Squirrels are a common nuisance wildlife in Central Florida. The agile rodents love living in warm and dry spaces—such as residential backyards, garages, and attics. If you want squirrels off your Central Florida property, it’s helpful to first identify the species you are dealing with before trying the following at-home squirrel removal remedies.
Types of Squirrels in Florida
Florida is home to three species of squirrels:
- Eastern gray squirrel –The most common squirrel species in Florida, Eastern gray squirrels love birdseed and will frequently climb bird feeders to get to it.
- Fox squirrel –These skilled climbers are grayish-brown in color and spend most of their time foraging on the ground.
- Southern flying squirrel –These nocturnal gliders are small and rarely active during the day.
How to Deter Nuisance Squirrels
- Keep Your Yard Clean –Squirrels primarily eat nuts and berries that fall off of trees and other plants. They also like digging in the ground for bulbs. Make it harder for them to eat by raking your yard and keeping it clean. Using mulch in your backyard could also deter squirrels from working to dig up your plants.
- Take Away Their Food Sources –Squirrels also scavenge for food in trash cans and bird feeders which are easily accessible. Make sure your trash can lid is sealed tight. A shed or lock for your trash can could deter squirrels if you can’t store it inside. To keep squirrels away from bird feeders, use feeders with a baffle. This hooded dome still allows birds to use it, but keeps squirrels out.
- Change Up Your Garden –While flower and produce gardens liven up your yard, they also attract squirrels. Fortunately, there are tips you can try to keep them out. Squirrels don’t like the smell of cayenne pepper which can be sprinkled around the garden and won’t harm your plants.
Mint is another strong scent that works to deter any types of squirrels in Florida. A net or fence around the garden makes it harder for squirrels to access the plants.
Finally, consider planting different types of bulb plants. Daffodils, hyacinths, and allium are just a few bulb plants that both look beautiful and are toxic to squirrels.
Dangers of a Squirrel Infestation
Squirrels are usually non-aggressive, and they don’t pose a huge threat. However, they can cause several problems if they stay around too long. Some of the dangers of a squirrel infestation include:
- Bites or Scratches – Squirrels will lash out if they feel threatened, potentially harming you, your loved ones or your pets.
- Property Damage – Squirrels have a constant need to chew and gnaw, putting your home at risk.
- Diseases – While uncommon, squirrels are known carriers of rabies, leptospirosis and Lyme disease.
Instead of spending time and money on DIY squirrel deterrent tactics, rely on the professional squirrel removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers to quickly and safely resolve your nuisance wildlife problem.
Professional Squirrel Removal in Central Florida
At Animal Wildlife Trappers, our licensed and trained technicians have the equipment and experience to provide high-quality animal removal services that are effective and permanent. To schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate for our squirrel removal services, call us today at 352-267-0546.