Squirrels in the Attic: What You Need to Know

Posted on November 29, 2023 by modernwild

Discovering that you have an uninvited guest in your home can be quite disconcerting, especially when that guest is a squirrel. Although fuzzy and often adorable, these creatures can wreak havoc in your attic, causing significant damage and potential health risks.

This blog post delves into the key aspects of squirrel infestation, providing you with much-needed insights into squirrel removal and control strategies. Stay with us as we explore the signs of an infestation, the potential dangers it carries, and the most effective methods you can employ to reclaim your space from these agile invaders.

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Signs of Squirrel Infestation

The first step in dealing with a squirrel problem is to be aware of the signs that may indicate an infestation. Some common red flags include:

▷ Strange noises coming from the attic or walls, such as scratching, scampering, or squeaking.

▷ Chew marks and gnawed openings on your roof or around your home’s exterior.

▷ Droppings and debris, such as leaves, twigs, and insulation, scattered around your property.

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to take action immediately before the problem escalates. Ignoring a squirrel infestation can lead to costly repairs and potential health hazards for you and your family.

The Dangers of Squirrel Infestation in Your Home

Aside from causing property damage, a squirrel infestation can also pose health risks. These rodents are known carriers of diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or exposure to their droppings. Some of these include:

▶ Leptospirosis: A potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.

▶ Salmonella: A type of food poisoning caused by consuming contaminated food or water.

▶ Tularemia: A disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and, if left untreated, lead to severe complications.

In addition to these health concerns, squirrels can also attract other pests into your home. Their nesting materials and droppings can serve as a food source for insects and other rodents, creating a cycle of infestation that can be challenging to break. Accordingly, you should never keep a wild squirrel as a pet, even if it is a baby.

Squirrel Removal and Control Strategies

If you suspect or confirm a squirrel infestation in your attic, it is essential to act quickly. Here are some effective strategies for removing and controlling squirrels:

Use one-way exclusion devices: These devices allow squirrels to leave but not re-enter the attic, effectively trapping them outside.

Install physical barriers: Seal off any potential entry points, such as holes or gaps in your roof or walls.

Keep trees and branches trimmed: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can use overhanging branches to access your home’s roof.

Use squirrel deterrents: Natural animal repellents like peppermint oil or predator urine can discourage squirrels from entering your attic.

It is crucial to note that while DIY methods may work in some cases, it is always best to seek professional wildlife control company help. Pest control experts have the necessary permits, training, licensing, knowledge, and equipment to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your home.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, a squirrel infestation can be a significant nuisance and potential threat to your property and health. By being mindful of the signs, dangers, and removal and control strategies discussed in this blog post, you can take the necessary steps to address and prevent a squirrel infestation. Remember, early detection and prompt action are crucial in dealing with these agile invaders. So, if you suspect a squirrel problem in your attic, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for efficient and long-lasting results. With proper precautions and proactive measures, you can keep your home squirrel-free and safe for years to come.

Don’t let these furry creatures take over your space – tackle the issue head-on and reclaim your attic today! Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Identifying the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Home

Posted on March 30, 2023 by modernwild

Do you think your home may be infested with squirrels? If so, it’s important to identify the signs of a squirrel infestation as soon as possible. Squirrels can cause significant damage to your home and property if left unchecked for too long. They can chew through walls and electrical wires, contaminate food sources, and leave droppings throughout the attic or other parts of the house. By recognizing the signs of an infestation early on, you can take action right away to prevent any further damage from occurring in your home.

Continue scrolling down to learn some common indicators that you have a problem with squirrels in the attic or elsewhere on your property.

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Top 4 Signs That Suggest Your Home Has a Squirrel Infestation

Noises: A surefire indication that there are squirrels living in or around your home is if you hear scratching, gnawing, or scampering noises coming from the walls or ceiling. This type of sound indicates that a squirrel (or multiple squirrels) have settled into your attic or other parts of the house.

Droppings: Another telltale sign of a squirrel infestation is droppings. Squirrels tend to leave behind droppings where they inhabit, and these can be found near food sources, nesting areas, and entry points throughout the house. By identifying these droppings, you can pinpoint exactly where the squirrels are living in your home.

Gnawed Holes: If you notice any unusual holes in your walls or ceiling, it’s a sure sign that you have an infestation. Squirrels are known to chew through wood and other materials in order to gain access to the attic or other parts of the home.

Structural Damage: In some cases, squirrels may cause significant damage to your home if they are allowed to remain unchecked for too long. They can chew through electrical wires, insulation, and ventilation systems, leading to expensive repairs down the line. If you notice any kind of structural damage in your home, it’s likely caused by squirrels and should be addressed right away.

Get Rid of Squirrels Today!

If you believe you have a squirrel infestation in your home, it’s important to take action quickly. Contact a professional squirrel removal service to get rid of the critters and prevent any further damage from occurring. They will be able to identify the entry points and set up traps to safely remove the squirrels from your home. Remember, with early detection and quick action, you can avoid costly repairs in the future!

Chipmunks in the Attic or Home

Your problem critters might just be chipmunks – not squirrels. The signs of a chipmunk infestation are quite similar to those of squirrel infestations. When chipmunks manage to make their way into an attic, it can spell disaster for homeowners. These critters are known for making a mess as they build nests and gnaw on stored items, wreaking havoc quickly in any space.

It is important to identify signs of chipmunk infestations early on in order to take the necessary steps towards chipmunk control. Knowing the common signs of having a chipmunk in the attic, such as noise coming from within and damage to insulation, will help to locate them and subsequently get them out of your home. Thankfully, there are a number of DIY approaches that can be taken when dealing with chipmunk infestations or if necessary professional services can be brought in to completely address the issue.

Ready to figure out what’s going on with the squirrels on or inside your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana for squirrels, chipmunks, and all other types of wildlife. Our wildlife removal services are humane, effective, and available for both residential and commercial clients.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Stuff

Posted on July 28, 2022 by modernwild

Squirrels are cute, but they are not very polite when it comes to your belongings. Everything from trashcans and birdfeeders to potted plants, flowerbeds, and more are prime targets for nuisance squirrel tampering. If the squirrels around your property are getting into all your things, it is time to stop them in their tracks.

Continue below to learn some safe, easy, and humane ways to keep squirrels out of your stuff!

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Squirrel Control Tips

Keeping Squirrels Out of Trashcans

Typically, raccoons and opossums are the critters that carry the reputation for pillaging trashcans and dumpsters. But surprisingly, squirrels will gladly take a dirty dive when a garbage receptacle is open and accessible. Trashcans are essentially a free, all-you-can-eat buffet for squirrels, and they will go out of their way to get inside them. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to keep squirrels out of your trashcans.

Enclosures – Remove access to your trashcans by moving them to an enclosed area, like inside the garage or shed. If this is not an available option for you, look into purchasing a garbage can enclosure. These look like large, wooden laundry hampers with locks.

Bracing – When trashcans fall over, squirrels get a free-for-all. In fact, toppled trashcans are what attracts nuisance squirrel activity in the first place. They remember that these large, plastic cans carry all sorts of delicious scraps. By bracing your trashcans, you can prevent them from falling over and giving squirrels a reason to come by.

Metal – Make the switch to metal trashcans. Metal cannot be chewed through like plastic, so they stand up well to nuisance squirrel tampering. Of course, your municipality might not allow it for your pick-up garbage receptacles, you can use metal cans for the rest of your on-property waste collection needs.

Deterrents – Use a combination of non-toxic critter repellent and critter deterrents to keep your trashcans clear of nuisance squirrel activity. You can make your own repellent by combining capsaicin oil, ground cayenne pepper, and water into a plastic spray bottle. You can also install devices like motion detection sprinklers and lighting to scare off squirrels.

Keeping Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are a common target for squirrels. They just love all of the seeds, nuts, and legumes inside conventional birdseed products, and with their climbing and grasping skills, they can easily get into those little hanging houses. Fortunately, there are some ways you can stop squirrels from stealing all of your birdseed.

Safflower Seeds – Squirrels do not like safflower seeds. But birds like cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, finches, and even dogs love them. Fill your birdfeeders with safflower seeds and you will see the nuisance squirrel activity dwindle within a day.

Avoid Trees – Squirrels are excellent climbers and leapers. For this reason, it is recommended to hang your bird feeders far away from trees and tree limbs so that squirrels have less access to them.

Deterrents – Deterrents work well here, too. You can combine a peppery non-toxic squirrel repellent spray and apply it to the pole and base of your bird feeders. Birds will mind it, but squirrels hate the sensation they get from sniffing or licking pepper.

Baffles – Squirrel baffles are cone-shaped domes that you install around a bird pole so that squirrels cannot get access to a birdfeeder. They simply slide off! Baffles are inexpensive and available at your local gardener home improvement store. If you don’t want to buy a baffle, you can just grease the bird feeder pole. Squirrels will just slip off when they try to climb up!

Are you looking for professional squirrel control assistance in the Indy area? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Will the Color Red Scare Squirrels Away?

Posted on December 3, 2021 by modernwild

The color red has so many meanings and applications depending on the context. As for nuisance squirrels, it may be useful for safe and humane wildlife abatement. You see, there is a theory that squirrels are afraid of the color red, and therefore, steer clear of anything resembling the crimson hue. Whether or not this theory is actually true has not been thoroughly investigated, however several home and property owners swear by the method!

If you are dealing with a population of bothersome squirrels on your property, continue reading to learn if the color red will scare them away, as well as some verified squirrel control strategies that will help you resolve your nuisance wildlife problem.

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Squirrels Do Not Like Woodpeckers

Where did the theory of squirrels being afraid of red colors come from? Well, there have been several studies done on the subject, and many rendered results that suggest squirrels do not like red. It is thought that squirrels do not like red because it is the primary color of their number one enemy, the Red-Headed Woodpecker. Squirrels do not like these common Indiana birds and will avoid them at all costs because they compete over territories. Researchers, scientists, and industry professionals have noticed this trait, which is where the theory may originate.

Although studies support the theory, it is not one that is scientifically proven nor confirmed. If you would like to try it out yourself, consider adding pops of red around your property, such as bird feeders, flowers, flowerpots, and outdoor furniture pillows.

Proven Methods of Squirrel Control

► Environmental Modification – Environmental modification refers to making changes around your property that support squirrel interest and attraction. Things like bird feeders, bird feed, overgrown tree branches, easily accessible areas of shelter (log piles, hollowed trees, bird houses, etc.), and potted plants are common things that attract nuisance squirrels. By removing or obstructing these attractions, you can better abate nuisance squirrel activity around your property.

► Bird Feeder Baffles – If nuisance squirrels are pillaging your bird feeders, there are several methods you can apply to keep them from accessing the feed. Baffles are one of the most effective wildlife abatement devices you can install directly onto bird feeder poles to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed. You can also cover your bird feeder pole with PVC pipe and make it extra slippery for squirrels to climb.

► Tree Trimming – Squirrels are excellent climbers and will use overgrown tree limbs and branches to access roofs, vents, and gutter systems. In fact, long tree branches are often the bridge to squirrels in the attic and similar in interior infestations. It is important to have your trees trimmed annually if they are close to your house or building. This will prevent squirrels from having access to the roof areas.

► Animal Repellent – You can make your own nontoxic animal repellent by combining water with ingredients that squirrels do not like. Squirrels, like most living creatures, are sensitive to certain sensations and odors. Ingredients like menthol,eucalyptus, spearmint, hot pepper, and even cinnamon and nutmeg can keep certain critters away simply because they don’t like the way they smell or the sensations they cause.

For your first homemade animal repellent, combine water with cayenne pepper and menthol into a spray bottle and apply it around the perimeter of your property or in areas where you notice heightened squirrel activity. Just be sure to keep children and pets away, as the sensations can bother their nose, throat, and eyes.

► Professional Wildlife Abatement – When it seems like nothing will put an end to your nuisance squirrel problem, it is necessary to hire a local Indianapolis IN wildlife removal company for effective squirrel control and animal-proofing services. They have the proper training, tools, and permits to provide safe squirrel trapping service in a convenient time frame.

Are you dealing with a nuisance squirrel problem that you wish to resolve before the year’s end? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to get affordable critter control for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential properties.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Control

Posted on January 26, 2021 by modernwild

Squirrels are so cute! But we must remember that they are also rodents, which means they can be quite the nuisance if you don’t take the proper precautions to protect your home from wildlife damage. Keep in mind that squirrels have to constantly chew to keep their teeth from growing too much, so they are capable of causing extensive structural damages to both interior and exterior areas of a property. This includes gardens, siding, roof shingles, wood, plastic, plastic piping, electrical wiring, insulation, drywall, vents, and much more. Add in their messy and unsanitary droppings, transmissible diseases, parasitical contagions, breeding season, and nesting habits, and you have a huge threat to your property!

If you suspect that the squirrel activity is increasing around your home, it helps to start educating yourself with facts about nuisance squirrel problems. Read through the frequently asked questions below to learn what they are capable of, how they can get inside your house, what you can do to put a stop to their destruction, who to trust for safe and humane squirrel control, and much more!

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Squirrel Removal and Control FAQS

Why Did Squirrels Target My House?

When it comes to squirrels, they live as opportunists. That means they will take what they can get when they can get it; and in terms of your home, that includes safety, shelter, and food. If you have outdoor pet food, gardens, nut trees, bird feeders, bird baths, and other sources of food or water, squirrels are more attracted to your property.

If you have an attic area, squirrels will try to access it to protect themselves against predators, raise baby squirrels, or hibernate in a warm place for the winter. If they accessed your attic or other interior area of your home, you have openings or gaps (i.e. chimneys, unscreened vents, holes in siding, warped roofing, etc.) that need to be sealed up in order to exclude them and prevent future wildlife intrusion.

How Do I Know if I Have Squirrels in the House?

The most common sign of a squirrel infestation is hearing their noises, such as scurrying, thumping and scratching. Additional signs include finding droppings or food debris around entry and exits areas, evidence of chewing, chewed holes or gaps, unpleasant odors, and more. The best way to determine whether or not you have squirrels in the house is to contact a licensed Indiana wildlife removal and control company for a full-property inspection.

How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels?

To get rid of nuisance squirrels on your property, you can implement many strategies. Most methods involve environmental modifications, such as tree trimming, log pile removals, fencing, automated lighting, automatic noise machines, or homemade repellents that can be sprinkled around your property. You can also remove all the outdoor sources of food and water, and install fencing around your gardens. If you already have squirrels in your house, such as the walls or attic, you will require professional animal trapping and removal services. The longer you wait to remove squirrels, the more damage they will do. This leads to costlier repairs and longer renovation times.

Where Can I Get Affordable Squirrel Removal in Indiana?

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for professional Indianapolis critter removal services for squirrels at affordable prices. Our specialists have more than 10 years of hands-on experience and retain the latest technologies and innovative resources to safely manage any job, regardless of size or scope. We can implement the proper course of action to reverse animal involvement and protect your property from further intrusion. Request a free quote for squirrel removal, or schedule an on-site inspection.

4 Nuisance Animals to Watch Out For in Winter

Posted on December 31, 2020 by modernwild

You would think that animals would cozy up in their respective dens or burrows and wait for the winter season to pass. But no, they are still out there causing problems for property owners everywhere in Indiana. Although most animals do hibernate or migrate, there are some species of wildlife that you really need to watch out for in the winter. Continue reading to learn how to protect your home or building from these 4 common wintertime nuisance animals.

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Wintertime Nuisance Animals

🦇 Bats

Bats are notorious for taking up shelter in attics and crawl spaces. Seeing as though they can fit through an opening as small as 3/8ths of an inch, it is no surprise they can do access our properties so easily. Later on, unsuspecting property owners are faced with a massive renovation project to repair all the damages caused by the infestation. Bats roost in large numbers as well, so the more bats there are, the more damage will occur. For this reason, you want to get rid of bats as soon as possible. By protecting your home or building from bat intrusions, you can avoid costly renovations come spring.

🐺 Raccoons

Many people wrongly assume that raccoons hibernate, but we assure you, they do not. In fact, raccoons are busy little bodies in the winter season, and maintaining perfectly cozy shelters at property owner’s expense. Raccoons will make their winter homes in dens, hollow trees, brush piles, and inside tall grass, all of which is destructive to your landscaping. Especially determined raccoons will go a step further and access inner areas of a house or building, such as the attic, crawl space, underneath porches, garages, sheds, barns, and more. Here is where they do the most damage, not only structurally, but in terms of sanitation too.

🐹 Squirrels

Squirrels are another species of wildlife that are commonly mistaken for hibernators. But the truth is, squirrels are not a hibernating species. They are, however, very agile climbers and clever in a pinch. This makes the potentially threatening to the structural integrity and safety of your property. Squirrels are known to take shelter in attics, and in all other places that raccoons are known to nest, such as wall voids, chimneys, crawl spaces, and under porches.

🦨 Skunks

Skunks are quite destructive, aside from their odorous defense mechanism. They will also continue to dig up lawns and gardens in search of juicy grub worms and other things to eat, all winter long. They are also known to make themselves at home inside garages, sheds, barns, and even below porches. Not only are they destructive and capable of producing a long-lasting smell that can also cause blindness, they are known carriers of several infectious diseases, including the Rabies virus.

How to Protect Your Home This Winter From Nuisance Animals

The best method for protecting your property from nuisance wildlife intrusions and tampering is to seek the assistance of a skilled and reputable Indianapolis critter control company. They can give you advice that specifically targets the nuisance animal that is bothering your home, and protect your property from all other common wildlife threats in your area.

Indianapolis Animal Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and humane animal trapping and removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed wildlife control specialists offer a wide range of residential and commercial animal extraction and exclusion services at the most competitive prices around. We only use safe, eco-friendly techniques and humane methods of wildlife abatement. We also offer 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, free advice, and more! Call 317-847-6409 to request a free estimate, today.

How Chipmunks Survive in the Winter

Posted on December 28, 2020 by modernwild

A chipmunk is just about one of the cutest little critters here in Tennessee. However, as a ground-dwelling, burrowing species, they are not so popular among property owners this time of year. Chipmunks are a part of the Sciuridae family, same as squirrels, but rather than climb trees and build nests high off the ground like their distance relatives, chipmunks burrow, creating their homes beneath our feet. Although small, they can certainly cause a significant amount of lawn and garden damage.

What does this mean for you? Continue reading to learn more about wintertime chipmunk activity. This information will give you the insight you need to protect your Nashville, Tennessee property from nuisance chipmunks this year.

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Common Chipmunk Activity This Time of Year

As mentioned, chipmunks are part of the Sciuridae family, just like squirrels. This means they are rodents, and as rodents, they like to dig. Chipmunks spend all spring and summer burrowing a complex series of tunnels underground, and foraging for as much food as they can find to store for the winter. During these times, they hand out in the shallow parts of their tunnels during the day, and enter the lower chambers for sleeping at night. They are also known to take up shelter in ground cover, logs, trees, hollowed stumps, shrubs, hedges, fence lines, and rocks. But once the weather turns too cold, they enter the lowest part of their tunnel system and rely on the storage of food the collected over the spring and summer seasons.

Chipmunk Hibernation Patterns in Tennessee

Opposed to common belief, chipmunks are not a hibernating species. However, they do enter a relative state of hibernacula (state of rest and lowered heart rate) for parts of the winter season. For the majority of the season, chipmunks are actively searching for ways to stay warm. During the coldest parts of winter, they enter deep into the tunnel system they created over the spring and summer, and sleep most of the time. When there are warmer days in the winter, chipmunks will arise from their underground tunnels and forage for more food.

Damages That Can Be Caused By Chipmunks

Chipmunk behavior, like tunneling and foraging, will certainly cause a nominal amount of damage to a lawn. At first glance, these tunnels unsightly and greatly reduce curb appeal. However, they are also an obstruction and a tripping hazard, and can even jeopardize a property’s foundation. In the spring and summer, chipmunks can be highly destructive to gardens and potted plants. For these reasons, it is in your best interest to put a stop to nuisance chipmunk activity as soon as possible. Contact a licensed and insured Nashville wildlife control company for expert assistance at an affordable price.

Nashville, Tennessee Chipmunk Removal Services You Can Afford This Winter

Call Modern Wildlife Control in Nashville, Tennessee at 615-336-5503 to get rid of chipmunks this winter, and protect your property from damages come spring. We have the safe and workable solutions to stop nuisance chipmunks from disturbing your property and peace mind, and all of them are affordable. Start with a free estimate over the phone, or schedule an onsite evaluation for chipmunk removal and attic restoration. Our licensed and insured wildlife abatement experts will solve your critter control problems, fast!

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How to Protect Bird Feeders From Hungry Squirrels

Posted on November 23, 2020 by modernwild

Your bird feeders are a valued feature of your landscaping, as it is a focal point that can be enjoyed through the harsh Indiana winters. So, when thieving squirrels pillage your feeders after you’ve taken the time to carefully fill them all up, it can leave you feeling frustrated in the least. So, be sure to do your part this season and prevent yard squirrels from stealing all the bird seed from your feeders.

Continue reading to learn how to protect bird feeders from hungry squirrels this winter, and next.

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Best Practices for Bird Feeder Protection

Squirrels are very cute, but they are also very cunning. They will go to great lengths to get a snack, and bird feeders are a common target. Not only does this deplete your feeders, but it also scares all the birds away, which makes for some very boring bird-watching. Fortunately, we are smarter, and many homeowners have already developed several tactics to stop this common nuisance squirrel behavior.

Here is what you can do to prevent squirrels from eating all of the seed inside bird feeders:

► Choose a Location Away From Trees

Squirrels live in trees. Trees are their interstate to everything around them. So, do not make it easy fro them to access your bird feeders by hanging them near trees. Instead, choose a location central to your yard, far from any trees or structures squirrels can climb.

► Apply a Non-Toxic Repellent

There are certain scents, spices, and sensations that squirrels absolutely hate, like menthol, cayenne, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. You can combine some of these ingredients and make a homemade squirrel repellent spray. This recipe is non-toxic since it is made with natural ingredients and water. Simply combine with water into a spray bottle, and spray the pole of your feeders, or the areas that squirrels use to get to them.

► Install a Baffle

You can purchase a device called a squirrel baffle that hinders a squirrel’s ability to access a bird feeder on a pole. It is basically a dome with a hole in the center, and it is installed under the bird feeder. Squirrels have trouble climbing over the dome and accessing the bird feeder.

► Feed the Squirrels Separately

As the old saying goes, “if you can beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Set up separate squirrel feeders, away from the bird feeders, and add squirrel watching to your list of at-home landscaping pleasures. You can buy squirrel feeders and feed at any local home improvement or garden store, or online at your trusted retailer.

Where to Get Professional Squirrel Control Service in Nashville, Tennessee

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 615-336-5503 to get rid of squirrels in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas. As a qualified Nashville wildlife control company licensed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), we strictly adhere to all industry-accepted standards and best practices, and operate within all state and federal regulations that govern wildlife. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

How to Protect Bird Feeders From Hungry Squirrels

Posted on July 28, 2020 by modernwild

If you are like most nature lovers, bird watching is a cherished pastime. One way to get your favorite birds to visit your lawn is to feed them. Unfortunately, birds are not the only ones who are attracted to free seed and feed. Squirrels are notorious for stealing from bird feeders, as they are agile climbers, nimble on their feet, and great at grasping things with their tiny dexterous paws. With all of these built-in attributes, how can you expect to protect your beloved bird feeders from thieving squirrels? The answer involves a combination of making some environmental changes and implementing some new pest control strategies.

Continue reading to learn some truly effective tips for stopping squirrels from emptying your bird feeders.

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Hang Them in the Right Spot

The first strategy to implement is an easy one. Just move your bird feeders to a new spot that is far away from trees, power lines, roofs, and anything else squirrels can use to climb. If they cannot easily access something to climb near the feeder, it is unlikely that they will attempt to access it at all. You can also run a line of string between two trees and position the feeder on the string away from the trees. If you use this approach, be sure to hang the string as high as you can reach, and do not use wire or rope. Squirrels have trouble climbing on a wobbly string, but a wire or cord will be sturdier for them.

Buy a Baffle

There is a device called a squirrel baffle that you can purchase and install in your backyard. It is essentially a plastic dome that connects under a bird feeder and creates a curved barrier that squirrels cannot climb over. They are sold online, or you can buy them at any local home improvement or gardening store. Expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $20 for a quality product.

Cover the Bird Feeder Pole

If squirrels cannot climb a pole, they cannot access the feeder that is at the top. You can make the pole harder to climb in a few different ways. You can add layers of plastic tubing, wrap it in thin sheet metal, or apply grease (or petroleum jelly). Although they are probably still capable of reaching the top with several efforts and a lot of hard work, they are not likely to go through all the trouble; instead, they’ll move onto an easier target.

Use a Natural, Non-Toxic Repellent

If you have the basic household ingredients and a clean plastic spray bottle, you can make your own homemade, non-toxic animal repellent. All you need are the spices that squirrels hate, such as menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, cayenne pepper, black pepper, red pepper, or any other kind of pepper. Mix them with some water, transfer them to the plastic bottle, and spray the perimeter of your feeder or property. This solution will be harmful to pets, so keep them away after application.

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!

A last resort to dealing with squirrels stealing from your bird feeders is to simply provide them with their own food. This may deter them from taking the bird feed, allowing you to continue enjoying your bird observing hobby. A mix of cracked corn should do just fine, and you can buy specially-designed squirrel feeders online or at any local home improvement or gardening store.

How to Safely and Humanely Get Rid of Squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for affordable squirrel removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer safe and humane squirrel abatement services, clean up and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, and free estimates. Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.