Tired of watching squirrels steal crops from your garden/yard or infest your roof? Then, you’re probably looking into securing your property with materials they can’t chew through.
Squirrels have long, sharp teeth, and most items don’t stand a chance. However, there are still some materials that they can’t chew through.
In this article, you’ll learn three sure squirrel-proof materials that are strong enough to withstand strong squirrel teeth.
- Squirrels can eat wood, plastic, and wires.
- Squirrels can’t chew through wire mesh and regular mouse traps.
- Squirrels can gnaw through soft metals like aluminum and copper but can’t chew through hard metals like galvanized steel and stainless steel.
Apart from learning how to use these materials to secure your garden, yard, or attic, we have also included a FAQ section to answer common questions about preventing squirrel infestation.
Squirrel-Proof Materials
Squirrels enter buildings through the attic, chimney, electric wire openings, windows, exposed utility pipes, etc. Preventive maintenance is essential because once these rodents get in, it’s often difficult to drive them out.
They can even cause further damage while trying to escape from an enclosed area of your house.
Here are a few household materials you can use to squirrel-proof your home:
1. Wire Mesh
People often install wires in their properties to keep squirrels out, only to find the wires chewed up. Squirrels consume nuts, wood, plastic, and even wires.
Most people use regular chicken wires to keep squirrels out of their gardens.
However, other wire mesh alternatives can keep squirrels out. Generally, any wire mesh made from stainless steel will be difficult for squirrels to gnaw through.
So, leave the regular options and go for something created specifically to drive out squirrels.
For example, you can create a fence out of heavy-duty wire mesh, covering all access points. Also, ensure that this fence is at least 30 inches above the ground and six inches below.
You can also install mesh fencing around the tree trunks in your yard to protect them from squirrels.
However, before installing wire mesh barriers in your house, drive out all rodents that have found their way in. Otherwise, your efforts may be counter-productive.
2. Metals
People often think that squirrels can’t chew through metals. But these rodents can easily gnaw through sheet aluminum, copper, and other soft metals.
They will chew through anything if they suspect food or shelter on the other end of the barrier.
However, other metal items are hard enough to stop these rodents. These include galvanized steel and stainless steel materials.
So, to prevent squirrel infestation in your home, you can install heavy-duty steel materials over openings in your roof vents or exterior soffits.
Then you can apply a chemical or homemade deterrent on the metal fencing to prevent squirrels from chewing it. If it’s a garden or yard, follow the same approach to install a metal fence around the space, especially all access points.
Remember to extend the hard metal fencing to at least 30 inches above the ground level, as with the wire mesh fence.
After the fence installation, mix two tablespoons of cayenne pepper in water, and drops of dish soap, to make a DIY spray. Now, spray this mix on metal surfaces to scare off squirrels.
However, you may need to reapply constantly, as rain can wash the spray away.
Another way to keep squirrels off metal is to reinforce soft metals. This means covering up soft steel with stronger metal materials. But note that this option is not cost-effective.
3. Mouse Traps
Apart from wire mesh and hard metals, a regular mouse trap is another tough material squirrels can’t chew through. So, if wire mesh and galvanized steel are unavailable, get a traditional mouse trap.
Get into the DIY spirit and follow the instructions below to squirrel-proof your building:
- Anchor them to the ground where the squirrels come around to dig.
- Cover the trap with a newspaper and sprinkle dirt on top.
- A squirrel coming to dig will set off the mouse trap. As the mechanism activates, it will throw dirt on the rodent, scaring the animal away.
A well-anchored mouse trap will not hurt the squirrel; it only scares it off your property.
Conclusion
Squirrels may appear harmless animals but can cause extensive damage if they enter your house. These rodents can chew through anything, from wood to plastic and even soft metal.
However, there are some protective items strong enough to keep them out. These include wire mesh, strong metals, and regular mouse traps, which were highlighted in this article.
These tips and instructions will help keep these rodents away from your garden, yard, or attic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Motion-Activated Sprinklers Keep Squirrels Out?
Motion-activated sprinklers are originally designed to keep rabbits and cats away from gardens.
However, these sprinklers can help scare squirrels from the yard or other areas where damage is likely to occur.
Yet, you must be careful with sprinklers, especially if the squirrels are too many. Their number can activate the device too often, causing over-watering and high water bills.
How Can I Keep Squirrels off My Bird Feeders?
Bird feed attracts squirrels, as they like seeds and nuts. So, keep your bird feeder clean and on isolated poles because squirrels can jump high.
Keep the bird feeder at least six feet off the ground and eight to ten feet away from your house.
You can also swap your bird feed for safflower, as squirrels find them bitter.
Are There Natural Repellents To Keep Squirrels Out?
There are many natural alternatives to squirrel repellents.
For example, you can sprinkle cayenne, pepper flakes, or ground chili pepper around your garden plants. The taste will prevent squirrels from causing further damage.
You can also plant marigolds, mustard, and other plants with a strong aroma around your garden.
Another method is to install a fake owl in your garden to scare squirrels away.
