Using squirrel repellents around your home

Content Updated: September 30, 2025

Squirrels are pesky rodents. They forage in our yards and sneak into our homes when they are not welcome. As they leap from branches and climb up trees, they often carry our garden’s most prized possessions - crops. Even worse, they loudly race across our roofs and can find themselves trapped in our attics and walls. Squirrels can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and your insurance policy may not cover the cost of repairs. There are several tactics people have used to help keep squirrels off their property. Keep reading to find the best squirrel repellent.

What is the best squirrel repellent or deterrent?

The best squirrel repellent or deterrent works by either making the area less appealing to squirrels or creating barriers that prevent them from accessing food sources. In most cases, a combination of squirrel repellents and deterrents works best.

Steel mesh

Steel mesh is an effective material often used for wildlife exclusion to help deter squirrels from entering unwanted areas, such as attics, eaves, or gardens. Wildlife exclusion involves sealing off entry points to prevent animals from accessing a space. To create a barrier that squirrels cannot penetrate, you need materials that are both durable and resistant to their gnawing abilities. Steel mesh is ideal because it is strong and weather-resistant, making it difficult for squirrels to chew through. Terminix offers Flexi Armour, a durable steel mesh that can be used with our wildlife exclusion services.

Hot sauce

Hot sauce contains capsaicin, a substance that causes irritation when ingested. In particular, it causes a burning sensation in the back of your throat. Like humans, squirrels can also experience these effects. By applying hot sauce around infested areas, squirrels may ingest it.

Contrary to popular belief, hot sauce does not act as a squirrel killer. Rather, squirrels may associate the burning sensation with the location in your home and be less likely to return. Effects vary from animal to animal, so there is no guarantee that hot sauce will work as a squirrel deterrent. Be aware that hot sauce can cause severe damage to your property; therefore, we recommend avoiding this DIY method as a squirrel repellent.

Peppermint, coffee grounds, and other natural repellents

Natural squirrel repellents like peppermint and coffee grounds can be an effective solution to keep squirrels away. Squirrels and many other pests find these odors unpleasant, which can discourage them from invading certain areas. However, the effectiveness of natural squirrel repellents like peppermint oil, coffee grounds, apple cider vinegar, and cloves can diminish quickly, especially in outdoor settings where weather conditions can wash away the scent. While there’s no definitive scientific proof that squirrels universally hate these scents, many experts believe that they can help reduce squirrel activity.

Visual deterrents

Visual deterrents, such as fake owls, can be a useful tactic to help keep squirrels away from your property. The idea behind using these visual squirrel deterrents is that they mimic natural predators, causing squirrels to feel threatened and avoid areas where they are placed. However, the effectiveness of fake owls can vary. Squirrels may initially be deterred by the presence of a fake owl, but over time, they might become accustomed to it and recognize it as a harmless object.

Adhesive materials: Polybutenes

Polybutenes are a squirrel deterrent that creates a sticky lubricant that can deter squirrels from scaling railings and buildings. As they walk across the material, their feet may become stuck, which could cause so much irritation that they don’t return.

Just as this material is sticky for squirrels, it can be sticky for humans. Application of polybutenes may not be easy. In addition to the messiness, polybutenes have shown little effectiveness in repelling squirrels.

It’s important to remember that polybutenes are chemical substances. As such, they can have toxic effects on your body if misused. It is not recommended to use polybutenes as a squirrel repellent, as they may cause eye irritation.

Protective wraps

Wraps may help protect trees, crops, or openings like vents and chimneys around your home. Using wraps as a squirrel repellent involves a more hands-on approach that may require you to buy, cut, and connect the mesh or wire to fit the space. Depending on the size of the opening, you may need a specific material and thickness. For example, chimneys need at least a quarter-inch mesh hardware cloth. On the other hand, smaller openings around your home may need a half-inch hardware cloth.

Even so, squirrels can jump up to eight feet horizontally or 11 feet downward, so they may be able to reach openings on your home even with the wrap. Building wraps around your home without professional help can be dangerous, as you could easily fall and injure yourself.

Feeling overwhelmed by squirrels? Call in the professionals

Squirrels can overrun both your home and your garden. Each of these environments requires a tailored solution that DIY squirrel repellents aren’t able to achieve effectively and safely.

For a customized plan for your home or garden, schedule a free inspection with Terminix. By identifying intruders and their entry points, Terminix technicians can create a personalized solution to help keep squirrels from returning. Remember that squirrels can be dangerous, especially when they’re stuck in a confined space like your home. For your safety, contact Terminix to help remove the wildlife and keep you out of harm’s way.