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Squirrels tend to forage, traveling along roof and fence lines. To trap a squirrel, placing a baited trap on the roof near the point of entry is the best option. If you can see them going in and out or recognize the damage they might be causing to the exterior of your home, you can also try placing traps near those locations.

To keep animals away from your trash, you can spray store-bought ammonia-based cleaners on the bag or make your own spray. All you need is a spray bottle with one part ammonia and one part water. Once you’ve sprayed the bags, keep your kids and pets away.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.

While you might want to cut corners by either borrowing or purchasing used live traps for catching rats, this can be dangerous because those traps could contain leftover viruses and bacteria that will enter your home. Always start fresh with new materials to avoid contamination.