Homemade Squirrel Repellent for Your Yard

Squirrels will stay away from chili peppers.

Some people may enjoy the sight of squirrels running around their yards as a display of wildlife agility. For others, however, squirrels can create an incredible nuisance, scaring away birds, chewing up gardens and taunting pets. While there are a variety of squirrel repellents on the market, some may contain chemicals or unpleasant effects that can drive away pets and other animals. Homemade squirrel repellent allows you to carefully select your ingredients. These recipes almost always contain capsaicin, the main component of spicy chiles and peppers.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket or plastic container
• Hot sauce
• 1 tsp. liquid washing detergent
• Spray bottle
• 1 cup crushed chiles
• Strainer

Instructions

Recipe One

1. Fill a bucket or other holding container with 1 gallon of water. Mix in one small bottle of hot sauce that contains capsaicin or cayenne pepper.

2. Add 1 tsp. of liquid dish washing detergent to the mix. The detergent will help the spray stick to the surfaces.

3. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture. Spray the repellent onto fences, trees, plants, siding and any other areas you want to protect from squirrel invasion.

4. Reapply the spray every two weeks or after it rains or as needed to repel squirrels.

Recipe Two

1. Fill a sealable plastic container with 1 gallon of water. Add 1 cup of crushed chiles or cayenne pepper.

2. Seal the container and place it in an area that receives full sunlight during the day. Allow the mixture to steep for seven days.

3. Carefully strain the liquid to remove residual chiles. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray onto fences, trees, plants, siding and any other areas you want to protect from squirrel invasion.

4. Reapply spray every two weeks or after it rains or as needed to repel squirrels.

Tips & Warnings

• Repellent sprays will not drive squirrels away completely, and may need constant reapplication. Supplement sprays with fences or other protective barriers to keep squirrels out.

• Repellent sprays will be incredible spicy and can easily cause eye and skin irritation. Avoid getting repellent into your eyes, and keep it away from children and pets.

References

• Evergreen Animal Protective League: Wildlife Problems: Squirrels
• Our Garden Gang: Critter Problems
• Squirrel Repellent: Homemade Squirrel Repellent Spray Recipes for Your Garden