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How to Get Rid of Aggressive Squirrels

Despite their innocent-looking faces, squirrels can be troublesome to deal with and aggressive to homeowners and birds. Aggressive squirrels raid bird feeders, nest around a house damaging wires and insulation, gnaw electrical wires, dig in gardens and make loud noises. In urban areas with a lack of trees to provide food and shelter, many squirrels choose to reside near human homes and feed off of bird food and garden produce. Tree squirrels, the most common of the more than 200 squirrel species worldwide, eat nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, other plants, insects and caterpillars. Getting rid of aggressive squirrels may be an ongoing battle because of the number of squirrels residing in urban areas.

Things You'll Need

Baffle for bird feeder
Nuts
Dried corn
Safflower seed
Live trap

Instructions

Near bird feeders
- 1
  Move bird feeders at least 10 feet away from trees and fences. The distance reduces the number of jumping-off points for squirrels.
- 2
  Install a baffle to squirrel-proof existing bird feeders. Baffles are shaped like an inverted bowl placed between squirrels and bird feeders, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says. If a squirrel jumps on the baffle, the squirrel will slide off. Purchase a baffle or make one from an old vinyl record or large plastic salad bowl.
- 3
  Feed squirrels with nuts and dried corn at a feeder away from window sills or door steps. Feeding aggressive squirrels could deter them from raiding a bird feeder.
- 4
  Use safflower seed in bird feeders. According to Wild Birds Unlimited, safflower discourages squirrels from eating at the feeders only if it is used exclusively.
- 5
  Live trap aggressive squirrels. Check with state and local regulations for live trapping and releasing wild animals before proceeding. Squirrels need to be relocated at least a few miles away or they may find their way back, according to Wild Birds Unlimited. Squirrels may have trouble finding food or adapting to a new environment that is already populated by aggressive squirrels.
Near homes
- 6
  Feed squirrels with nuts and corn at a feeder away from window sills or door steps. Feeding aggressive squirrels could deter them from trying to get into the house.
- 7
  Remove bird feeders placed in the yard or replace any bird seed with safflower seed.
- 8
  Live trap aggressive squirrels. Check with state and local regulations for live trapping and releasing wild animals before proceeding.

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