Today, its hard to imagine any city without squirrels. But before the mid-1800s, wild squirrels didnt live in U.S. cities at all. That changed in the latter part of the century, thanks to attempts to beautify the nations industrial centers. Mayors from New York to Philadelphia started bringing in squirrels to town squares and parks. Those early city dwellers had to be fed by the city or well-meaning citizens because natural food sources like trees were scarce. Once the squirrel population took off, though, there was no stopping them. Now, squirrels are perhaps the most ubiquitous urban animal one can imagine. If youre ruing the day those first squirrels landed in town, youre not alone. Squirrels eat away at our gardens, torment our dogs and cause electrical fires to the tune of millions of dollars a year. If youre sick of dealing with them, here are ways of getting rid of squirrels and keeping them out of your yard.
Dealing with squirrels scurrying along your fence can be an incredibly frustrating backyard nuisance. While amusing at first to see their acrobatic antics, it quickly becomes a problem for any homeowner trying to protect their garden and maintain peace and quiet.
The good news is there are several effective squirrel deterrents and exclusionary methods to evict these furry pests from your fence line once and for all. With a bit of persistence and creativity in implementing solutions, you can reclaim your fence and outsmart those pesky squirrels for good.
Understanding Why Squirrels Love Fences
To come up with targeted solutions, it helps to first understand what draws squirrels to fences in the first place.
Squirrels naturally love to explore and forage in search of food. Fences offer raised, convenient “runways” allowing squirrels to move between prime resources while avoiding ground predators like dogs.
Fences also provide ideal vantage points for spotting food sources like gardens and bird feeders. And squirrels use fences to establish and patrol the boundaries of their territory.
So for squirrels fences aren’t just fun jungle gyms. They use them seriously as highways to food shelter and safety. Keep this in mind when planning your squirrel eviction!
Problems Caused By Squirrels on Fences
While watching their acrobatics is fascinating, squirrels can cause a surprising amount of damage when using your fence as their personal playground.
Chewing and Gnawing
Squirrels will gnaw and chew on fence pickets and posts, severely weakening wooden structures over time. They also create holes to store food.
Garden Raiding
Squirrels use fences for easy access to raid vegetable gardens and flower beds for seeds and bulbs.
Barking Dogs
Dogs see squirrels on fences and will compulsively bark and chase after them, creating constant noise.
Roof/Attic Entry
Squirrels can access your roof and attic from fences, leading to damaged shingles and insulation, blocked gutters and exposed electrical wires.
Disease Risks
Squirrel droppings left on fences can contain parasites and diseases harmful to humans and pets.
Property Damage
Squirrels accessing your home from the fence may chew on furniture, walls and valuables, causing interior damage.
10 Surefire Ways to Keep Squirrels Off Your Fence
Here are the most effective squirrel deterrents and exclusionary methods proven to evict squirrels from fences for good.
1. Install Physical Barriers
Physical barriers make it challenging for squirrels to run along or climb fences by blocking handholds and footing.
- Smooth metal sheeting or plexiglass panels on fence tops
- Spiky fence toppers to discourage landing/gripping
- Tilt rods that spin under squirrel weight
- Upside down carpet runners with knobby side up
2. Apply Slippery Lubricants
Lubricating fence lines creates unstable, slippery surfaces that squirrels cannot grip. Reapply monthly.
- Cooking oil or grease
- Petroleum jelly
- Silicone-based squirrel deterrent gels
3. Use Repellent Sprays
Strong scents squirrels dislike will discourage them from approaching.
- White vinegar, garlic or mint oil
- Predator urine (coyote, fox)
- Capsaicin/chili pepper extract sprays
4. Install Movement Deterrents
Random motion and noises startle squirrels. Ensure deterrents are securely installed.
- Pinwheels
- Wind chimes
- Fluorescent mylar tape
- Aluminum pie pans or tin can lids
5. Apply Taste Deterrents
Squirrels are less likely to chew on fences treated with unpleasant flavored coatings.
- Hot sauce or cayenne pepper solutions
- Bitter apple spray
- Asafetida powder and water mixture
6. Use Squirrel Repellent Plants
Strong scented plants with smells repellent to squirrels planted along fences help deter them.
- Marigolds, garlic, onions, chives
- Lavender, lemon thyme
- Citrosa geraniums, catmints
7. Install Lights
Squirrels avoid illuminated areas. Shine security lights on fence lines or install motion sensor lights.
8. Remove Fence-Line Vegetation
Trimming back trees/shrubs that touch or overhang the fence takes away squirrel access.
9. Apply Vibration Deterrents
Attach vibrating devices to fences that shake with movement using batteries or solar power.
10. Use Ultrasonic Repellers
Battery powered ultrasonic noisemakers emit high frequency sounds only heard by squirrels that frighten them off.
When to Call In Professional Help
For severe squirrel infestations, call professional wildlife control experts. Choose humane removal methods. Professionals can:
- Thoroughly assess your unique situation
- Implement tailored, customized solutions
- Provide more durable long-term control
- Safely remove and relocate squirrels
With persistence using a combination of these exclusion techniques, you can successfully reclaim your fence from squirrels for good. Soon your garden and yard will become an annoyance free zone for those bothersome furry freeloaders!
Signs of SquirrelsSquirrels are destructive. Tearing up your
- Small holes dug in pots and gardens, with plants flung around;
- Half-eaten veggies and missing flowers;
- Bark chewed off trees, sometimes in a circular pattern called girdling;
- Wrecked bird feeders with seed scattered everywhere.
Are Squirrels Rodents?Yes. That’s right: Cute, chattering squirrels share a scientific order — Rodentia — with
- Bird feeders;
- Trash cans;
- Vegetable gardens.
ABSOLUTE BEST Way to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Garden
FAQ
How do I keep squirrels off my fence?
Install smooth, slippery covers on your fences.
These covers make it difficult for squirrels to get a good grip, which discourages them from using the fence as a route.
What do squirrels hate the most?
What is the most effective squirrel repellent?
The most effective squirrel repellent often combines several strategies, including strong scents, physical barriers, and habitat modification. Strong-smelling substances like cayenne pepper, mint oil, and vinegar can deter squirrels. Physical barriers like squirrel-proof bird feeders and gravel mulch can also be effective.