How to Keep Squirrels Off the Balcony

Squirrels will eat your balcony plants just like those on the ground.

Squirrels invade gardens, drain bird feeders, wreak havoc inside attics and make pests of themselves on balconies. Squirrels leap from branch to branch, so they can reach upper story balconies with ease. The squirrel is always looking for food, which it can find on balconies in bird feeders or pet food trays. They will also dig through house plants in search of any buried food. With a little preparation, you can make your balcony much less appealing to them.

Things You'll Need

• Saw (if needed)
• Wire baffle
• Spray bottle
• Cayenne pepper powder
• Live trap

Instructions

1. Cut back any branches near the balcony. The branches should be no closer than 6 to 8 feet from the balcony.

2. Place a wire baffle around the bases of any bird feeders. The baffle won't keep the squirrels off the balcony, but will prevent them reacher the feeders.

3. Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray the balcony plants just enough to dampen but not soak them. Sprinkle some ground cayenne pepper powder over the damp plants. Squirrels usually can't handle the capsicum in pepper. It should deter the squirrels from digging around in the soil.

4. Bait a live trap with peanut butter. Place the live trap on the balcony, preferably on the floor so it will not fall. Check the trap frequently for any captured squirrels. Transport the squirrels to a wooded area at least 5 miles from your home and release them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a cat or dog, leave it on the balcony. Squirrels will not venture into close quarters with either animal.

References

• The Wildlife Porch: Keep Squirrels Away from Your Wildlife Porch, Deck, or Backyard
• National Gardening Association: Deterring Squirrels from Balconies

Resources

• Professional Wildlife Removal: Squirrel Control & Removal