Squirrels are one of the world’s most well-known and beloved wildlife species. These cute and fluffy creatures are native to almost every region of the globe. They are easily recognizable by their bushy tails, sharp claws, and playful personalities.
Whether scampering up trees, gathering nuts, or storing food for the winter, squirrels are essential to the ecosystem.
Despite their popularity, squirrels can also be a nuisance, especially when they invade bird feeders, chew through power lines, or burrow into roofs and attics. Therefore, it is necessary to keep squirrels out of screech owl boxes.
Squirrels are notorious for their ability to climb and gnaw their way into birdhouses, which can be dangerous for the resident birds. If squirrels enter a screech owl box, they can harm and kill the owls or their eggs and young.
There are several artificial and natural remedies you can use to keep squirrels out of screech owl boxes, such as:
- Use a squirrel-proof birdhouse.
- Install a squirrel baffle.
- Place the birdhouse in an inaccessible location.
- Use squirrel repellent.
- Keep the area clean.
So, let’s explore some effective ways to keep squirrels out of the screech owl box.
11 Ways To Keep Squirrels Out of Screech Owl Box
You can use artificial methods or homemade remedies to keep squirrels out of the screech owl boxes.
Artificial Methods
Let’s look at some artificial methods for keeping squirrels out of the screech owl box:
1. Use a Squirrel-Proof Birdhouse
There are birdhouses designed to keep squirrels out, with features like baffles preventing squirrels from claiming the pole and reaching the box.
Consider purchasing one of these birdhouses if you have a squirrel problem.
2. Install a Squirrel Baffle
A squirrel baffle is a barrier that fits around the pole the birdhouse is mounted on, making it difficult for squirrels to climb up to the box.
You can purchase a squirrel baffle or create your own using a large plastic dish or cylinder.
3. Place the Birdhouse Where It Is Not Accessible to Squirrels
Consider placing the birdhouse in a location that is less accessible to squirrels, such as on a high brand or in an area where squirrels cannot easily climb.
4. Use a Squirrel Repellent
Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, so you can use a squirrel repellent to keep them away.
There are several commercial squirrel repellents available.
You can make your own by mixing hot pepper flakes with water and spraying it on the pole and the birdhouse.
5. Keep the Area Around the Birdhouse Clear
Squirrels love to climb trees, so keep the area around the birdhouse clear of trees and other vegetation that squirrels can use to rise to the box.
Homemade Remedies
There are some natural squirrel repellents you can try:
6. Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder
You can easily make this spicy spray at home.
Sprinkle it on plants, bird feeders, or areas squirrels frequently visit.
7. Coffee Grounds
Squirrels dislike the strong smell of coffee, so sprinkle fresh coffee grounds in your garden.
The pungent odor will keep them far away from your garden.
8. Garlic
Since garlic also has a strong smell and is locally available, you can use it.
Crush garlic cloves and sprinkle the juice in areas where squirrels are problematic.
9. Epsom Salt
Squirrels come out for food; when they find something solid on the ground, they would probably taste it.
Since squirrels do not like the taste of Epsom salt, sprinkle it on plants and around bird feeders. This remedy will keep them offshore.
10. Vinegar
You can make a vinegar spray by mixing vinegar and water in equal quantities.
And spray it over plants, bird feeders, and wherever you find squirrels.
11. Peppermint Oil
Another good spray would be a mixture of black pepper and water or peppermint oil.
Since it’s readily available at reasonable rates in the markets, you can quickly grab a pack of pepper and make your spray.
Afterward, spray it on surfaces where squirrels gather around.
Conclusion
Using one or a combination of these strategies, you can help keep squirrels out of your screech owl box and ensure that the owls have a safe place to nest and raise their young.
Overall, keeping squirrels out of screech owl boxes is essential for the well-being of the owls, the balance of the ecosystem, and preserving biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Keep Squirrels off a Mounted Screech Owl Box?
To keep squirrels off of a mounted screech owl box, you can take several measures, such as:
- Placing the box out of reach on a pole or post at least 8 feet off the ground.
- Installing a metal squirrel guard around the pole or post.
- Covering the entrance hole with a layer of hardware cloth.
- Making the entrance hole smaller.
- Apply a deterrent such as cayenne pepper or vinegar to the box or the surrounding area.
These steps can help prevent squirrels from accessing the box and causing damage.
How Can I Keep Squirrels From Chewing Through My Screech Owl Box?
Here are some simple measures for preventing squirrels from chewing through your screech owl box:
Use hardware cloth: Cover the entrance hole of the screech owl box with a layer of hardware cloth, which is a strong wire mesh material. This will stop squirrels from being able to chew through the wood.
Make the entrance hole smaller: If squirrels fit inside the box, they may try to chew their way out. Making the entrance hole smaller will prevent them from being able to enter in the first place.
Place the box out of reach: Mount the screech owl box on a pole or post at least 8 feet off the ground so that squirrels cannot reach it.
Install a squirrel guard: Place a metal barrier around the plot or post on which the screech owl box is mounted so that squirrels cannot climb it.
Apply a deterrent: You can also try applying a squirrel repellent, such as cayenne pepper or vinegar, to the box or the surrounding area.
