6 Easy Ways to Entice Squirrels to Your Backyard

Squirrels in a backyard

Squirrels are fascinating creatures that can bring joy to your backyard. With their curious personalities and adorable antics, these bushy-tailed critters can quickly become a welcome sight. If you’re eager to attract these playful animals to your outdoor space, there are several effective ways to do so. By offering enticing treats, creating a suitable habitat, and maintaining a positive approach, you can increase the chances of squirrels paying a visit to your home.

One of the most important factors in attracting squirrels is providing them with a readily available food source. Squirrels are omnivorous and enjoy a wide variety of nuts, seeds, and fruits. You can offer them peanuts, sunflower seeds, or a mix specifically designed for squirrels. Placing these treats in a designated feeding area will help the squirrels become familiar with your yard and associate it with a reliable source of nourishment. It’s important to keep the feeding area clean and free of old or spoiled food to prevent the spread of disease.

In addition to food, creating a welcoming habitat for squirrels is essential. These animals seek shelter in trees and dense vegetation, so consider planting trees and shrubs in your yard to provide them with a safe and comfortable place to rest and hide. Additionally, you can install squirrel houses or nest boxes to offer them a sheltered spot during inclement weather. By providing both food and shelter, you’re more likely to attract squirrels to your backyard and encourage them to return frequently.

Establishing a Regular Feeding Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to attracting squirrels. By establishing a regular feeding schedule, you create a sense of predictability and routine that will encourage squirrels to visit your property on a regular basis. Choose a specific time each day to put out food, and stick to it as closely as possible, even on weekends. This will help the squirrels learn when to expect food, and they will be more likely to come to your area in anticipation.

It’s important to choose a feeding location that is easily accessible to the squirrels but also safe from potential predators. Avoid placing food near busy roads or in areas where there is a lot of human activity. A quiet spot in your backyard or on a patio is ideal.

When selecting food for your squirrel visitors, it’s best to offer a variety of options to cater to their diverse tastes. Here is a table with some suggested squirrel treats:

Food Options
Peanuts (unsalted and in the shell)
Sunflower seeds
Walnuts
Almonds
Hazelnuts
Fresh fruits (e.g., apples, grapes, bananas)

It’s important to keep the feeding area clean and free of any food leftovers. This will help prevent the accumulation of pests and ensure that the food remains fresh and safe for the squirrels to consume. Additionally, it’s advisable to provide fresh water nearby, especially during the hot summer months.

Avoiding Harmful Substances and Behaviours

Squirrels can be curious creatures, but it’s important to avoid actions and substances that could harm them. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods, such as junk food and human leftovers, are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These foods can upset squirrels’ digestive systems and potentially lead to health problems.

2. Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides

Pesticides and herbicides used in gardening or pest control can be toxic to wildlife, including squirrels. Avoid using these chemicals near areas where squirrels frequent.

3. Avoid Harassment

Squirrels are generally shy animals. Chasing, cornering, or otherwise harassing them can stress them out and lead to them avoiding the area.

4. Avoid Poisonous Plants

Certain plants, such as daffodils, tulips, and azaleas, are toxic to squirrels. If you have these plants in your yard, take steps to keep squirrels away from them.

5. Avoid Traps and Glue Boards

Traps and glue boards are inhumane and can injure or kill squirrels. Avoid using these methods for squirrel control.

6. Avoid Sharp Objects

Squirrels can be easily injured by sharp objects, such as lawn mower blades or garden tools. Keep these items stored safely when not in use.

7. Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, contain nicotine, which is toxic to squirrels. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco near areas where squirrels live.

Maintaining a Clean and Orderly Feeding Area

Squirrels are naturally wary of unfamiliar environments, so keeping the feeding area clean and clutter-free will encourage them to approach. Start by selecting a designated spot away from potential hazards like pets or loud noises.

Regularly sweep up spilled nuts, seeds, or other debris. This prevents attracting pests, such as rodents or insects, that can deter squirrels.

Provide fresh food and water daily. Stale food or stagnant water can make squirrels hesitant to visit.

Consider using a squirrel-proof bird feeder to prevent larger animals from accessing the food supply.

Avoid placing the feeding area directly under a tree, as squirrels may be reluctant to cross open spaces due to the risk of predators.

Gradually increase the size and variety of food offered over time. This helps squirrels become accustomed to the area and reduces their wariness.

If squirrels start to hoard food, remove any excess and adjust the feeding schedule to provide smaller portions throughout the day.

Establishing a Routine

By feeding squirrels at consistent times and locations, you can create a sense of predictability and routine. This makes them more likely to approach you, as they know when and where to expect food.

Start by feeding them at a specific time each day, and gradually extend the duration of the feeding sessions.

Once squirrels become comfortable with your presence, you can begin offering food from your hand. Be patient and gentle, and always approach them slowly and calmly.

Remember that squirrels are wild animals, so it may take some time to build trust. Respect their boundaries and do not attempt to touch or handle them unless absolutely necessary.

Enjoying the Companionship of Squirrels Responsibly

Squirrels are fascinating and playful creatures that can bring joy to our lives. By understanding their behavior and providing them with a safe and welcoming environment, we can foster a mutually beneficial relationship with these adorable animals.

10. Safeguard Their Habitat

Squirrels depend on trees for shelter, nesting, and food. Avoid altering or removing trees in areas where squirrels are present. Preserve their natural environment by protecting trees from damage, pollution, and deforestation. Safety considerations include:

Tree Related Hazard Safety Measures
Fallen branches Remove fallen branches to prevent injuries.
Rotten or diseased trees Have trees inspected regularly for decay or disease.
Power lines Maintain a safe distance between trees and power lines.

How To Make Squirrels Come To You

Squirrels are curious and playful creatures that can be a joy to watch. If you’re hoping to attract squirrels to your yard, there are a few simple things you can do to make them feel welcome.

First, provide them with a food source. Squirrels love nuts, seeds, and fruits. You can scatter these around your yard or place them in a feeder specifically designed for squirrels. If you’re offering nuts, be sure to crack them first so that the squirrels can easily get to the meat. These will let your backyard visitors know where they can find a tasty treat and will increase the chances they will visit regularly.

Another way to attract squirrels is to provide them with a water source. This could be a birdbath, a shallow dish, or even a dripping hose. Squirrels need to stay hydrated, and they will appreciate having a place to drink near your home. If possible, put the water source away from your home. This will make it less likely that the squirrels will become a nuisance.

Finally, make sure your yard is squirrel-friendly. This means providing them with plenty of places to climb and hide. Trees, shrubs, and even a simple pile of logs will all appeal to squirrels. If you have a lot of squirrels, you might consider building them a squirrel house. A squirrel house provides a safe and comfortable place for them to sleep and raise their young.

People Also Ask About How To Make Squirrels Come To You

How Can I Attract Squirrels To My Yard?

There are a few things you can do to attract squirrels to your yard. First, provide them with a food source, such as nuts, seeds, or fruits. You can also place a water source in your yard, such as a birdbath or a shallow dish. Finally, make sure your yard is squirrel-friendly by providing them with plenty of places to climb and hide.

What Is The Best Way To Feed Squirrels?

The best way to feed squirrels is to scatter nuts, seeds, or fruits around your yard. You can also place them in a feeder specifically designed for squirrels. If you’re offering nuts, be sure to crack them first so that the squirrels can easily get to the meat.

How Can I Keep Squirrels Away From My Bird Feeders?

There are a few things you can do to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders. First, place the feeders in a location that is difficult for squirrels to reach, such as on a pole or hanging from a tree branch. You can also use a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from getting to the food.

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