Squirrels often target household garbage containers for food, scattering refuse across yards and streets. This creates significant messes and can attract other scavengers. Rodents are motivated by the easy availability of discarded food scraps and possess dexterity to access poorly secured lids. Understanding how squirrels breach containers allows for the implementation of targeted security measures that address both access and attraction.
Implement Physical Security Measures
The most effective strategy involves modifying the garbage container itself to create an impassable barrier. Squirrels gain access by nudging or lifting loose lids, so heavy-duty straps or bungee cords placed horizontally around the can and lid are necessary. For maximum resistance, securing devices should be fed through the handles or anchor points near the bottom, ensuring the tension holds the lid firmly against the rim gasket. This tight seal is necessary to prevent even a small gap from forming.
Squirrels also tip over lighter cans to dislodge the lid or access waste. To counteract this, containers should be secured to a fixed object, such as a fence post or utility structure, using a strong chain or cable. Preventing movement eliminates the squirrel’s ability to use leverage to exploit weaknesses in the lid’s seal. This immobilization is a simple yet powerful deterrent to larger rodent species as well.
The material composition of the container is a factor in its vulnerability. While plastic cans are common, squirrels can chew through them, especially around the edges or existing holes. Switching to metal containers with tightly fitting, reinforced lids offers more resistance to gnawing and structural damage. Weighted lids, which incorporate internal ballast, add passive resistance against smaller animals attempting to lift the cover.
Use Non-Toxic Sensory Deterrents
Squirrels use their developed sense of smell to locate food sources, making olfactory deterrents a useful secondary defense layer. Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, is an effective non-toxic deterrent when applied to the can’s exterior and lid. The burning sensation is unpleasant to mammals without causing lasting harm, teaching the squirrel to associate the container with an aversive experience. A concentration of at least 0.1% capsaicin is typically required for reliable deterrence.
Capsaicin sprays must be reapplied frequently, especially following rain or heavy dew, to maintain potency on the container’s surfaces. Solutions of white vinegar or ammonia-soaked rags can also be wiped onto the can’s exterior, as the strong odors are offensive to small rodents. These methods overwhelm the squirrel’s scent receptors, making food odors within the can less detectable or appealing.
Noise and sudden movements can discourage approach. Motion-activated devices, such as sonic emitters or water sprinklers, can be positioned near the garbage storage area. The sudden activation startles the animal, creating an unpredictable and undesirable environment for foraging. Using a combination of taste and startle methods increases the likelihood of long-term avoidance behavior in the local squirrel population.
Adjust Waste Handling Routines
Minimizing the attractive scent profile of the waste is essential for deterrence. Food scraps, particularly meat, bones, and fruit rinds, should be contained in thick, reinforced bags. Double-bagging these items traps volatile organic compounds, reducing the distance from which a squirrel can detect the food source. This makes the scent trail less potent and harder to follow.
Before disposal, containers that held food residue, such as yogurt cups or take-out boxes, should be thoroughly rinsed. Eliminating surface residues prevents strong food scents from permeating the bags and the can. This step helps maintain a lower overall odor signature, making the container less of a target.
To mask residual smells, sprinkling baking soda or ammonia-soaked material at the bottom of the empty can neutralizes or overpowers odors. Altering the timing of disposal can reduce the window of opportunity for foraging. Cans should only be placed outside for collection immediately before the scheduled pickup time, rather than the night before, minimizing overnight access and potential damage.