It’s bad enough that when you come home from shopping at the grocery store you seem to always be dodging little critters running out in front of your car. These little critters can be a pest and squirrels are very adventurous and acrobatic. They almost always seem to be in the wrong place. Also, what seems cute from far away are not always cute as they tear up your garden, plants, trees, and even your home if they gain access.
What attracts squirrels? Food sources like bird feeders, trees with nuts, and corn cobs, and pine cones with peanut butter.
Let’s take a look below at how to deter squirrels from your yard, or make them less invasive.
Types Of Squirrels
Understanding that squirrels come in a variety of types is also important to know. There are over 200 species of squirrels that are categorized into three main groups: Flying squirrels, tree squirrels, and ground squirrels. Depending on where you live in the country can determine the types of squirrels that you see.
Here in Georgia, we see gray squirrels. Remember that they are wild squirrels that are seeking sources of water and food. Also, luring squirrels to your yard allows them to feel safe and they have access to a squirrel feeder. Depending on how it goes with the squirrel feeder, you may want to rethink that idea.
Why Squirrels Are A Problem
Looking at the squirrels from afar they look so innocent and cute and cuddly. Most of the time you want to run up to one and have it eat nuts right out of your hand. Unfortunately, squirrels are like any other wildlife creature. They carry diseases and can do a lot of damage to your yard, garden, and home.
Squirrels like to eat wires in your home (usually in the attic). They also love to tear up flower bulbs from your flower beds and tear the bark off your trees. In addition, your local squirrels can cause a huge mess as they seek out the food of their choice. Sunflower seeds are their favorite and they do whatever it takes to find them. This also includes tossing the unwanted nuts to the side. Lastly, most of these seeds end up on the ground and attract other rodents and pests to your yard, in addition to the squirrels.
Suggested Ways To Manage Squirrels
There are many options when it comes to keeping squirrels at bay. What attracts squirrels? Most homeowners enjoy the pests in their yard, however, they can be a nuisance at times and not friendly. This does not mean that we cannot live harmoniously with them. Here is some recommended maintenance to keep squirrels away:
- Trim the trees-keeping your tree branches away from the home allows for you to limit the access squirrels can get by jumping onto your roof from a tree branch.
- Wrap the trunks-wrapping your tree trunks with sheet metal, metal screening, or squirrel baffles.
- Supply an appropriate food source-giving the squirrels’ options to eat pine cones, corn cobs, nuts from a feeder, or even trays of their favorite nuts. This keeps them focused on the food source you provide and not your plant bulbs and shrubbery.
Providing options for the squirrels can save you money and keep you free from the stresses of replacing your plants, or filling in holes in your yard.
How Much Does It Cost
Believe it or not, it’s expensive to keep squirrels away. The national average cost for getting rid of squirrels is $250 to $500. The majority of the time you end up paying about $350 in total. Keep in mind the costs vary by need and trapping and relocating squirrels are inexpensive services. However, doing away with all squirrels from the home and yard could run you about $1,500.
Other Recommended Maintenance
While you are exploring your options regarding squirrels in and around your yard, you might be interested in learning more about moles in your yard. Are moles good in your yard or are they just another pest? Take a look at how moles are for your yard and read up on the options. You might see some similarities.
Also, understanding how often pest control should be done is key to tying this whole thing together. Whether it’s a nuisance pest like a squirrel, moles in your yard, or even rats and mice trying to get into your home. Keeping up with your yearly pest control is vital to keeping your home protected.
Lastly, you may be wondering if pest control in the home is worth it. It definitely is as someone else is taking care of critters, large and small, and you don’t have to do it.
When Do I Call A Professional
Calling on a professional pest control company to assist you with your squirrel problem is a great idea. Oftentimes these professionals have seen things and know things that you as a homeowner never really dealt with. Since you are dealing with wildlife, it is recommended that you reach out to professionals to assist you with your concerns. Understanding what attracts squirrels is your most important step.
Conclusion
Concerned about a potential squirrel problem around your home? This can easily be rectified with some simple adjustments outside of your home. Moreover, maintaining the plants and trees in and around your yard is your best bet. Also, keep trees trimmed by your local arborist, and having the pest control team come in with some great ideas allows you to prevent a squirrel infestation. All South Pest Control can determine your pest service needs in McDonough, GA, and the surrounding areas.
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