Squirrels may be a major thorn in your side. They spend enormous amounts of time eating and digging in your garden (or bird feeder) - but what can you do?
You can take major steps and set out poison, but that has its drawbacks.
You can try and trap them, but that has its drawbacks too.
Or, you can try and repel them with simple things found around your house.
People have found all types of things that can be used for repelling squirrels, but as with all things - some work for some people and not for others.
Take for instance - mothballs. They used to be the number one choice to repel squirrels. Some people still swear by them, but the consensus now is that moth balls are absolutely useless.
So what can you use?
A survey of the net found the following 13 home remedies that people have used to repel squirrels.
Nutmeg and cinnamon
Peppermint oil
Capacin
Jalapeño peppers (mashed in blender)
Serrano peppers (mashed in blender)
Cayenne pepper
Chili powder
Tabasco sauce
WD-40
Aspirins and peanut butter (crush 100 aspirins and mix with peanut butter)
Dog hair clumps
Hair clippings
Used cat litter (placed around plants)
Some of these items you would place around your plants. Things like chili powder, cayenne pepper and similar things can be mixed with bird seed. Believe it or not, these hot spices don't bother birds but their unruly squirrel pals can't stand it.
If one home remedy does not work, try another. As said earlier, some people have more success with some than others.
As a last resort, there are commercial repellents which you can buy at your local hardware store. These obviously will cost more but are a stronger repellent and may have a better effect.
