{"id":29988,"date":"2024-04-08T11:18:44","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T15:18:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/?p=29988"},"modified":"2026-04-29T16:54:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T20:54:42","slug":"squirrel-repellents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/blog\/squirrel-repellents\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Squirrel Repellents Really Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a homeowner, keeping squirrels away is crucial because they can chew wires, wood, and insulation, invade attics or gardens, and spread disease through droppings or parasites. Preventing them protects your home and your family\u2019s health and avoids costly repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting rid of squirrels on your own <\/a>can be a tough nut to crack. Yet many homeowners decide to take matters into their own hands and purchase readily available squirrel repellents to rid their houses of them. From chemical to natural remedies, here are some common types you\u2019ll find in stores and online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Squirrel Repellents and Deterrents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most squirrel repellents work by making your property smell bad, taste bad, or feel uncomfortable, encouraging squirrels to move on without causing harm. There are two main options for keeping squirrels away: chemical and natural repellents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Repellent Sprays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Repellent sprays are one of the most popular choices because they are so easy to use. Natural sprays can contain capsaicin from chili peppers, peppermint, eucalyptus, garlic, and citrus oils. These are supposed to be smells that squirrels dislike. Sprayed on garden beds or bird feeders, they are meant to deter squirrels. These sprays have limited use as wind, rain, and time reduce their efficacy. In addition, squirrels are tenacious creatures and will tolerate these scents until they fade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that there are no specific squirrel poisons available, as poisoning squirrels is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ultrasonic Repellent Devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sound deterrents are devices or methods that use noise to scare or irritate squirrels and keep them away from your property. The most common are ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds humans can\u2019t hear, along with motion-activated units that produce sudden noises or play predator sounds, such as barking dogs or hawks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of repellents have been growing in popularity as, unlike chemicals, they are seen as harmless to both the squirrels and house residents. However, there is no scientific evidence that these devices work, and the Federal Trade Commission<\/u><\/a> has been warning consumers against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Granular Repellents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Granular repellents are typically made from natural ingredients, such as dried blood, predator urine, or hot pepper flakes. These granules can be scattered around gardens or outdoor areas to create a barrier that squirrels will avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These have strong odors that you would not want to use in your attic. Used outdoors, just like the spray deterrents, these will also fade away, requiring frequent applications. In addition, predator urine, such as fox urine, can attract fox predators like coyotes. And coyote urine can attract coyotes looking for a mate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Motion-Activated Sprinklers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Motion-activated sprinklers are another recommended natural deterrent for squirrels. When activated, they are supposed to startle and scare squirrels away. They might work on squirrels scampering outside, but most squirrels that nest in attics are tree squirrels that hop onto your roof from tree branches. These squirrels will not be affected by the sprinklers at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the placement of the sprinklers is key. They need to spray the path the squirrels take to approach your home or garden bed. And squirrels can learn how to avoid the spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Natural Repellents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Natural repellents typically rely on strong smells like peppermint, garlic, or cinnamon. These are a safer option for homes with pets or children, but they usually require more frequent reapplication and may be less effective against heavy infestations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Need Help with Squirrel infestation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a Critter Control near you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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