Tiny little creature squirrels are common sightings in the garden but you won’t even come to know when they can turn into a nuisance. These mischievous little troublemakers can cause chaos by digging up bulbs, munching on your fruits, and even uprooting entire plants. No matter how hard you try, they will sooner or later return to your garden. Worry not, as we will share the reasons why they keep coming back. And most importantly, discover more humane yet effective ways to keep squirrels away for longer times. So, let’s explore some clever strategies to protect your garden and keep it flourishing!
Why Do Squirrels Continuously Visit Your Garden?
No matter how much you try, these notorious little creatures will never stop from visiting your garden again and again. For this reason, you must be aware of all the possible ways to get rid of squirrels from the garden space. But before that, understand why they made your garden their personal buffet:
- Can Eat Anything: First and foremost, squirrels can eat almost anything, like seeds, vegetables, fruits, and even leftovers in your trash. And your garden is the perfect spot if you have grown their favorite food or you have placed your trash can outdoors.
- Sharp Memory: Next, squirrels will again and again come back to your garden because they always remember where they’ve found easy meals
- Habitual Patterns: Further, they stick to their regular routes, often targeting the same spots daily.
- Quick to Adapt: Although squirrels cannot bear certain smells and tastes, they get used to these smells easily.
Types Of Damage Squirrels Can Make
Now anyone can wonder that these creatures are so tiny; why would anyone want to get rid of squirrels in the first place? Well, the simple answer is the amount of damage they do. Check out the ways in which squirrels can damage your garden:
- Plant Damage
- Damage To Fruits & Vegetables
- Can Destroy Electrical Wiring
- Raiding and damaging bird feeders and even killing the nestling
- Structural Damage to fences, furniture, etc.
In short, keeping the squirrels away from your garden is a mammoth task. Thus, you must adopt not one but a combination of methods to keep these notorious animals away.
7 Ways To Keep Squirrels Away
Since now we are aware that keeping squirrels away from the garden needs a lot of labor, we are sharing a few tried-and-true methods. These will help you to stop squirrels from turning your garden into their playground.
1. Physical Barriers To Block Squirrels
If you want to make your garden a no-squirrel zone, barriers are your best friend. They are definitely your first line of defence. Here’s what you can do:
- Fencing: First and foremost, you can use chicken wire or hardware cloth with openings as a barrier. Here’s how you can create a fence
- First, take a chicken wire or hardware cloth that is not more than 1 inch long and 30 inches high.
- Next, bury it between 6-12 inches deep in the soil. This way squirrels won’t be able to dig the ground and reach your garden.
- Garden Cages: The second physical barrier that you can use is a garden cage. These are fully enclosed wire mesh structures that can be erected around the small garden plots or raised beds. These especially help to keep flying or tree squirrels away from gadens
- Plant Cages and Cloches: Next, you can use dome-shaped wire covers, which are perfect for safeguarding seedlings and vegetables like tomatoes.
- Tree Trunk Guards: Additionally, you can wrap tree trunks with metal or plastic guards to stop squirrels from climbing up and wreaking havoc in your garden.
- Netting: Netting is another effective way to retain squirrels away from gardens.
- Firstly, drape fine mesh netting over fruit trees, berry bushes, or garden beds.
- Then secure it tightly and leave slack for plant growth.
These physical barriers are like putting a “Do Not Enter” sign for squirrels.
2. Employing Natural Scents As Repellents
Moving forward, another eco-friendly way to is scents. There are some fragrances that keep squirrels out of your garden. Here are some effective options to try:
- Peppermint:
- Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your garden.
- Create a spray by mixing peppermint oil with water and apply to plants.
- Reapply after rain or dew.
- Garlic:
- Sprinkle crushed garlic or garlic powder around plants.
- Make a garlic spray by blending garlic with water and straining it.
- Spicy Scents:
- Use cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diluted hot sauce as a spray.
- These won’t harm plants but can irritate humans and pets, so apply cautiously.
- Coffee Grounds:
- Sprinkle used coffee grounds around plants or mix into the soil.
- They repel squirrels and improve soil quality.
- Vinegar:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a spray.
- Use around garden edges or non-living surfaces (avoid plants due to acidity).
- Essential Oils:
- Eucalyptus, citrus, or lavender oils mixed with water create strong deterrent sprays.
3. Use Squirrel-Resistant Plants
Another foolproof strategy to keep squirrels away is by plating some special plants. Yes, you heard it right! There are some plants that naturally discourage squirrels from raiding your garden. Here are some plants you must plant in your garden.
- Squirrel-Repelling Herbs: Herbs like mint, lavender, rosemary, or oregano can be planted along the borders in your garden
- Vegetables Squirrels Avoid: Garlic, onions, and chili peppers are unappealing to them.
- Fruit Alternatives: Grow citrus fruits or other bitter-tasting varieties to ward off squirrels.
- Choose Unappealing Flowers: Plants like Daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums retain squirrels away from your garden. Further, these also keep other pests like deer and rabbits away from your garden.
- Focus on Less-Desirable Plants: There are some plants that squirrels generally do not like eating , so planting them is a good option to keep them away. You can think of planting tough-leaved veggies like kale, collard greens, and hot peppers and root crops like onions, potatoes, and garlic.
- Use Decoy Plants: Also, decoy plants, for instance, sunflowers or corn, at your garden’s edge can keep those squirrels away.
- Timing Is Key: Finally think of growing plants that mature in summer to avoid peak squirrel activity in spring and fall.
These natural methods make your garden less appealing without hurting the environment.
4. Mulching to Repel Squirrels
Now we have another way to avoid squirrels visiting your garden. Try Mulching! It is not just healthy for soil but also a clever way to repel squirrels.
- Why Mulch Works: Squirrels dislike rough textures under their feet, so mulch can act as a barrier.
- Best Mulch Options: Try gravel, coarse wood chips, or rough-textured materials.
- Application Tips: Spread a thick layer around the plants you want to safeguard.
This simple solution works like a charm!
5. Remove Food Sources That Attract Squirrels
Squirrels raid gardens primarily for food so a little cleanup can go a long way. If there is nothing much to eat in your garden, squirrels will consequently not visit it. Here’s how to do it:
- Secure Your Bird Feeders: To begin with, use squirrel-proof bird feeders. This way they won’t have much to eat and will keep out of your garden
- Clean Up Fallen Fruits and Nuts: Then make a point to regularly pick up fallen fruits and nuts from the ground.
- Secure Trash Bins: Finally, use bins with tight lids and also seal them properly to prevent tempting smells that attract squirrels.
- Store Pet Food Indoors: Pet food left outside can attract squirrels and other pests.
- Fence Compost Piles: If you have an open compost pile, cover it with a lid or mesh to keep squirrels out.
Thus, a tidy garden can keep squirrels away and protect your plants and fruits.
6. Using Technology
Here are some Technology based devices that can keep squirrels out.
- Ultrasonic Devices: These emit high-pitched sounds that squirrels cannot bear.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Nothing scares off squirrels faster than an unexpected spray of water. So install motion-activated sprinklers near spots that are squirrel favorites and sure they will not come.
- Decoy Predators: Then you can place fake owls or hawks around the garden to mimic natural threats.
Interestingly, these strategies are safe for both the squirrels and your garden.
7. Create Dedicated Squirrel Feeding Zones
Sometimes, it’s easier to redirect squirrels rather than fight them.This approach may sound counterintuitive, but hear us out! Giving squirrels their own feeding zone can keep them away from your prized plants.
- Designated Feeding Areas: Set up a squirrel feeding spot far from your garden. Also make sure to keep foods like sunflower seeds, corn, or unsalted nuts away from your garden.
- Place It Strategically: Further place these feeders far from your garden but within the usual route of the squirrels.
- Refill Regularly: Finally, keep the feeder stocked at all times to reduce the temptation for them to raid your plants.
Surprisingly, this method can strike a balance between protecting your garden and coexisting with squirrels.
Which Method Should Be Avoided To Repel Squirrels?
Now there are many ways to get rid of squirrels from the garden but you must know which one you should not follow. It’s important to avoid the following harmful methods so that you do not kill these tiny creatures:
- Avoid Traps: Traps can either injure your squirrel or might totally kill them. So, you must not use this painful method.
- Poisons: These methods can harm squirrels and other wildlife. Further, there is a danger of your pet getting poisoned from them
- Ethical Considerations: Many areas have laws protecting wildlife, so it’s best to use humane methods.
Pro Tips To Keep Squirrels Away From Garden
Consistency is key to keeping squirrels at bay. Here’s how you can stay one step ahead:
- Inspect Your Garden Daily: Look for signs of digging, nibbling, or damaged plants and address them immediately.
- Rotate Deterrents: Squirrels adapt quickly, so switch up barriers, repellents, or scare tactics regularly.
- Reapply Repellents: After rain or watering, reapply sprays or natural deterrents to maintain their effectiveness.
- Prune Overhanging Branches: Trim branches that provide easy access to your garden.
By staying proactive, you can ensure your garden remains a safe haven for your plants—not for squirrels.
Conclusion
Gardening comes with its challenges, and dealing with squirrels can feel like an uphill battle. But knowing exactly how to keep squirrels away from the garden you can reclaim your garden and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. However, remember to use humane ways and try to coexist peacefully with nature. Happy Gardening!
FAQ
- Is it safe to use commercial squirrel repellents?
Many commercial squirrel repellents are eco-friendly and safe for gardens. However, always check the label to ensure they are non-toxic to pets and wildlife.
- Can using a dog help keep squirrels out of the garden?
Yes, having a dog in the yard can deter squirrels, as their presence often scares away smaller animals.
- What should I do if squirrels are already in my garden?
If squirrels are already present, try using a combination of methods mentioned above, such as repellents, distractions, and barriers to encourage them to leave.
