How to keep squirrels out of your shed — 5 expert tips for winter

How To
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Keep your shed squirrel-free

Two squirrels perched on top of an outdoor chair
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

As temperatures drop, squirrels will seek warmth and shelter in garden sheds — and they're not the tidiest houseguests. While you might already know gardener-approved tactics to keep pests away or have learned how to stop squirrels from eating your pumpkins during spooky season, protecting your shed requires specific strategies.

"Squirrels can chew through wood, aluminum and plastic to create holes in weak parts of a building," warns Laura Bamborough from Garden Buildings Direct. "This can damage the structure of your shed, as well as cause harm to your plants and lawn." While plants that repel squirrels might help protect your garden, your shed needs extra protection. And since it's illegal to relocate grey squirrels as they're non-native species, we need to focus on deterrence.

1. Create physical barriers

Start with sealing any potential entry points. Cover small openings with steel wool or wire mesh, and use sealant to close gaps around your shed.

For extra protection, install metal or plastic guards around nearby trees to prevent squirrels from using them as launch pads.

2. Use natural repellents

Your kitchen likely holds some effective squirrel deterrents. These curious critters have sensitive noses and dislike strong scents like cayenne pepper, ground chili peppers, and pepper flakes.

Coffee grounds, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar also work well — sprinkle these around your shed's perimeter without harming your plants.

3. Install smart deterrents

Motion-activated devices can effectively discourage unwanted visitors. Consider installing lights or sprinklers near your shed — the sudden movement startles squirrels while the sprinklers help maintain your lawn.

4. Maintain your garden

Remove potential food sources around your shed. Squirrels are opportunistic eaters, so clear away nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fungi.

Use squirrel-resistant bird feeders instead of loose food, and trim back branches that could serve as bridges to your shed.

Icreer Store Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Icreer Store Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders: was $59 now $39

This clever feeder actually delivers on its squirrel-proof promise — the weight-activated perches close when heavier visitors try their luck. The 5.5lb capacity means less frequent refills, while the weatherproof design keeps seeds dry in rain. Nice touches include an easy-clean bottom and included cleaning brush. A practical gift for bird watchers tired of feeding the neighborhood squirrels.

5. Deploy decoy predators

Place fake owls strategically around your shed and garden. Remember to move them occasionally — squirrels are smart and will notice if your owl hasn't moved in weeks.

While protecting your shed, remember that squirrels are just one of many garden visitors. For year-round pest management, check out our guides on 5 active pests to watch out for this winter — and expert tips to prevent them, and How to get rid of squirrels without hurting them. Before using any chemical solutions, read 9 things to consider before using pesticide in your yard. With these resources, you'll be ready to handle any critters that come your way.

Kaycee Hill
Kaycee Hill
How-to Editor

Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that get straight to what works. She writes across phones, homes, TVs and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. She's spent years in content creation doing one thing really well: making complicated things click. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books.