How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

Have you noticed shallow holes in your garden beds, partially consumed produce or fruits, or dug up freshly planted bulbs? If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s likely the work of squirrels. As they prepare for winter in the autumn, squirrels search relentlessly, and in spring, when nuts and seeds become scarce, they return to take advantage of fresh growth and ripening fruit.

Although many of us enjoy watching squirrels, they can wreak havoc on gardens, terrorizing bird feeders and causing significant damage. If you’re looking for how to keep squirrels out of your garden, here are some humane methods you can try.

1.Hide or relocate their food:

Clear away any fallen berries, acorns, and nuts with diligence. Nut gatherers are a great way to speed up and simplify the procedure. You can move these food sources to a squirrel-friendly spot, such the back corner of your yard. Keep the lids on trash cans tightly closed as well.

2.Get a dog:

Dogs typically enjoy chasing squirrels. Use them to chase away squirrels by placing them on squirrel patrol.

3.Turn up their Noses:

Since many of the scents that deer find offensive also bother squirrels, repellents like Plants Kydd Deer Repellent are effective against both. Another option is to sprinkle a thin coating of coffee grinds or tuck a tiny bit of dog hair beneath and around plants.

4.Surprise them:

A quick stream of water from a motion-activated sprinkler or a burst of air from a motion-activated air can will startle and chase them away.

5.Employ natural predators:

By putting raptor perches or owl nests close by, you can draw in hawks and owls, two of a squirrel’s natural predators. If, on the other hand, you would want to keep tiny animals in your yard, this method is not advised.

6.Create a barrier:

To keep squirrels away from enticing snacks, cover ground crops with row covers, construct a greenhouse, or even make an enclosure out of chicken wire. To prevent squirrels from burrowing behind any fencing, the fence should be buried up to one foot below the surface.

7.Use companion plants:

To learn how to keep squirrels out of your garden, try discouraging them by surrounding or inter-planting with plants they tend to avoid, such as mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, or mustard. Crown imperial bulbs (Fritillaria) are another effective option; however, due to their strong skunk-like odor, it’s best to plant them away from areas where people gather, like patios or porches.

8.Cover the Ground:

Add mulch, preferably gravel, to plant beds since squirrels dislike the feel of it underfoot. It can also help mask the fresh bulb smell when applied over recently planted bulbs. Another option is to lay down some aluminum foil.

9. Give them a drink:

Squirrels may simply be thirsty if they are chowing down on your tomatoes or other juicy fruits or veggies. The Guide to Humane Critter Control author Theresa Rooney advises, “Give the squirrels a dish of fresh water during the growing season, and they will probably leave those tomatoes for you to harvest.”

10.Give them their own food:

When considering how to keep squirrels out of your garden, an alternative, though sometimes controversial, is to create a designated feeding area for them. If you have plenty of space, set up a feeding site far from your garden beds. Use a squirrel feeder stocked with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and feed corn to keep them satisfied. Some gardeners even plant extra tomatoes to divert their attention. However, it’s still a good idea to use additional squirrel prevention techniques, especially around bird feeders and flower beds, to ensure your garden stays protected.

When thinking about how to keep squirrels out of your garden, you might wonder, what about traps?

When exploring how to keep squirrels out of your garden, traps may seem like a quick fix, but they are rarely a long-term solution. You may end up creating space for new squirrels to move in, fighting a never-ending battle. Additionally, using traps can risk separating a mother squirrel from her young, especially in spring, leaving the babies with no chance of survival. While it might seem reasonable in moments of frustration, it’s not an ideal approach. Also, always check with your local Department of Fish and Wildlife, as trapping squirrels is illegal in many areas.

HOW TO KEEP SQUIRRELS FROM EATING PUMPKINS

The next thing you know, the pumpkins you used to decorate your fall porch with have been eaten by squirrels. They’re not their favorite food, but they come in useful when squirrels are gaining weight in preparation for the winter. Here are some strategies to try and prevent them from ruining your lovely fall display:

• Apply a repellent, such as Liquid Fence, on the pumpkins and the surrounding area.
• Place a little dog hair under and around the pumpkins.
• Use an air blaster that detects motion to frighten them away. Nevertheless, you may wish to alert guests to its existence and be sure to take it down before trick-or-treaters arrive.
• Apply a layer of apple cider vinegar to a towel and place it next to the pumpkin for rubbing. Apply again frequently.
• Apply a mixture of one part eucalyptus oil to ten parts water and use it to mist or clean the pumpkin. Try peppermint oil as well.
• To frighten them away, include an owl decoy with your decorations.

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