How Can I Get Squirrels Out of My Garage? 5 Easy Tips

To get squirrels out of your garage, use live traps or evict them with homemade repellents. Squirrels can cause damage to your home and pose a potential danger to your health and safety.

Squirrels living in your garage can cause various problems, from chewing through wires and insulation to leaving droppings throughout the space. If you want to get rid of these fuzzy intruders, there are steps you can take to evict them safely and humanely.

One option is to set up live traps that capture the squirrels and allow you to release them into the wild. Another approach is to use homemade repellents, such as a mixture of vinegar and water. You can protect your property and ensure your family's safety by getting squirrels out of your garage.

Understanding The Behavior Of Squirrels In Your Garage

Squirrels nesting in your garage can be a source of frustration and damage. These pesky animals typically enter garages for food, shelter, and safety. Common reasons they may take up residence include searching for shelter from extreme weather conditions and predators.

If you notice scratching or chewing sounds, droppings, or gnawed wires in your garage, it's likely a squirrel infestation. Knowing squirrel behaviour is key to effectively removing them from your garage. Squirrels are agile creatures with excellent climbing skills who can easily dodge traps.

Identifying and sealing their entry points is an excellent start to keep them out. In addition, humane trapping and relocation can ensure that squirrels are returned to a natural environment rather than harming them.

Signs of Squirrel Infestation in Your Garage

Before we delve into the methods of getting squirrels out of your garage, let's identify some common signs that indicate their presence:

1. Chewed Wiring: Squirrels habitually gnaw on objects, including electrical wires. If you notice chewed wires or cables in your garage, it could be a clear indication of a squirrel infestation.
2. Strange Noises: Squirrels are agile climbers, and their scampering or scratching sounds can be heard from within the walls or ceiling of your garage.
3. Droppings: Look out for squirrel droppings, which are typically small and resemble pellets. They are often found near entry points or areas where squirrels have been active.
4. Nesting Materials: Squirrels build nests using twigs, leaves, and other debris. If you spot a collection of such materials in your garage, squirrels are likely nesting there.
5. Damaged Insulation: Squirrels may tear up insulation in your garage to create comfortable nesting spots, leaving behind visible damage.

Prevention Tips to Keep Squirrels Out

Preventing squirrels from entering your garage is the best approach.

Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Seal gaps or openings in your garage, including cracks, holes, or broken windows.
• Trim tree branches near your garage to minimize access routes for squirrels.
• Store birdseed, pet food, and other potential food sources in airtight containers.
• Install mesh or wire screens over vents and openings to deter squirrels.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent squirrels from entering your garage in the future:

• Keep your garage clean and free of clutter.
• Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your garage.
• Install motion-sensor lights around your garage.
• Use a weatherstripping seal around your garage door.
• Install a one-way door.

Following these tips can help keep squirrels out of your garage and prevent them from becoming a nuisance.

Here are some additional tips that may help you get rid of squirrels from your garage:

• Use Aversive: Many commercially available products can be used to deter squirrels. These products typically contain scents that squirrels find unpleasant, such as peppermint oil or mothballs.
• Make your garage less attractive to squirrels: Squirrels are attracted to food and shelter. By removing any food sources from your garage and making it less hospitable, you can make it less likely that squirrels will choose to live there.
• Be patient: Removing squirrels from your garage may take time and effort. Don't give up if you don't see results immediately. With persistence, you should eventually be able to get rid of these pesky pests.

How Can I Get Squirrels Out of My Garage? Detailed Explanation

Now that we have a better understanding of squirrel behaviour and signs of infestation, let's explore effective methods to get squirrels out of your garage:

1. Seal Entry Points

First and foremost, inspect your garage for any openings or gaps that may serve as entry points for squirrels. Use a caulking gun or appropriate sealant to close these gaps and prevent further access. Check areas around windows, doors, vents, and utility openings.

2. Remove Attractants

Eliminate potential food sources that might be attracting squirrels to your garage. Ensure all food items are stored in sealed containers, and regularly clean up any spills or crumbs. Additionally, consider securing your trash cans to prevent squirrels from rummaging through them.

3. Install Squirrel-Proofing Devices

To deter squirrels from entering your garage, install squirrel-proofing devices such as:

• Motion-Activated Lights: Squirrels are often scared off by sudden bright lights. Install motion-activated lights near the entry points to discourage their presence.
• Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds unpleasant to squirrels, making them less likely to enter your garage.
• Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders in your garage, opt for squirrel-proof designs to prevent squirrels from accessing the food.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Certain scents and natural repellents can discourage squirrels from entering your garage. Consider using the following:

• Peppermint Oil: Squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint oil. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them strategically in your garage to deter them.
• Hot Pepper Spray: Create a solution using hot peppers and water, then spray it around the entry points or areas frequented by squirrels. The spicy scent will discourage them from entering.

5. Implement Humane Trapping and Exclusion

In situations where squirrels have already made their way into your garage, humane trapping and exclusion methods can be employed:

• Live Traps: Use humane live traps to catch the squirrels. Once captured, release them safely far away from your property, preferably in a wooded area.
• One-Way Doors: Install one-way doors over entry points to allow squirrels to exit your garage but prevent re-entry. Ensure there are no squirrels left inside before installing these doors.

Calling In The Professionals

It's common for squirrels to find their way into garages for shelter or food. While trying and removing them yourself may be tempting, sometimes calling in the professionals is best. One such time is if you're dealing with many squirrels.

In this case, a wildlife removal expert will have the tools and expertise to safely and humanely remove them from your garage. Another time to seek professional help is if the squirrels have caused damage to your garage. A reputable wildlife removal expert can assess the damage and provide a solution that ensures the safety of both you and the squirrels.

When looking for a wildlife removal expert, finding someone reputable who adheres to best practices is essential. Costs can vary, so getting multiple quotes before choosing a provider is a good idea.

Taking Care Of Squirrels Ethically

Getting squirrels out of your garage can be tricky, especially if relocation or euthanasia is being considered. Opting for ethical measures is essential. Regarding relocation and euthanasia, relocation is considered a more humane option. Providing adequate shelter and food sources outside the garage can entice squirrels to leave.

If squirrels are sick or injured, contacting a local animal rescue facility is essential. They can help with rehabilitation and release them back into the wild. Always avoid harming or stressing out squirrels during the relocation process.

By following these responsible methods, you can ensure that squirrels are taken care of ethically.

Repairing Damage and Securing Your Garage

After removing the squirrels, it's essential to repair any damage they may have caused and secure your garage. Replace chewed wires, fix holes or cracks, and reinforce vulnerable areas to prevent further entry.

Natural Deterrents for Squirrels

You can use natural deterrents to discourage squirrels from returning to your garage. Some practical options include:

• Sprinkling cayenne pepper or chilli powder near entry points.
• Planting mint, garlic, or marigolds around the garage, as squirrels dislike their strong smells.
• Placing mothballs or used cat litter near potential entry points (ensure they are out of reach of children and pets).

Frequently Asked Questions For How Can I Get Squirrels Out Of My Garage

Q: How Do I Know If There Are Squirrels In My Garage?

Ans: Squirrels usually make noise while foraging for food and nesting. You may notice their chirping, jumping, or scratching sounds from your garage. Also, if you see chewed wiring, torn insulation or droppings, it indicates squirrel infestation.

Q: How Can I Prevent Squirrels From Entering My Garage?

Ans: Seal the doors, windows, and cracks to prevent squirrels from entering your garage. Trim branches that are close to the garage. Keep food sources out of reach and maintain cleanliness. You can also use ultrasonic deterrents or natural squirrel repellents like peppermint oil to keep them away.

Q: Are Squirrel Traps Effective In Removing Squirrels From The Garage?

Ans: Squirrel traps can be an effective way to remove squirrels from the garage. However, it is important to check local laws and regulations on trapping and relocating squirrels. Hiring a pest control professional to trap and release them safely and humanely is best.

Q: What Should I Do If A Squirrel Is Stuck In My Garage?

Ans: If a squirrel is trapped in your garage, open all the windows and doors to create an exit. Use food to lure it outside. If it doesn't leave, contact a wildlife rehabilitation centre or animal control to have it removed. Don't attempt to remove it yourself, as it can be dangerous.

Q: Can I Use Poison To Get Rid Of Squirrels In My Garage?

Ans: Using poison to get rid of squirrels is not recommended. It can be harmful to other animals and the environment. Moreover, it may cause the squirrel to die inside the garage, causing odour and hygiene problems. Use humane methods, or hire a pest control professional to deal with the infestation.

Q: Can I release trapped squirrels in my backyard?

Ans: Releasing squirrels in your backyard may lead to re-infestation. It's best to release them far away from your property.

Q: How long does it take to trap a squirrel?

Ans: The trapping duration can vary depending on the number of squirrels and their behaviour. It may take several days to capture them all.

Final Thought

With several effective methods to keep squirrels out of your garage, it's important to take action for the safety of your property. From patching holes and using repellents to trapping and releasing the squirrel elsewhere, there are plenty of ways to keep the critters at bay.

Remember, squirrels can easily damage wiring and insulation and even pose a fire risk if left unchecked. Taking the proper steps to deter them can save you time and money in the long run. If all else fails, it may be time to contact a professional wildlife removal service to ensure the safe and humane removal of the squirrels.

By following these tips, you can keep your garage squirrel-free and ensure peace of mind for you and your family.