I've tried ultrasonic repellents a couple times at different properties, and honestly, results were pretty mixed. At one place, squirrels seemed totally unfazedβlike they were mocking me, haha. But at another property, it did seem to help with raccoons. My guess is effectiveness depends on the critter and how stubborn they are. Definitely wouldn't rely on them alone though... pairing them with chimney caps or sealing entry points is still your best bet.
"At one place, squirrels seemed totally unfazedβlike they were mocking me, haha."
Funny you mention that... I inspected a home last spring where the owner had ultrasonic repellents installed everywhere. Still found squirrels nesting comfortably in the attic insulation. Seems critters adapt quicker than we'd like to admit.
"Still found squirrels nesting comfortably in the attic insulation."
Yeah, those ultrasonic gadgets rarely seem to do much good long-term. I've seen squirrels practically sunbathing next to them. Honestly, ever considered a green roof? It's not foolproof either, but I've noticed wildlife tends to prefer nesting outdoors when there's plenty of vegetation available. Maybe giving them their own space outside could help keep them out of your attic... or am I just being overly optimistic here?
Green roofs can help, but they're definitely not a guaranteed fix. Squirrels are resourceful little critters... I've seen them bypass even well-maintained green spaces. Still, it's a thoughtful suggestionβworth trying alongside sealing entry points. Persistence usually pays off eventually.
Have you tried combining green roofs with metal flashing around common entry points? Squirrels hate slippery surfaces... might deter them better than greenery alone. Curious if anyone's had luck with that combo.