How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In Garage in 7 Effective Ways

If you’ve noticed squirrels in your garage, you’re not alone. Squirrels are a common nuisance for many homeowners, and they can cause a range of problems, from chewing on electrical wiring to leaving behind droppings and nesting materials.

Beyond the physical damage they can cause, squirrels are also potential carriers of diseases that can harm humans. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), squirrels are among the top four rodents that can transmit diseases to humans.

Here, we’ll outline seven effective ways on how to get rid of squirrels in garage and prevent them from returning. Whether you prefer natural remedies or more hands-on methods, you have a solution.

Why Do Squirrels Get In the Garage?

Squirrels are common rodents that can often find their way into garages. As highlighted, these pesky creatures can cause damage and harm your property and health. Some of the common reasons why squirrels may be entering your garage include:

• Food sources: Squirrels are attracted to garages that contain food sources such as birdseed, pet food, and garbage.
• Shelter: Garages offer a safe and warm shelter for squirrels to nest and raise their young.
• Access: Squirrels can easily access garages through small gaps or openings, such as cracks in the walls or gaps around doors and windows.

The dangers posed by squirrels in garages include:

• Property damage: Squirrels can cause damage to property by chewing on electrical wiring, insulation, and other materials in your garage.
• Health hazards: Squirrels can carry diseases that harm humans and pets, such as rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella.

Now that we’ve covered why squirrels may be entering your garage let’s look at how to get rid of them in the next section.

How To Get Rid of Squirrels In Your Garage

You can take several steps to get rid of squirrels and prevent them from returning. Here, we’ll outline seven effective ways on how to get rid of squirrels in garage:

1. Use Traps with Bait

Setting traps with bait is a humane and effective way to get rid of squirrels in your garage. Several types of traps are available in the market, including cage and snap traps.

If you use a cage trap, place it in areas where squirrels frequent, such as corners or near food sources. Bait the trap with nuts, seeds, or fruit, all squirrels’ favorites. Check the trap frequently and release the squirrel five miles from your home.

Snap traps are also effective but require more caution when handling them. Place the snap trap in the area where squirrels are seen, such as along a wall. Bait the trap with peanut butter or nuts, and check the trap frequently. Wear gloves and follow all instructions when setting and handling snap traps.

2. Use Loud Noises

Using noise-making devices like air horns or bells can effectively scare squirrels away as they are sensitive to loud and sudden noises.

You can also use natural noises like clapping or banging on a pot. However, it is important to note that loud noises can also be disruptive to your neighbors, so use them sparingly.

3. Use Repellent or Substances with a Strong Odor

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and certain odors can be repulsive. One recommended odor is pepper, which can be sprinkled in areas where squirrels frequent.

You can also use commercial repellents specifically designed to keep squirrels away. These repellents typically contain natural ingredients such as peppermint oil or garlic and can be sprayed around the garage or in areas where squirrels are seen.

4. Turn the Lights On

Installing motion-activated floodlights or leaving the garage lights on at night can help keep squirrels away. This is because squirrels prefer to stay in dark and sheltered areas

5. Use a Water Hose

Squirrels do not like water and will quickly leave if they are sprayed with a hose. If you see a squirrel in your garage, grab a hose and spray it gently to scare it away.

It is important to note that some squirrel species are protected wildlife in many areas and should not be harmed. Always use humane methods to remove them from your garage, and consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service if necessary.

6. Seal Off Entry Points

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping squirrels out of your garage. Ensure all entry points, such as gaps around doors or windows, are sealed off. Use weather stripping and caulking to fill any holes or cracks in the walls.

Trim back any branches or trees near the garage to prevent squirrels from accessing the roof or upper areas. By taking these preventative measures, you can avoid future squirrel infestations in your garage.

7. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

If all else fails or you are uncomfortable handling the situation alone, consider calling a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to safely and humanely remove squirrels from your garage.

They can also provide tips and recommendations for preventing future infestations. Hiring a professional can be costly, but it is a worthwhile investment to protect your property and ensure the safety of the squirrels.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garage for Good?

So, you’ve learned how to get rid of squirrels from your garage, but how do you keep them out for good? Here are some tips on preventing future infestations:

Repair Holes

Squirrels are great climbers that can easily squeeze into small holes and openings. If your garage has holes in the walls or roof, these sneaky critters can easily find their way in.

Therefore, the first step to keeping squirrels out of your garage is to seal all the openings. Here’s how:

• Check for holes in the walls and roof and seal them with silicone caulk or mesh wire.
• Check your garage door for any damage or gaps that require repair.
• Place weather stripping along the bottom of the garage door and on door jambs to close gaps between the door and the frame.

When you repair all the holes in your garage, you can prevent squirrels from entering it.

Close Possible Entry Points

Apart from holes, squirrels can enter your garage through other entry points, such as your chimney, vents, and windows. Here are some solutions to prevent squirrels from entering through these openings:

• Install chimney caps to block access to the chimney.
• Install vent screens to block access to vents.
• Replace windows with ones that are specially designed to keep out squirrels.

By closing all possible entry points, you will provide a barrier that makes it difficult for squirrels to enter your garage.

Lock Away Food Sources (E.g., Vegetables, Cat Food, and Dog Food)

Squirrels are opportunistic animals and will seek out food wherever they can find it. If you have left food sources in your garage, you can bet that squirrels will come and help themselves. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

• Store all pet food in airtight containers.
• Keep all vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator.
• Remove any food waste or garbage from the garage.

Keep the Garbage Away

Squirrels are fond of searching for food and often search through trash to satiate their hunger. To prevent squirrels from accessing garbage, here are some helpful tips:

• Place heavy lids on trash cans and secure them with bungee cords.
• Take out the garbage regularly to prevent odors that can attract squirrels.
• Keep your outdoor garbage bin at a distance from your garage to discourage squirrels from venturing near.

In summary, squirrels can destroy your garage, and keeping them out for good is the ultimate goal. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and adopting these preventive measures will help you save time and money in the long run.

When Should You Call Animal Control?

If the above strategies fail and you cannot keep squirrels out of your garage, it is time to call an animal control agency. Animal control will take steps to remove the squirrel from your property humanely.

That said, the following are clear indicators that you need to call animal control for help:

• If the squirrels show signs of aggression or attack people or pets, it’s essential to call animal control to remove them safely.
• To prevent additional damage caused by squirrels chewing on your electrical wiring, insulation, or other materials, it’s optimal to contact animal control.
• If the squirrels are stuck or injured, such as caught in a trap or a wall, it’s crucial to call animal control to provide assistance and prevent further harm.
• If you have a squirrel infestation or large population on your property, it’s best to call animal control to remove them and prevent future problems safely.
• If you need help with removing the squirrels safely or if there are any laws or regulations regarding their removal in your area, it’s best to call animal control for guidance.

Final Verdict

In summary, getting rid of squirrels in your garage can be frustrating and difficult, but you can try a few methods. These include sealing all entry points, using repellents, and setting traps.

However, it’s important to remember that squirrels are living creatures and should be treated respectfully. It’s not worth risking your safety by trying to handle them yourself or using dangerous methods to drive them away.

If you need help with how to proceed, it’s best to seek professional help from a wildlife removal service.