How To Keep Squirrels Off Your Porch: Tips For A Critter-Free Outdoor Space

Are you tired of constantly shooing away squirrels from your porch? Do you dread stepping outside only to find your outdoor space covered in chewed up nuts and debris? Keeping squirrels off your porch can be a frustrating task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can create a critter-free outdoor space that you can enjoy year-round.

In this article, we will explore various methods for keeping squirrels away from your porch. From removing any food sources to installing squirrel-proof barriers and using repellents, we have compiled a comprehensive list of tips to help you keep your porch squirrel-free.

Whether you are dealing with one pesky squirrel or an entire family of critters, these tips will help you reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy it to the fullest.

Remove Any Food Sources

Make sure you don’t leave any crumbs or scraps laying around, or those pesky squirrels will have a feast on your porch in no time! Squirrels are always on the lookout for food, and if they find anything edible on your porch, they’ll keep coming back for more.

So, be sure to clean up after yourself and your pets, and don’t leave any food out in the open. If you have bird feeders on your porch, you may want to reconsider their placement. Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders and stealing the seeds.

You can try moving the feeders further away from your porch or investing in squirrel-proof feeders. Also, try to avoid using seed mixes that contain peanuts or other nuts, as these are a favorite food of squirrels.

Another thing to consider is your trash cans. Squirrels are attracted to the smell of food, so make sure your trash cans are properly sealed. If possible, store your trash cans indoors or in a screened-in area to keep squirrels from getting into them.

By removing any potential food sources, you can greatly reduce the chances of squirrels visiting your porch.

Install Squirrel-Proof Barriers

By installing squirrel-proof barriers, you’ll finally be able to enjoy your porch without any pesky interruptions. Squirrels can be quite persistent in their quest for food and shelter, so it’s important to take extra measures to keep them at bay.

One effective way to do this is by installing squirrel-proof barriers around your porch. These barriers can include mesh netting, chicken wire, or even motion-activated sprinklers.

Mesh netting is a great option for keeping squirrels out of your porch. Simply attach the netting to the sides and top of your porch using heavy-duty staples or zip-ties. This will create a barrier that is difficult for squirrels to climb or chew through. Chicken wire can also be used in a similar way, but it may be more visible and less aesthetically pleasing.

Motion-activated sprinklers can be a more high-tech option, as they will spray water at any approaching squirrels. This can be a great way to deter them from coming near your porch.

No matter which type of squirrel-proof barrier you choose, make sure to inspect it regularly for any holes or weaknesses. Squirrels are clever creatures and will find a way in if they can. Additionally, be sure to properly dispose of any food or garbage on or near your porch, as this will only attract more squirrels.

By taking these steps, you can create a critter-free outdoor space that you can enjoy all year round.

Plant Squirrel-Repelling Plants

If you want to keep squirrels away from your porch, planting squirrel-repelling plants is a great idea. Consider using plants with strong scents like peppermint, lavender, and garlic. Another option is to plant spiky or thorny shrubs like holly or roses.

Just make sure to avoid planting fruits and nuts that’ll attract squirrels instead of repelling them.

Use Plants with Strong Scents

With fragrant plants like lavender and rosemary, your porch can become an aromatic oasis that repels squirrels. These plants have strong scents that are pleasing to humans but repulsive to squirrels. Here are four ways you can use fragrant plants to keep squirrels off your porch:

1. Plant lavender and rosemary around the perimeter of your porch. The scent will keep squirrels away from your outdoor space.

2. Hang dried lavender bundles or sachets around your porch. This will release the scent and discourage squirrels from getting too close.

3. Use lavender or rosemary essential oils to make a natural squirrel repellent spray. Mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it around your porch.

4. Add these fragrant plants to your porch decor. Not only will they add a lovely scent to your space, but they’ll also keep squirrels away.

Plant Spiky or Thorny Shrubs

Spiky or thorny shrubs add an extra layer of protection to your porch against unwanted furry visitors. These plants are not only effective in keeping squirrels away, but they also serve as a decorative addition to your outdoor space.

Some great options for spiky or thorny shrubs include holly, barberry, and pyracantha. These plants have sharp leaves or thorny branches that make it difficult for squirrels to climb or jump onto your porch.

When choosing spiky or thorny shrubs, make sure to plant them strategically around the perimeter of your porch. This will create a barrier that squirrels will have to navigate in order to reach your porch. Additionally, regular pruning and maintenance of these plants will ensure that they remain dense and impenetrable for squirrels.

With spiky or thorny shrubs as part of your porch defense plan, you can enjoy a critter-free outdoor space.

Avoid Planting Fruits and Nuts

Now that you know about the benefits of planting spiky or thorny shrubs to keep squirrels off your porch, it’s time to learn about what not to plant if you want to avoid attracting these critters.

One of the first things you should avoid planting are fruits and nuts, as they are a major food source for squirrels. These animals are known for their love of acorns, almonds, pecans, and other nuts, which they can easily find and crack open with their sharp teeth.

If you have fruit trees or berry bushes on your porch, you’re also more likely to attract squirrels, who will happily feast on your ripe produce.

To prevent squirrels from invading your porch, consider planting alternative vegetation that won’t attract them. For instance, herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and mint are great options that can also add a pop of color and fragrance to your outdoor space.

You can also plant flowers such as marigolds, daffodils, and tulips, which are not only beautiful but also have a strong scent that squirrels dislike.

By avoiding fruits and nuts and planting alternative vegetation, you can create a critter-free porch that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without any unwanted visitors.

Use Repellents

You can easily keep squirrels off your porch by spraying a natural repellent on the surrounding areas, creating a strong scent that will deter them from coming near. There are several types of natural repellents available in the market, such as peppermint oil, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. You can make your own repellent by mixing any of these ingredients with water and spraying it on the areas where squirrels are likely to come.

To make the repellent more effective, you can also use it on the birdseed or other food sources that you keep on your porch. Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and the repellent will make the food unappetizing for them. You can also use physical barriers, such as netting or chicken wire, to prevent squirrels from accessing the food.

Another way to use repellents is to plant herbs and flowers that squirrels dislike, such as daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths. These plants have a strong smell that squirrels find unappealing, and they will avoid coming near them. You can also hang a few sachets of dried herbs, such as lavender or rosemary, around your porch to keep squirrels away.

It’s important to note that while repellents can be effective, they’re not foolproof. Squirrels are resourceful animals, and they may find ways to overcome the repellent. Therefore, it’s important to combine repellent use with other strategies, such as keeping your porch clean and free of debris, and using physical barriers to prevent squirrels from accessing your porch.

Modify Your Porch

If you’re tired of squirrels wreaking havoc on your outdoor sanctuary, consider making some modifications to your porch. One way to deter squirrels is by installing barriers that prevent them from accessing your porch. You can use mesh or chicken wire to block off any openings or gaps that squirrels may use to climb or jump onto your porch.

Additionally, you can install a motion-activated sprinkler system that will spray water at any squirrel that tries to get too close to your porch. Another way to modify your porch is by removing any food sources that may be attracting squirrels. This includes bird feeders, pet food bowls, and any other outdoor food storage containers.

Squirrels are attracted to these food sources and will keep coming back if they are available. Instead, store pet food and birdseed indoors and clean up any fallen seeds or scraps from your porch. You can modify your porch by adding plants that squirrels don’t like.

Squirrels tend to avoid plants with strong scents or prickly leaves. Some examples of squirrel-deterrent plants include daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths. By adding these types of plants to your porch, you can create a natural barrier that will keep squirrels away.

Use Sound and Visual Deterrents

Using sound and visual deterrents such as wind chimes and scarecrows can help create a peaceful and squirrel-free porch. Squirrels are easily frightened by sudden sounds and movements, so incorporating these types of items in your porch can discourage them from coming near.

Wind chimes, for example, not only create a calming atmosphere but also produce noise that can startle squirrels and make them think twice about coming too close. To maximize the effectiveness of sound and visual deterrents, make sure to strategically place them around your porch. Hang wind chimes near the entrance or in areas where squirrels tend to gather.

Scarecrows, on the other hand, can be placed in corners or on top of furniture to create a physical obstacle for squirrels to avoid. Additionally, you can use reflective objects such as mirrors or CDs to create a visual deterrent that can disorient squirrels and discourage them from coming near.

Remember to change up the location and type of deterrents every once in a while to keep squirrels from getting used to them. You can also try combining different types of deterrents to create a more effective defense. Using sound and visual deterrents may not completely eradicate the presence of squirrels on your porch, but it can certainly make it a less desirable place for them to hang out. So, get creative and experiment with different types of deterrents to find what works best for your porch.

Call in the Professionals

Sometimes, it’s best to leave the squirrel removal to the professionals. If you’ve tried all the DIY tricks in the book and nothing seems to work, it may be time to call in the experts.

Wildlife removal specialists have the knowledge and tools necessary to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property. One advantage of hiring a professional is that they can help you identify the root cause of your squirrel problem. They can assess your property and determine what’s attracting the critters in the first place. From there, they can recommend long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.

When choosing a wildlife removal company, be sure to do your research. Look for a company that is licensed and insured, and has positive reviews from previous customers. You want to make sure you’re hiring someone who knows what they’re doing and will treat the animals humanely.

With the help of a professional, you can enjoy a critter-free outdoor space without harming any furry creatures in the process.