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Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by various scents they dislike. Effective options include peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, white vinegar, coffee grounds, and predator urine. Squirrels also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based repellents a good choice for protecting specific areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a garlic and vinegar spray and apply it daily. Additionally, placing strong-smelling items like certain soaps or dryer sheets near where squirrels frequent can also be effective.

Professional pest control works faster than any DIY method, so it’s the way to go if you want your pest problem gone ASAP. A basic treatment can take place in under six hours, while larger fumigations may take up to a week. You should start noticing a significant reduction in pests within a couple of days, with full results in about a week on average.

A standard homeowners insurance policy will often cover raccoon damage in an attic, on a roof, or in other areas of a home’s structure. If you have raccoons removed and discover structural damage, file a claim. However, homeowners insurance typically won’t cover the repair or replacement of personal items that you may have stored in an attic.

No single deterrent will work 100 percent of the time, so we suggest combining deterrents to ensure your seed has the best possible chance to grow. Using bird netting over your seed, with physical deterrents like mylar tape coupled with hanging bird feeders at the edges of your growing area—and removing any bird’s nests, if possible—will give your seeds the best possible chance for success.