It often happens that squirrels on the balcony cause real chaos. Some people are less bothered by this and others more. If you want to know what you can do about it, you should read our guide.

How does the squirrel get on the balcony?

The question of how squirrels get on the balcony is easy to answer. The animals simply climb up the facades and choose a balcony that you like at first sight. Sometimes it can also happen that the squirrels build their nest in existing flower boxes or tubs and raise their young in them. Not infrequently, such flower pots are hidden between cushions or the like in corners, so you probably won't notice it right away. Especially in places where you least expected a squirrel, this is not uncommon.

Are you allowed to feed the squirrel on the balcony?

For this a clear YES, because what should speak against it. Just in cities or also in new building areas the natural habitat of the rodents is pushed back ever further. The animals are then happy when you find food - even on the balcony.

What are you allowed to feed?

Squirrels are one of their own when it comes to food. You may have to experiment a little to know what the squirrel likes on the balcony.

In general, you can offer the squirrel walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. However, under no circumstances should you offer almonds or peanuts as food. These two types are not natural foods for squirrels and can make them sick. Almonds often contain prussic acid and mold easily forms in peanuts. 

Surely you will now counter that food mixtures always contain a lot of peanuts. You're not wrong, but that doesn't make it species-appropriate food for squirrels. Kufe therefore only food mixtures without peanuts or compose the food yourself.

Besides the right food, water is also vital for squirrels on the balcony. For this purpose, you can use a watering trough or a shallow bowl. You need to clean it regularly so that no diseases can spread.

Is the purchase of a feed house worth it?

If you plan to regularly provide food for the squirrel on the balcony, then the purchase is worthwhile in any case. The Feed house The rodent will quickly get used to it and become a popular permanent guest on your balcony.

Should you provide a hutch?

We have told you in advance that squirrels also like to build their nest on the balcony and raise their young. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will accept a hutch that you provide.

Surely you can try. However, don't be disappointed if it doesn't work and the squirrel on the balcony continues to use your flower pots and the like.  

Why chase away the squirrel?

In the garden you may still accept squirrels, but on the balcony the friendship ends for you. Squirrels not only dig flowers out of boxes and tubs, but also gnaw on cables. If you leave the balcony door or a window open, squirrels are in the apartment faster than you think. In the house, they gnaw holes in the walls and also nibble on wires. This in turn can lead to a short circuit or even a fire.

Keep squirrels away from the balcony

As cute as the little rodents are, they can also cause damage. On the one hand, the squirrel can eat your plants on the balcony, and on the other hand, drive away birds.

You can try to make your balcony unattractive for the squirrel. We will show you how.

• Squirrel repellent - In the trade you can get various repellents against rodents. These products often contain urine from other animals. You can spread the repellent on the railing and on the floor of your balcony. In many cases squirrels avoid these areas.
• Hair from people, dogs, Cats - The squirrel does not like the smell and will avoid the areas. In many cases, both humans and dogs and cats are a threat to the rodent, so it does not even come to the balcony.
• Certain flowers and plants - Squirrels do not like the smell of marigolds and nasturtiums at all. If you plant some tubs with them, the squirrel will hardly come to the balcony. Mint is also one of the plants that squirrels do not like.
• Hot sauces - If you rub the railing or garden furniture with hot sauce, the squirrel will not come to the balcony. If the animals still come to the balcony, sooner or later they gnaw on the wood. At the latest then squirrels disappear from the balcony.
• Do not put tempting food on the balcony - Avoid depositing nuts and co. on the balcony. If the squirrel does not find food, it will certainly avoid the balcony.
• Cayenne pepper - Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on the balcony. The rodents do not like the taste and will avoid the balcony. You need to sprinkle here again and again, because the pepper is blown by the wind.
• Water jet - You can greet the animal with a jet of water every time it comes to your balcony. Very quickly, the animal will run away and avoid your balcony in the future.
• Coffee grounds - Squirrels do not like the smell or bitter taste of coffee grounds.
• Ammonia - Cloths that you soak with ammonia and spread on the balcony have also proven to be good. However, you must like the smell when you are on the balcony.
• Mustard - Also with mustard you can drive the squirrel away from the balcony very well. You do not have to buy mustard, but simply mix mustard flour with water.