do the trick. Instead, you’ll have to take a more proactive approach. 

The most humane way to get rid of squirrels with this method is by trapping and releasing them. These traps come in a variety of styles and methods, but all of them keep squirrels alive so you can set them loose away from your home. 

You can even use some of these traps to capture multiple squirrels at a time. Here’s how to use a live squirrel trap:

1. Choose a safe squirrel bait: peanut butter is a great option for attracting squirrels.

2. Spread the bait on top of the trigger plate.

3. Place the trap where squirrels frequent your property, being sure to put it on a flat surface.

4. Follow the specific instructions on your live trap to set it.

5. Check your trap twice a day, in the morning and the evening.

6. Refill the bait if you notice it’s empty.

7. If you catch a squirrel, use gloves to carry the trap by its handle and release the squirrel approximately 10 miles from your house. Release the squirrels in an area away from other homes that has plenty of food, water, and shelter.

8. Sanitize the trap after using it.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Yard

So you’ve taken all the measures and successfully removed squirrels from your property—great! The next step is to ensure they don’t come back. Here’s what you can do to keep squirrels away for good.

Protect Squirrel-Attracting Plants

Squirrels love all kinds of vegetables, fruits, bulbs, and brightly colored flowers. You’ll want to avoid planting these plants without some sort of protection. 

If you don’t want to part ways with some of your favorite plants, you can take preventative measures without compromising your favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Try these tips to protect your plants and get rid of squirrels: 

• Build a greenhouse for your plants.

• Install a fine, hardwire cloth around your garden, being sure to bury it at least 6 inches into the ground to prevent digging.

• Cover bushes and potted plants with netting.

• Add mulch or another hardscape material to your garden to make it appear less enticing for squirrels.

2. Grow Squirrel-Repelling Plants

Squirrels may be opportunists, but even they have their limits. You can use strategic gardening as your tactic to combat squirrels in your garden by growing the plants that repel them: 

• Mint

• Garlic

• Catnip

• Daffodils

• Geranium 

• Hyacinth

• Lily of the Valley

• Alums

3. Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeder

Squirrels are drawn to bird feeders because they are easily accessible food sources. Choosing a feeder with mechanisms that prevent squirrels from accessing the food is a smart strategy. For instance, a feeder with a weight-sensitive perch that closes off access when a squirrel's weight is detected. 

Here are more tips to consider:

• Hang feeders at least 10 feet away from any jumping-off points, like trees or fences.

• Use a squirrel guard above or below the feeder to block squirrels from reaching it.

• Set up feeders on smooth poles or hangers that are difficult for squirrels to climb.

• Regularly clean up fallen seeds around the feeder to minimize squirrel attraction.

• Use safflower seeds or nyjer (thistle) seeds, as squirrels are less fond of these options.

• Trim branches that might allow squirrels to leap onto the feeder from nearby trees.

• Employ a mix of these strategies to create a multi-layered defense against activity.

Getting Rid of Squirrels Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

If you’re trying to keep squirrels out of your garden or bird feeder, you can DIY it. However, if you have a major squirrel infestation inside your home and need to use a trap to remove them, it’s best to call in a humane animal removal company near you to take care of the job. 

How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Squirrels? 

Professional removal pros generally charge between $200 and $600 to remove squirrels from your home. It’s well worth hiring a pro, as failure to quickly and successfully remove squirrels from your attic or walls can lead to destroyed insulation, walls, and siding—squirrel damage will end up costing you significantly more in repairs in the long run.