You may have noticed pesky squirrels on your roof, causing disruption, and maybe even damaging your home. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to effectively keep them off your roof and out of your hair. Here’s a comprehensive overview of all the methods for keeping squirrels off your roof.
1. Deterrence with Noise and Visual Cues
Motion-Activated Cat Repellents
Motion-activated cat repellents work by spraying a strong jet of water when they detect a squirrel’s motion. These devices are great, as they’re environmentally-friendly, and extremely effective. Motion-activated cat repellents are easy to install on a roof, and they don’t require manual attention.
Noise Makers
Noise makers, such as a wind-activated chime, flashlights and radios, also repel squirrels. While these common deterrents are easy to install, and don’t have any lasting effect on the environment, they may annoy you, your neighbors and the squirrels, since their noise is so consistent.
2. Exclusion with Fencing and Exclusion Netting
Fencing
Strong, galvanized steel mesh fences work well in keeping small predators away from your roof. The added bonus of fences is that they also keep small rodents, such as mice and rats away as well. Fences usually come in 4-, 6-, and 8- foot steel mesh panels. However, fences are expensive and can be unsightly, causing undesirable damage to a home’s exterior look.
Exclusion Netting
Exclusion netting is an excellent way to keep squirrels away from your home. It’s specially designed to effectively exclude squirrels and other animals, while still providing unobstructed ventilation for your rooftop. The nets come in a range of colors and have an attractive yet sturdy appearance.
3. Repellents
Cayenne Pepper Spray
Cayenne pepper spray is a natural, safe and easy way to keep squirrels off your roof. Cayenne pepper has a spicy and powerful odor that critters won’t like. Simply mix water and cayenne pepper and spray it in spots where squirrels tend to gather. It should be noted, however, that cayenne pepper reapplication is necessary to maintain the deterrent effect.
Salt Deterrent
In the same way that cayenne pepper sprays repel squirrels, so too do salt deterrents. Apply the granules in areas that squirrels are likely to explore, such as around entry points to your attic or roof. Like cayenne pepper, however, these granules need to be reapplied for them to stay effective.
4. Eliminate Food Sources
Cutting off Access to the Roof
Eliminating the access that squirrels have to the roof is the most important part of keeping them away. This usually means removing trees, antennae, wires, and anything else that provides a bridge for the squirrels to cross. Trimming tree branches away from the roof can also help greatly in discouraging squirrels.
Limiting Food Sources
Removing any food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food and droppings, will also help in discouraging squirrels from frequenting your roof. Additionally, try not to leave food waste lying around the yard, as the smell and sight of it will attract many animals, including squirrels.
People Also Ask
What smell do squirrels hate?
The most common smells that squirrels detest are cayenne pepper, peppermint and garlic.
What is the most effective way to get rid of squirrels?
The most effective method for getting rid of squirrels is to cut off their physical access to the roof and eliminate any food source that they may have access to.
Does ammonia repel squirrels?
Yes, ammonia can be used to repel squirrels as its smell is unpleasant to them. However, it should be used sparingly and in well-ventilated areas as inhaling ammonia can be harmful to humans.
Will mothballs keep squirrels away?
Mothballs can be used to repel squirrels, though their smell can also be unpleasant to humans. Additionally, it can be harmful to the environment and requires frequent reapplication in order to remain effective.
Do ultrasonic squirrel repellents work?
Yes, ultrasonic squirrel repellents can be effective in deterring squirrels. However, the success of this method typically depends on the size of the area and how frequently squirrels inhabit it.
Final Thoughts
Squirrels can be a nuisance if they find their way onto your roof. Thankfully, there are a number of solutions available to you, such as motion- activated cat repellents, fencing, deterrents and exclusion netting, to keep them away. However, by far the most important step to keep squirrels away is to cut off their access to the roof and remove any existing food sources. Once these factors are addressed, you can sit back and enjoy a squirrel-free roof.