Squirrels in Toronto can be a nuisance on your property but keep in mind that they are protect wildlife. It is illegal to kill or harm squirrels or transport them for more than a kilometre without a permit.

The law may limit your options but it is still much you can do to control squirrels on your property. Squirrel repellents don’t work including homemade and those bought over the counter.

Keep Squirrels Out of Your Yard

The best measure is to be proactive to keep the squirrels out in the first place. Start by trimming branches within six feet of the house. Squirrels climb the trees to get on the roof and finally into the house. Inspect the exterior of the house thoroughly and seal all holes more than an inch-and-a-half. Use metal flashing or galvanized steel mesh to keep the animals out. Install a chimney mesh screen designed specifically to protect against wildlife.

Call your utility company and find out if they can install PVC piping over the utility lines. The plastic rotates and prevents squirrels from travelling over the line to the roof. Do not attempt to do this job on your own.

Remove all sources of food on your property that may be attracting squirrels. Keep pet food inside and use a bird feeder that is at least six feet from the ground. Alternatively, purchase a squirrel-proof bird feeder.

Finally, protect your plants. Install metal sheeting at the base of your trees or on the tree trunk to make it difficult for the squirrels to gain traction to climb. Allow some room on the sheeting so the tree can grow naturally.

Fence off your flower beds or vegetable garden with galvanized steel mesh at least 30 inches high. Install the fence 6 inches into the ground and at least six inches outward. This ensures that the wildlife can’t barrow through the barrier.

Call a Wildlife Removal Service to Remove Squirrels from the House

Squirrel control may keep the animals out of your yard but is not very effective for those already nesting in your attic or house. Humane eviction is the best way to get rid of squirrels in Toronto. Hire a professional to install a one-way door that allows the squirrels to leave their nest but locks them out when they attempt to re-enter.

The main issue with DIY eviction is separating a mother from its litter. The babies will die of dehydration and starvation without their mother’s care. The younglings may have to be removed by hand which is a potentially dangerous job especially if the mother is around.  A professional wildlife removal service in Toronto also includes repairing squirrel damage, wildlife-proofing the home and cleaning up after eviction. Insist on a warranty of at least two years for the service.