How do I get a squirrel of my netted balcony?

The Frustrating Conundrum of the Squirrel-Infested Balcony: A Step-by-Step Guide to Evicting Unwanted Guests

As the weather warms up, many of us enjoy spending time on our balconies, soaking up the sun and fresh air. However, for some, this outdoor oasis can quickly turn into a nightmare when uninvited critters like squirrels decide to move in. What was once a peaceful retreat can become a battleground, with those bushy-tailed furry friends refusing to give up their new domain. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to peacefully coexist with these pesky creatures and, if necessary, humanely evict them from your netted balcony.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Before you start, observe the situation carefully. Check if the squirrels are actually causing damage to your balcony, plants, or property. Are they, for example, chewing on your furniture, defecating in the corners, or stealing food from your garden? If yes, it’s time to take action. If not, you might simply need to learn to coexist with your new furry neighbors.

Step 2: Secure Your Netting

If the squirrels are entering your balcony through the netting, inspect it carefully for any damage or weak points. Squirrels are notorious for their ability to squeeze through tiny openings, so it’s essential to check for gaps, tears, or loose knots. Repair or replace any damage to prevent further entry and minimize the invasion.

Step 3: Remove Food Sources

Squirrels are attracted to food, so eliminate potential sources of interest on your balcony. Clear up any pet food, birdseed, or compost piles, as these can entice unwanted visitors. Secure trash cans and recyclables, and consider using animal-proof trash bags or other deterrents. While it may seem daunting to completely eliminate all food sources, remember that these tiny critters have voracious appetites, so every bit counts.

Step 4: Use Deterrents

Squirrels dislike certain scents, sounds, and visual cues. Use this to your advantage by:

• Spraying a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar around the balcony area to deter them.
• Fitting the netting with motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellent devices to scare them away.
• Hanging shiny reflective surfaces, like aluminum foil strips or CDs, to create a visual barrier.
• Playing loud, high-frequency sounds, like bird calls or Saxon songs, to repel them.

Step 5: Discourage Re-Occupation

If the squirrels are persistent, and you’ve removed food sources and used deterrents, it’s time to focus on discouraging re-occupation. Try:

• Installing a humane, adjustable-height squirrel guard around the netting to prevent them from reaching the balcony.
• Placing burlap, chicken wire, or other physical barriers around plants or areas you don’t want them to access.
• Creating a "squirrel-free zone" by planting squirrel-resistant plants or providing alternative perches and spaced greatly, so they won’t find your balcony an attractive alternative.

Step 6: Contact a Professional (If Necessary)

If, after trying the above measures, the squirrels remain a problem, it may be time to bring in a professional pest control service or wildlife removal expert. These trained individuals can safely and humanely remove the squirrels, often using techniques like live trapping and relocation or exclusion methods.

Conclusion

While coexisting with squirrels can be challenging, it’s not impossible. By identifying the problem, securing your netting, removing food sources, using deterrents, discouraging re-occupation, and, if necessary, calling in a professional, you can restore your balcony to its original state of serenity and charm. Remember: patience, persistence, and creative problem-solving are key to successfully evicting uninvited critters from your netted balcony paradise.