Prevent squirrels from chewing holes into garbage cans
I think this is a very Canadian problem. Squirrels chew holes
into the top of garbage-cans if the cans are keep outside
during the winter.
They don't chew any holes into the side of the can. They sit on
top and they exercise their teeth there. The smell of food might
motivate them too since this is only a problem during
the winter month.
I have found a very simple remedy for that: Keep snow on top
of your garbage can. It seems they will only chew on the garbage
can if they can do it without sitting on cold snow.
I think they are just a little bit hungry. They chew on the can if
it is easy and comfortable otherwise they don't.
A bit of snow on garbage cans keeps squirrels off.
Don't get me wrong. I like squirrels and other wild animals and I find that
any city should be designed such that there is nature and space for both
humans and animals. The snow on the garbage cans solves the problem without
harming humans or animals. Other methods like pepper spray or pouring ammonia
into the garbage cans are more expensive and create hazards for animals
or humans especially children.
