9 Effective Methods To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Car

You’ve probably had your fair share of run-ins with squirrels if you live near trees. These little creatures are notorious for their preference for nuts and acorns, yet they’re also recognized to cause automobile property damage.

That’s right, squirrels are known to chew on car wires and can also nest in engine compartments. As a result, it’s essential to take steps to keep them away from your vehicle.

Here are nine effective methods to keep squirrels away from your car: 

1) Install a motion sensor alarm to scare squirrels away

If you have squirrel problems in your yard, a motion sensor alarm is one option. When the alarm is triggered, it produces a loud racket to scare squirrels (and other animals).

While it may take a few tries for the squirrels to get the message, eventually, they should learn to stay away from your property.

As a bonus, motion sensor alarms can deter burglars and other unwanted human visitors.

So if you’re looking for a way to keep your garden safe from trespassers, large and small, a motion sensor alarm is the perfect solution.

2) Be sure to trim tree branches away from your car.

Trimming tree branches away from your car may seem like a lot of work, but preventing squirrels from damaging your vehicle is worth it.

Squirrels are known for their love of climbing and can easily use tree branches to jump onto your car.

Once on your vehicle, they may try to gnaw on the paint or windows, which can cause extensive damage.

By trimming the branches away, you can help to keep them off of your car and prevent them from causing any damage.

In addition, cutting the branches also helps to improve the appearance of your yard and makes it easier to park your car.

3) Get a metal cover for your car’s engine.

As any car owner knows, the engine is an essential part of the vehicle. It houses many vital components that make the car run and is susceptible to damage from dirt, debris, and animals.

In particular, squirrels have been known to cause havoc by chewing on wires and other engine parts. A metal cover can help to protect the engine from these dangers.

The body will keep out dirt and debris and deter squirrels from getting into the engine bay. As a result, a metal cover is a valuable investment for any car owner.

4) Place mothballs or ammonia around the car.

It’s common knowledge that mothballs and ammonia are great for deterring pests like rodents and squirrels. But did you know that they can also be used to protect your car from these critters?

Place a few mothballs or a small ammonia container under your car’s hood, and you’ll discourage squirrels from making a nest there.

You can also use mothballs or ammonia to help keep squirrels out of your garage or shed; just put them around the perimeter of the building, and they’ll stay away.

So if you’re looking for an effective and inexpensive way to keep squirrels away from your property, reach for the mothballs or ammonia next time you see one of these furry pests.

5) Hang bird feeders away from your car

Anyone who’s ever tried to keep squirrels away from their bird feeders knows what persistent little critters they can be.

No matter how often you chase them out, they always seem to find a way back. However, there is one surefire way to keep them at bay: hang the feeders out of their reach.

Squirrels are outstanding climbers but are not so good at jumping down from high up. So by hanging the bird feeders just out of their reach, you can deter them from raiding your feeders.

So, try this method if you’re tired of constantly chasing away squirrels. Chances are you’ll be glad you did.

6) Keep your garage or shed clean and organized.

Keeping these areas clean and organized is essential if you store your car in a garage or shed. A cluttered space is more likely to attract squirrels, as they’re looking for a place to hide or build a nest.

So be sure to sweep and vacuum regularly and store food items in sealed containers. Keeping your garage or shed clean can help deter squirrels from making themselves at home.

In addition, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on any gaps or holes in the structure, as these can provide an easy entry point for pests.

You can help keep your garage or shed free of unwanted visitors by taking simple preventive measures.

7) Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the car

Sprinkle some cayenne pepper around the vehicle. The spice will deter squirrels from approaching, and it won’t cause any harm to them. Just be sure to reapply the pepper after it rains, as it will quickly lose its potency.

And if you have pets, keep them away from the pepper as well, as it can irritate their skin and eyes. With a bit of cayenne pepper, you can keep squirrels at bay and protect your car from pesky raids.

8) Try using a commercial repellent product designed to keep rodents away.

If you have a rodent problem, one solution is to try a commercial repellent product.

Many different brands and types of repellents are available, so you’ll need to research to find the right one for your needs.

Some products use ultrasonic sound waves to keep rodents away, while others release a scent that is offensive to them.

You’ll also need to decide how often to reapply the repellent, as some products only last for a short time before needing to be reapplied.

Whatever product you choose, follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it is used correctly. You can keep your home free of unwanted rodents with a little effort.

9) Contact a wildlife control company.

If you can’t seem to keep squirrels away from your property, it may be time to contact a wildlife control company. These professionals will be able to help you get rid of the squirrels for good so that you can finally enjoy your yard again.

They will also be able to advise you on how to keep other animals away in the future so that you don’t have to deal with this problem again.

Contacting a wildlife control company is usually the best option when it comes to getting rid of squirrels, so don’t hesitate to give them a call if you’re having trouble.

Bonus: Keep your car clean

One of the best ways to deter squirrels from approaching your car is to keep it clean. A dirty vehicle is more likely to attract these critters, as they’re looking for a place to hide or build a nest.

So be sure to wash and wax your car regularly, and vacuum out the interior to remove any food crumbs that might attract them. Keeping your car clean can make it less appealing to squirrels and help keep them away.

If squirrels have damaged your car, it’s essential to repair it as soon as possible. These animals can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle, and the longer you wait to fix it, the more expensive it will be.

So if you see any chewing damage, holes, or nests in your car, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible. Taking care of the damage right away can help prevent further damage and keep your vehicle looking its best.

What smells will keep squirrels away?

One of the best ways to keep squirrels away is to make your yard smell unappealing to them. Because they have such a strong sense of smell, they are easily deterred by strong odors.

Mustard, garlic, and chili peppers are the most potent scents. You may make a squirrel-repelling spray by combining these components with water and applying it around your yard’s perimeter.

Another option is to plant these smells in your garden. Mustard and chili peppers can be grown annually, and garlic is a perennial that will come back every year. By filling your garden with these smells, you can make it unappealing to squirrels and other pests.

What will scare a squirrel away?

If you’re looking for a way to scare them away, there are a few things you can try. One is to put up a fake owl or hawk in your yard; these predators will send the squirrels running.

You can also try stringing up shiny objects like old CDs or foil; the reflections will startle them. Another option is to make a homemade squirrel repellent using hot pepper sauce or mustard oil; be careful not to get it on any plants or flower beds where you don’t want to deter wildlife.

With a little trial and error, you should be able to find a method that works to keep the squirrels away from your property.