Be careful of bird feeders. We love to watch birds but bird feed attracts squirrels and it can artificially increase the squirrel population in your yard. Feeders are difficult to “squirrel-proof”, but you can attach baffle cones, use metal poles and make sure they are 6′ off the ground and at least 10′ away from trees, branches, structures and other possible launching pads to your feeder. Hanging feeders are hard to protect. Any squirrel can access a feeder hanging from a tree branch.

You can put mesh netting over plants and small trees, but make sure it is secure around the bottoms or you'll have squirrels on the inside. Squirrels love tulips and crocus bulbs; you may need to plant daffodils instead, which are unpalatable to most animals. You can put mesh wire around the base of potted plants or over crocus and tulip bulbs in the soil. Trap squirrels out of gardens and landscape shrubs.

Squirrels are so agile that they can climb and launch off of almost anything onto your house, out buildings, bird feeders, etc. Band all the trees within 10′ of a problem area with sheet metal cut 3′ wide and placed 6-8′ off the ground. Secure with bungee cord and loosen once a year to allow tree growth.

The best solution to squirrel problems is to limit squirrel populations. Proper maintenance and sanitation is the first step. Removing food, shelter, and access are important. Overall the best management tool is shooting, where feasible, or trapping to minimize or eliminate squirrels from your property. Luckily squirrels are easy to catch outside.

There are no known long-term or effective squirrel repellents. Rodenticides designed for rats and mice are ineffective and there are no toxicants or fumigants registered at this time.