The Smart Way To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Yard Without Harming Anyone

Squirrels, with their fluffy tails and cute antics, are beloved by many as friendly backyard visitors. However, their penchant for eating almost everything in a garden, like nuts, seeds, shoots, fungi, and even blossoms — all common things that attract squirrels — can make them a bit of a nuisance. They dig up yards and chew down plants for a snack, picking away at things you'd rather be left alone. It's understandable, then, that you'd want to deter these furry friends from your yard. Unfortunately, most of the ways to get rid of squirrels are not very humane. Thankfully, there is one incredibly easy idea to keep squirrels at bay, and it doesn't harm them at all.

The presence of a predator is a strong deterrent that could keep these backyard critters yards away. That doesn't mean you need to send your dogs after them (though it could be effective), nor do you need to place a real predator right in your garden; rather, you can get the same effect with a good old decoy. Much like scarecrows are meant to frighten any birds that come too close to agricultural fields by mimicking a person, placing a fake owl or toy snake in your yard will do the same trick. Squirrels will spot the potential threat and typically won't hazard getting too close for their safety.

Squirrels tend to steer clear of a number of potential predators, among them foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls, and snakes. While getting a life-sized coyote or fox is likely not in the cards for most homeowners, a Dalen Fake Owl Decoy or hawk kite from Amazon can still simulate other real predators in the yard. These large birds of prey are known to love grazing on squirrels, so the rodents steer clear of them. However, an oversized hawk or an owl statue can be quite obvious in the yard, and you may not want it to be the first thing your visitors see. 

For something a bit smaller and more discreet, you can place a realistic rubber or inflatable snake in the grass. This is a cheap and harmless solution that is surprisingly effective. As a bonus, these snakes may also deter other garden pests, such as birds. Just remember where you put it before you mow the lawn! Pair this scare tactic with a few plants that squirrels can't stand, and your garden will be critter-free. Whichever predator you choose to mimic, your fluffy visitors will quickly say goodbye.