The Clever Peppermint Trick That'll Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Attic

When you see them in the park, running around in the forest, or as an animated character, squirrels can be quite charming. Squirrels in your attic, however, aren't so pleasant, and can be downright damaging for your home. Squirrels can tear insulation, chew electric wiring, and cause other issues once they take up residence. So, in order to avoid a situation where you're looking for ways to get rid of squirrels out of your attic, you can easily use peppermint oil on a cotton ball to deter the pesky critters.

Squirrels are sensitive to multiple odors, including peppermint oil, as it can overwhelm their sense of smell. Using the scent of peppermint to repel them is an easy and all-natural way to keep them from using your attic as their shelter. While stores may sell control spray with peppermint to keep away squirrels, you don't need to buy it. You only need a bottle of peppermint essential oil, a package of cotton balls, and  a few minutes of your time. 

Get a bottle of peppermint essential oil and several cotton balls. You can either soak a cotton ball in the oil or just dab a few drops on the cotton balls if the scent is too overpowering. Wear gloves if you're sensitive to essential oil as it may irritate your skin. Once you have your cotton balls treated, place them near any entry points in your home. You can also place a few inside your attic. Common entry points for squirrels in your home include your gutters, chimneys, roof returns, and even gaps in your siding. Check the cotton balls regularly to see if the scent is still potent, then replace as necessary. 

Squirrels are wily creatures and can slip in cracks as small as 1 ½ inches wide. If you spot any holes in your home, consider it a possible entry point. Closing off these entry points is one of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your home and adding scent blockers helps the process. If you keep seeing them in your home, make sure you're also not overlooking common things that are attracting squirrels to your yard and garden. 

Peppermint oil on its own can be an effective squirrel repellent, but you can also mix it with other ingredients squirrels hate for a stronger "stay away" message. Cayenne pepper, thanks to its active ingredient capsaicin, is a popular way to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes, so squirrels and other pests avoid it. You can apply cayenne pepper and peppermint oil to your cotton ball as a more powerful repellent. 

Another option for keeping squirrels away is to use apple cider vinegar and peppermint oil. Squirrels detest the pungent tangy smell of apple cider vinegar, and pest controls experts often recommend using it to keep squirrels out of your attic. Do the same treatment, coating cotton balls or rags with apple cider vinegar oil, then place it in the attic. Change when the smell fades.