The 8 Most Effective Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Trash Cans

1. Use a Metal Trash Can

The vast majority of trash cans are plastic. One easy and affordable way you can keep squirrels out of your garbage is by switching to a metal trash bin. Plastic is easy for squirrels to grip onto and chew through. 

When they’re looking to stockpile food for winter, they’ll do whatever they can to get into the trash. Thankfully, upgrading to a metal one is relatively squirrel-proof as long as the lid is secured.

2. Keep a Secured Lid

Speaking of, if you don’t have a lid secured on your trash bin, you’re essentially inviting squirrels in for a free buffet. They are intelligent creatures that will persistently try to go wherever they smell food. 

When a lid is loose or absent entirely, squirrels and other scavengers will graciously tear into the trash receptacle. To keep them out, get a tight-fitting lid. There are many on the market that have latches and locks to prevent squirrels from getting inside. 

3. Location Is Everything

Just like when you’re buying a home, location is everything in this scenario. Where you put your trash can will make a huge difference as to whether or not squirrels try to get in. Having a physical structure to keep it is the best method to prevent scavengers from entering.

We suggest putting your garbage container in your garage with entry points closed. If you can find a squirrel that can open a garage door to get inside a garbage bin, they likely deserve whatever treats they’re going after. 

The more barriers you put between the rodent and the food is how you keep them away.

4. Regularly Clean Trash Cans

Cleaning a garbage bin is a task that nobody wants to do. When bags filled with leftovers start to leak inside the can, it can quickly attract squirrels. How often you need to clean your trash bin is relevant to how dirty it is. 

Doing so once a week after the garbage service has gone by is ideal. You can fill the receptacle with your hose or warm tap water. Let it soak for an hour before rinsing. Add soap or bleach to prevent animals and insects from getting inside.

5. Fix Any Existing Holes

Does your garbage can have any holes or cracks? Perhaps this is why you think a squirrel is going into the bin in the first place. It’s essential to patch these up to keep out a variety of rodents. 

You can use epoxy or fiberglass tape to repair any damage. If there are several cracks or holes, it’s best to replace the entire bin.

6. Install Motion-Sensor Lighting

Squirrels and other wild animals will get scared by motion-activated lighting. If you place these on your home and have the trash can nearby, they’ll likely stay away. 

Not only does this keep squirrels out of your trash cans, but it also upgrades your home’s security. There are plenty of affordable outdoor motion-sensor lighting that will spook wild animals and scare them away from your home. 

7. Spray Ammonia

This next method to keep squirrels out of your garbage can is best for homes without pets. You can create an ammonia mixture that will kill insects and ward off raccoons, rats, squirrels, and other creatures. 

Because ammonia can irritate pets and people, you should only spray it outdoors. Find an open location, such as your backyard or a nearby field. You’ll need an empty spray bottle, ammonia, and water. 

Mix one part ammonia to one part water. Combine in the bottle and spray all over the interior of the trash bin. This will keep away wild animals and kill any insects. 

8. Mask Any Smells

Nobody likes a stinky garbage can… except squirrels! The smell of rotting trash entices a myriad of rodents and invites them right into the garbage bin. The best thing you can do is eliminate the smells altogether. 

To do this, consider double-bagging your trash in your home and add a bit of baking soda to the bottom of a fresh bag. It’s even better if you’re using scented garbage bags. You can also mask the smell by spraying glass cleaner inside and around the perimeter of the trash receptacle.