Squirrel Control Strategies for Broward County Homeowners

Broward County’s year-round warmth and lush vegetation make it a haven for squirrels. While they can be entertaining in parks, these agile climbers are less welcome when they invade attics, damage gardens, or chew through home structures. By understanding squirrel behavior and using strategies tailored to South Florida, homeowners can protect their property while maintaining balance with the local environment.

Understanding Broward County’s Squirrel Population

South Florida is home to several squirrel species, with gray squirrels and fox squirrels most common around residential areas. They use power lines, fences, and trees as travel routes and often seek shelter in attics, sheds, or crawl spaces.

Because Broward’s climate keeps squirrels active all year, the risk of property damage, noise, and potential health concerns is ongoing. Females typically have two litters a year—late winter and mid-summer—making these peak times for activity.

Signs of Squirrel Problems in Your Home

Early detection helps prevent costly repairs. Common signs include scratching or scampering in attics, especially at dawn or dusk, chewed roof edges or soffits, damaged screens, and gnaw marks on wood or wires. Outdoors, you may notice disturbed bird feeders, dug-up flower beds, or plants stripped of fruit and vegetables.

Natural Prevention Strategies

Habitat Modification

Remove attractants that encourage squirrels to linger. Trim branches at least six feet from the roof, clear fallen fruit and nuts promptly, and relocate or squirrel-proof bird feeders.

Physical Exclusion Methods

Cover vents, chimneys, and other openings with hardware cloth or metal screening, using mesh smaller than one inch. Seal gaps with caulk, foam, or metal patches, and reinforce vulnerable roof edges with flashing.

Eco-Friendly Deterrent Solutions

Natural Repellent Applications

Sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot sauce around problem areas, or place cotton balls soaked in peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus oil near entry points. Predator scents, like fox or coyote urine, can also discourage squirrels.

Strategic Garden Protection

Use lightweight row covers, plant squirrel-resistant flowers like marigolds and alliums, or create decoy feeding spots away from your home and garden.

Attic and Roof Protection

Inspection and Monitoring

Check attics and roofs regularly for signs of damage or nesting materials. Pay special attention after storms, which can create new entry points. Motion-activated cameras can help track activity patterns.

Professional-Grade Solutions

Install chimney caps, vent guards, and tree banding to block climbing routes. These measures reduce access without harming wildlife.

Safe and Humane Management Practices

Live Trapping Considerations

If removal is necessary, use humane live traps with appropriate bait, following Broward County regulations on relocation. Complex situations may require trained wildlife experts who understand local squirrel behavior.

Long-Term Population Management

Encourage natural predators, and coordinate with neighbors for community-wide prevention efforts. Consistent approaches reduce squirrel pressure across the area.

Maintaining Long-Term Success

Broward squirrel control works best with ongoing attention—seasonal inspections, refreshed deterrents, and regular maintenance of exclusion methods. By combining habitat changes, physical barriers, and humane deterrents, you can keep squirrels from becoming long-term houseguests while still protecting the wildlife that makes South Florida unique. For stubborn or recurring issues, experienced pest control professionals can help ensure your home stays squirrel-free. Contact pest control near you for a free quote!