Is There a Scent to Keep Squirrels Away?
Squirrels can be cute and fun to look at when they’re out in the wild. However, these little critters are more of a nuisance when they decide to nest in your home. However, did you know that squirrels hate a few scents? So, what smell do squirrels hate?
Many native squirrels carry diseases and pests like scabies, ticks, and lice. Squirrels will also not hesitate to damage your lawn or garden to scavenge your food.
One great way to deter squirrels from entering your home is with scent. Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and certain scents can scare them away. So, what smell keeps squirrels away?
This guide answers the question: what smells will keep squirrels away? Read on to find out more!
What Kind of Smell Do Squirrels Hate?
Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and will use it to find food and shelter. Having a cat or dog around can help, as their scent can scare squirrels away. However, there are also natural solutions you may have sitting around your home.
Squirrels hate strong, spicy, and sweet scents as these smells can irritate their delicate noses.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a versatile essential oil, often used in aromatherapy and treating health issues. It can relieve pain, the common cold, and seasonal allergies. However, the scent of peppermint oil is not as pleasant for squirrels.
You can make a homemade repellent with ten drops of oil and eight ounces of water. You may also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in problem areas.
Coffee Grounds
Are you a coffee drinker that wants to keep squirrels out of your garden? Don’t throw away your coffee grounds! Instead, sprinkle them around your garden as a natural squirrel repellent.
Squirrels dislike the distinctive smell of coffee grounds and will avoid it if possible. Another benefit of coffee grounds is that they’re good for your garden. Coffee grounds contain potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which makes for an excellent fertilizer.
However, remember that the acidic nature of coffee grounds may cause unwanted side effects in certain plants. Acid-loving plants like azaleas, hollies, and roses will benefit the most. Tomatoes, on the other hand, may develop brown leaf tips.
Cinnamon and Spice
Squirrels distance themselves from hot pepper smells, like jalapeño, cayenne, and black pepper. Because of the spicy nature of cinnamon, you can also use this to repel squirrels from your home! To use pepper as a deterrent, mix three spoonfuls with a half-gallon of water.
White, black, and cayenne pepper are best for gardens. However, be mindful of using this under harsh sun conditions as it may burn your plants.
Like coffee grounds, you can sprinkle cinnamon grounds around your garden. You can also mix cinnamon oil with peppermint oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another effective natural solution to pesky squirrels. Its pungent aroma can mask the smell of food sources in your home or garden. You can soak a rag with apple cider vinegar and place it in areas you want to address.
You can also make a mixture with one-ounce vinegar and one gallon of water. This spray bottle mixture can also help you get rid of ants and weeds.
What Smell Keeps Squirrels Away?
So, what smell keeps squirrels away? Is there a scent to keep squirrels away? The answer is yes; these solutions are all-natural and won’t harm you or your property.
While scent can be an effective squirrel deterrent, it isn’t always enough. Squirrels can be stubborn and will find a way to sneak into your walls and crawlspaces. Contact us today to learn more about our wildlife removal services.
