Quck answer
Gardening season means dealing with pesky squirrels. Here are five tips to keep them out of your garden:
1. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders to keep them from getting too comfortable in your yard.
2. Place netting over your garden beds to prevent squirrels from digging up your plants.
3. Plant squirrel-resistant plants, such as daffodils or alliums.
4. Use a motion-activated sprinkler to scare off squirrels.
5. Consider using natural squirrel repellents, such as peppermint oil or hot pepper spray.
Wild Animals
Squirrels are persistent and intelligent creatures that can learn quickly. They can learn from other squirrels or people, making it difficult to keep them out of your garden. As gardening season begins, it’s important to take steps to protect your plants from these pesky animals. Squirrels tend to target tomatoes, bulbs, beans, sunflowers, squash, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, and anything else that we may eat. While there are many anti-squirrel tips available, we’ve compiled five tactics to help you keep your garden safe.
Before we dive in, it’s important to acknowledge three truths about squirrels. First, if you have fruit or nut trees in your yard, you’re likely to have squirrels in your yard too. Second, if you have a bird feeder, you also have a squirrel feeder. And finally, if you plant things that squirrels consider to be food, they will be attracted to your yard.
It’s important to accept these truths and move forward with a plan to protect your garden. Killing squirrels or using catapults may provide temporary satisfaction, but it won’t solve the problem. Instead, try these five tactics to deter squirrels:
Tactic 1: Use Physical Barriers
Consider using physical barriers to prevent squirrels from accessing your plants. This could include wire mesh or fencing around garden beds or individual plants. You can also try covering plants with netting or cloth to make them less accessible.
Tactic 2: Use Repellents
There are many natural and chemical repellents available that can help deter squirrels. Some popular options include hot pepper spray, predator urine, and mothballs. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming your plants or other animals.
Tactic 3: Provide Alternative Food Sources
If squirrels are attracted to your yard because of food sources, consider providing them with an alternative food source away from your garden. This could include a squirrel feeder placed far from your plants.
Tactic 4: Use Noise and Motion
Squirrels are easily frightened by loud noises and sudden movements, so consider using noise and motion to scare them away. This could include wind chimes, reflective tape, or even a motion-activated sprinkler.
Tactic 5: Modify Your Garden
Consider modifying your garden to make it less attractive to squirrels. This could include choosing plants that squirrels don’t like or planting them in locations that are difficult for squirrels to access. You can also try planting in raised beds or containers to make it harder for squirrels to reach your plants.
Remember, squirrels are here to stay, so it’s important to take steps to protect your garden while also appreciating these intelligent creatures. With these tactics, you can keep your garden safe and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Guarding Your Garden
We’ve discovered the top five strategies in the ongoing battle against squirrels in your garden. While there are several ways and products available claiming to keep squirrels away, we’ve listed the most practical and commonly used ones.
- Spice them up. Experienced gardeners suggest using hot spices like cayenne pepper or a mixture of capsaicin, peppermint oil, vinegar, and other unpleasant-tasting ingredients. These can be sprinkled around the plants or sprayed around them. They must be reapplied after rains.
- Terrify them. Predator pee like wolf, coyote, fox, bear, mountain lion, and tiger urine can be sprayed around the perimeter of your garden. This creates the illusion of a predator nearby, scaring squirrels and other animals away. These also have to be reapplied after rains.
- Keep them out. Use netting or chicken wire to protect your garden. Aluminum foil can be placed over vegetable pots and poked with holes for water. Squirrels are not fond of the reflection or the feel of foil. This might not look nice, but it works.
- Annoy them. You can hire a dog or cat to patrol your yard. This rivalry may annoy squirrels and keep them away from your garden.
- Feed them. Some gardeners set up a feeder with nuts and sunflower seeds in an area away from the garden. This keeps the squirrels happy, and your garden safe.
Now That’s Interesting
Squirrels are active during the day, so if your plants are only getting eaten at night, it’s probably not the squirrels. Instead, focus on keeping out nocturnal animals like raccoons and opossums.
FAQ
1. How do squirrels get into my garden?
Squirrels can climb trees and jump from branch to branch, which allows them to easily access your garden. They can also dig holes in the ground or chew through fences to get inside. In addition, squirrels can jump from nearby roofs or walls onto your garden, so it’s important to take measures to keep them out.
2. What damage can squirrels do to my garden?
Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your garden, including digging up bulbs, eating fruits and vegetables, and chewing on plants. They can also create nests in trees or other areas of your garden, which can be unsightly and potentially dangerous. In addition, squirrels can attract other pests, such as raccoons and rats, which can further damage your garden.
3. How can I keep squirrels out of my garden?
There are a few things you can do to keep squirrels out of your garden. One option is to install a physical barrier, such as a fence or netting, to prevent squirrels from accessing your garden. Another option is to use natural deterrents, such as planting garlic, onions, or other strong-smelling plants. You can also use squirrel repellent sprays or devices, such as ultrasonic sound emitters, to discourage squirrels from entering your garden.
4. Are there any plants that squirrels won’t eat?
While squirrels will eat a variety of plants, there are some that they tend to avoid. These include plants with strong scents, such as herbs like rosemary and lavender, as well as plants with prickly or fuzzy leaves, such as thistle or lamb’s ear. You can also plant bulbs that are less attractive to squirrels, such as daffodils or alliums.
5. What should I do if I see a squirrel in my garden?
If you see a squirrel in your garden, it’s best to take action immediately to prevent further damage. You can try using a natural deterrent, such as spraying a mixture of water and hot sauce on your plants, or using a motion-activated sprinkler to scare the squirrel away. If these methods don’t work, you may need to consider more drastic measures, such as trapping and relocating the squirrel or calling in a professional pest control service.
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