How to keep squirrels out of shed -

Have you ever gone out to your shed to grab a tool, only to find that a squirrel has set up camp inside? It’s frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with squirrels taking over their sheds and causing all sorts of problems. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to keep these pesky critters out of your shed. In this blog post, we’ll give you some practical tips on how to keep squirrels out of shed, so you can reclaim your space and keep your tools and belongings safe.

What Attracts Squirrels to Sheds?

Before we dive into the various methods for keeping squirrels out of your shed, it’s important to understand what attracts them in the first place. Here are a few common reasons why squirrels might be drawn to your shed:

Food: If you have any food stored in your shed (such as birdseed, for example), that can be a big attractant for squirrels. They have a keen sense of smell and will be able to sniff out any tasty treats you might have stored in your shed.
Shelter: Squirrels are always on the lookout for a safe and cozy place to nest, and a shed can provide the perfect environment. It’s dry, warm, and out of the elements – all things that squirrels love.
Access: If your shed has any holes or gaps in the walls or roof, that can be an easy way for squirrels to get inside. They’re skilled climbers and can easily squeeze through small openings.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Shed: Prevention Tips

The best way to keep squirrels out of your shed is to prevent them from getting in in the first place. Here are some simple prevention tips you can follow to make your shed less appealing to squirrels:

Secure food: If you have any food stored in your shed, make sure it’s stored in a secure container with a tight-fitting lid. This will make it more difficult for squirrels to get to it.
Repair holes and gaps: If you notice any holes or gaps in your shed, be sure to seal them up as soon as possible. You can use caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool to fill in the gaps and prevent squirrels from getting inside.
Install screens: If your shed has any vents or windows, consider installing screens to keep squirrels out. Screens will allow air to flow through your shed, but will block squirrels from getting in.
Keep the area around your shed clean: Squirrels are attracted to cluttered, overgrown areas. If you keep the area around your shed clean and well-maintained, you’ll be less likely to attract squirrels.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Shed: Active Deterrents

If prevention measures aren’t enough to keep squirrels out of your shed, you may need to take more active steps to deter them. Here are a few ideas:

Use a squirrel-proof bird feeder: If you have a bird feeder in your yard, consider switching to a squirrel-proof feeder. These feeders are designed to keep squirrels out, while still allowing birds to feed.
Use a repellent: There are a number of commercial squirrel repellents on the market that you can use to keep squirrels away from your shed. These products contain strong smells or tastes that squirrels find unpleasant, and they’ll be less likely to approach your shed if they detect these repellents.
Set up a decoy predator : If squirrels are scared of a particular predator, you can try setting up a decoy to scare them away. For example, you could hang a fake owl or snake near your shed to intimidate squirrels and keep them at bay. Just be sure to regularly move the decoy around, as squirrels are smart and will eventually catch on if the predator is not moving.
Use a noise deterrent: Another option is to use a noise deterrent to keep squirrels away from your shed. You can find devices that emit high-pitched noises that are only audible to squirrels, and these can be effective at scaring them off. Just be aware that these devices can also be annoying to humans, so you may want to use them sparingly.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Shed: Eviction Methods

If you’re dealing with an active squirrel infestation in your shed, you may need to take more drastic measures to get them out. Here are a few options:

Live trapping: One option is to use a live trap to catch the squirrels and release them back into the wild. Just be sure to follow all local regulations when it comes to trapping and releasing wildlife.
Exclusion methods: Another option is to use exclusion methods to physically block squirrels from getting into your shed. This could involve installing a one-way door (which allows squirrels to leave but not re-enter), or sealing up all possible entry points and waiting for the squirrels to leave on their own.
Professional help: If you’re having trouble getting rid of squirrels on your own, you may need to call in a professional. Pest control companies have the tools and experience to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your shed.

Conclusion:

Dealing with squirrels in your shed can be a frustrating experience, but with the right approach, you can keep these pesky critters at bay. By following the prevention, deterrent, and eviction methods outlined in this blog post, you can reclaim your shed and keep it squirrel-free. Just remember to be patient, as it may take some trial and error to find the right solution for your specific situation.