Will Airsoft Guns Scare Squirrels Away? Can They Die?

Key Takeaways:

• Airsoft guns can temporarily scare squirrels, but may cause serious injuries rather than humanely deterring them
• While not typically lethal on impact, airsoft pellets can cause internal damage, broken bones, or eye injuries that may lead to prolonged suffering
• Numerous humane alternatives like scent deterrents, predator decoys, and physical barriers are more effective and ethical for long-term squirrel control

Dealing with nuisance squirrels can be frustrating when they raid your garden or invade your attic. Some homeowners wonder if airsoft guns might solve their squirrel problems quickly. However, before considering this approach, it's crucial to understand its effectiveness and potential consequences.

What Are Airsoft Guns?

Airsoft guns are recreational replica firearms that shoot small, plastic BBs or pellets. They're primarily designed for target shooting and recreational games, not pest control. Unlike BB guns, which use metal projectiles, airsoft guns use plastic BBs that typically travel at speeds between 200 and 400 feet per second (FPS).

These guns come in various types, including spring-powered, electric (AEG), and gas-powered models. The power and velocity vary significantly between models, with some high-powered versions capable of causing more significant damage.

Can Airsoft Guns Scare Squirrels Away?

Airsoft guns can temporarily frighten squirrels. The noise from firing an airsoft gun, combined with the impact of a pellet, will likely scare a squirrel away in the moment. 

However, this method has several significant drawbacks:

1. Temporary Effect : Squirrels are highly adaptable and may return once they determine the threat is no longer persistent.
2. Potential for Injury : Even when aiming to miss, there's always a risk of accidentally hitting and injuring the animal.
3. Habituation : Over time, squirrels might become accustomed to the disturbance, rendering the method ineffective.

Can an Airsoft Gun Kill a Squirrel?

Whether or not an airsoft gun can kill a squirrel has a complicated answer. While direct fatalities from airsoft impacts are uncommon, these weapons can cause significant harm that may eventually lead to death.

While airsoft pellets are unlikely to kill a squirrel outright, they can cause serious injuries, potentially breaking bones, damaging the eyes, jaw, or ears. This can lead to prolonged suffering before death.

Potential injuries include:

• Eye damage or blindness
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Infections from open wounds
• Impaired ability to find food or escape predators

Even if a squirrel survives the initial impact, these injuries can significantly reduce its ability to survive in the wild, potentially leading to a slow and painful death. This raises serious ethical concerns about using airsoft guns as a deterrent.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before considering an airsoft gun for squirrel control, understand that there may be legal implications:

• Many jurisdictions have laws against animal cruelty that could apply to intentionally shooting wildlife with airsoft guns
• Some areas protect certain squirrel species, especially during breeding seasons
• Discharging airsoft guns in residential areas might violate local ordinances
• Hunting or harassing wildlife may require permits in many locations

What Are Some Alternatives to Airsoft for Deterring Squirrels?

Fortunately, there are many effective and humane alternatives to control squirrels without risking harm to the animals or legal consequences:

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can be very effective for keeping squirrels at bay:

• Install bird netting over gardens and valuable plants
• Use hardware cloth around the base of plants or bulbs
• Apply tree guards to prevent squirrels from climbing trunks
• Install squirrel-proof bird feeders with baffles

Scent Deterrents

Natural scents that repel squirrels include:

• Peppermint oil (applied to cotton balls placed strategically around your property)
• Garlic (crushed cloves placed near entry points)
• Vinegar (spray around areas squirrels frequent)
• Predator urine (commercially available from garden centers)

Environmental Modifications

You can also modify your environment and home to help keep squirrels away:

• Remove food sources by keeping yards clean of nuts, fruits, and bird seed
• Use predator decoys like owl or hawk figures and move them regularly
• Install motion-activated sprinklers
• Plant squirrel-repelling plants like daffodils, alliums, and fritillarias

Professional Help

For persistent problems, consider:

• Consulting with wildlife removal specialists
• Installing professional exclusion devices
• Using commercially available squirrel repellents designed for humane deterrence

Final Thoughts

While airsoft guns might temporarily scare squirrels away, they pose significant risks of causing injury and suffering to these animals. The potential for harm, combined with possible legal issues, makes this approach ethically and practically problematic.

Instead, focus on humane deterrents, such as physical barriers, natural repellents, and environmental modifications, that discourage squirrels without causing harm. These methods protect wildlife from unnecessary suffering and provide more effective and sustainable solutions to squirrel problems.

For persistent issues, consider consulting with professional wildlife control experts who can offer humane removal and exclusion services tailored to your situation.

FAQs

Is it legal to shoot squirrels with airsoft guns?

Laws vary by location, but many jurisdictions have restrictions on harassing wildlife or using projectile weapons in residential areas. Check local regulations before attempting any form of squirrel control.

What's the most effective way to keep squirrels out of my garden?

Physical barriers, such as netting, hardware cloth, and fencing, along with natural repellents, offer the most reliable protection without harming the animals.

Do ultrasonic repellers work on squirrels?

Results with ultrasonic devices are mixed. While some users report success, squirrels often become accustomed to the sound over time, which reduces its effectiveness.

How can I keep squirrels away from bird feeders?

Use squirrel-proof feeders with baffles, position feeders away from jumping points, and consider offering safflower seeds, which birds enjoy but squirrels typically avoid.

Sources:

Tree Squirrels / Home and Landscape | UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM)

How to permanently get rid of squirrels? | Birch Fumigators

Is it Legal to Shoot Squirrels with a Pellet Gun or Air Gun? | Squirrel-Hunting.com

What to do about squirrels | Humane World for Animals