Squirrels are common pests that can find their way into garages, looking for food, shelter, or both. While they may be cute, they can also be destructive, chewing on wires and gnawing on wood. Here are some tips on how to get a squirrel out of your garage (and keep them out)
Block All Entry Points
Squirrels are very good at climbing and squeezing through small spaces, so blocking all entry points to your garage is important. This includes gaps around doors and windows and holes in the foundation.
- Use steel wool. Steel wool is a sharp material that rodents cannot chew through. Stuff it into small holes and gaps, and then seal it in place with caulk or spray foam.
- Use hardware cloth. Hardware cloth is a metal mesh that is also too tough for rodents to chew through. Cut it to size and fit it over holes and gaps.
- Use spray foam. Spray foam can be used to fill larger gaps. Be sure to use a type of spray foam that is specifically designed for sealing out rodents.
- Repair any damaged or missing weatherstripping. Weatherstripping helps to keep out air and moisture, but it can also help to keep out rodents. Inspect your weatherstripping for any damage or missing pieces, and repair or replace as needed.
Use Traps
If you have blocked all entry points and still see squirrels in your garage, you can use traps to catch them. There are a variety of traps available, including live traps and kill traps.
When choosing a trap, it is important to consider the size of the squirrel, the location where the trap will be placed, and the desired outcome.
Live traps are the most humane way to catch squirrels. They are typically made of wire mesh and have a door that closes when the squirrel enters the trap. The squirrel can then be released in a safe location.
Kill traps are more effective but should only be used as a last resort. Kill traps are designed to kill squirrels instantly. They are typically spring-loaded traps that snap shut on the squirrel when it triggers the trap. You must use extreme caution to ensure pets or other animals stay out of the trap.
Tips for trapping squirrels:
- Place the trap in a location where the squirrel is likely to travel. This could be near a food source, a burrow, or an entry point to your home.
- Bait the trap with something the squirrel finds attractive, such as peanuts, walnuts, or corn.
- Set the trap so the trigger is activated when the squirrel enters the trap.
- Check the trap regularly and release any squirrels that are caught humanely.
Make Your Garage Less Appealing to Squirrels
Maintaining a clean and organized space will minimize the chances of squirrels making themselves at home in your garage.
- Remove food sources. Squirrels are attracted to food, so removing any food sources from your garage is important. This includes pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit.
- Store all food and garbage in tightly sealed containers within the garage. This will deter squirrels from being attracted to your property.
- Keep your garage clean and clutter-free. Squirrels are likelier to nest in messy environments. Regularly sweep the garage floor and dispose of any debris or fallen leaves.
Use Deterrents
There are several things you can do to deter squirrels from your garage. Here are some deterrents that squirrels hate:
- Scents that squirrels hate: Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and they are sensitive to certain scents. Some scents that squirrels hate include:
- Peppermint oil
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic
- Mothballs
- Irish Spring soap
- White vinegar
- Coffee grounds
- Predator urine
- Loud noises: Squirrels are also sensitive to loud noises. You can try using ultrasonic noisemakers, motion-activated alarms, or even just banging pots and pans together to deter squirrels.
- Bright lights: Squirrels are also afraid of bright lights. You can try using motion-activated floodlights or even just leaving a light on in your garage or attic to deter squirrels.
Highly recommended squirrel and rodent repellents:
These long-lasting rodent-repellent balls are made with essential oils that give off a strong, unpleasant scent that is unbearable to rodents.
These repellent balls will last for up to 90 days, effectively repelling squirrels, rats, mice, and other rodents.
These versatile balls are perfect for use in your garage, closets, pantries, basements, attics, vehicles, and other enclosed areas.
It is important to note that no single deterrent is guaranteed to work, and you may need to try a combination of methods to keep squirrels away.
Lastly, it is important to note that squirrels are persistent creatures and can cause damage to property if left unchecked.
FAQs about How Do You Get A Squirrel Out Of Your Garage
Can ultrasonic devices help in getting squirrels out of the garage?
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for squirrels and can deter them from remaining in your garage.
These devices are typically easy to use and can be placed where squirrels are active.
However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the individual squirrel, so using other methods in conjunction with the ultrasonic devices may be necessary.
How big of an opening in my garage can a squirrel fit through?
Squirrels can fit through holes as small as 1.5 inches wide. This is because they have flexible bodies and can contort their head and shoulders to fit through tight spaces. If you’re not comfortable sealing up the holes yourself, you can hire a pest control professional to do it for you.
