Image of a Squirrel

How to Repel and Deter Squirrels

Types of Squirrel Repellents

Squirrels cause a great deal of damage to homes and yards. The pests destroy gardens and strip bark from trees. They also gnaw on telephone wires and break into attics. To avoid costly infestations, homeowners often turn to squirrel repellents for help.

There are two main methods people use to repel these rodents: chemical or natural squirrel repellents. Some of the most common products include:

  • Taste Changers: Applying these squirrel repellent sprays to seeds and trees makes them taste bitter. However, they can have a negative impact on plant growth.
  • Polybutenes: Coating drains and railings with this sticky squirrel deterrent keeps the pests from climbing on homes. Unfortunately, it's messy and hard to use.
  • Hot Sauce: The ingredients in hot sauce create a taste and smell that squirrels usually avoid. Dousing garden plants can stop a pest from eating their nuts or fruit.
  • Mothballs: We do not recommend using mothballs. Not only are mothballs temporarily effective at best, but also they can be toxic to people and pets. 

Problems with Squirrel Deterrents

Applying these products effectively is difficult. Residents need to use the perfect amount in the right spot to have any hope of controlling squirrel infestations. In addition, there's always a health risk for those handling chemical repellents.

What to Do Instead

Since there is no guarantee that DIY squirrel repellents will work, homeowners can rely on professionals for all their wildlife pest solutions. The technicians at Critter Control have the tools and knowledge required to manage squirrels.

Learn more about squirrel removal.

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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