How to Attract Squirrels to Your Garden and Keep Them Out of Your House
Squirrels are often seen as pests, but they can also be fascinating and entertaining wildlife to have in your backyard. If you’re interested in attracting squirrels to your garden, there are a few things you can do to make your yard more inviting.
Creating a Squirrel-Friendly Garden
One of the best ways to attract squirrels to your garden is to provide them with food and shelter. Squirrels love to eat nuts, seeds, and fruits, so planting trees and shrubs that produce these foods is a great way to attract them. You can also put out squirrel feeders filled with sunflower seeds, peanuts, or corn.
In addition to food, squirrels also need shelter from the elements and predators. Providing them with nesting boxes or leaving hollow trees standing in your yard will give them a place to raise their young and escape from the rain and cold.
Discouraging Squirrels from Entering Your Home
While it’s nice to have squirrels in your garden, you don’t want them to start nesting in your attic or chewing on your electrical wires. There are a few things you can do to discourage squirrels from entering your home:
- Prune tree branches that would give them easy access to your roof.
- Seal off any possible openings in broken windows, masonry, or pipes.
- Install squirrel baffles on bird feeders and other squirrel attractants.
- Keep your yard clean of fallen nuts and seeds, which can attract squirrels.
Dealing with Problem Squirrels
If you’re having problems with squirrels getting into your home or causing damage to your property, there are a few things you can do to deter them:
- Use squirrel repellents. There are a number of commercial squirrel repellents available, but you can also make your own by mixing one part ammonia with three parts water.
- Set up motion-activated sprinklers. Squirrels hate getting wet, so setting up motion-activated sprinklers around your yard can be an effective way to deter them.
- Trap and release squirrels. If all else fails, you can trap and release squirrels. However, it’s important to check your local laws and regulations before doing so.
Conclusion
Squirrels can be a nuisance at times, but they can also be a lot of fun to watch. By following the tips in this article, you can create a squirrel-friendly garden that will attract these fascinating creatures to your yard while keeping them out of your home.
