Tips and Tricks to Safely Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden
Are you tired of those pesky squirrels wreaking havoc in your garden? It can be frustrating, to say the least, to see all your hard work being destroyed by these furry intruders. But fear not, with a bit of persistence and a multi-faceted approach, you can effectively deter squirrels from your garden without harming them. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods to keep squirrels out of your garden safely and naturally.
Understanding Squirrels
Before we delve into the different strategies to keep squirrels at bay, let’s take a moment to understand why these critters are causing havoc in your garden in the first place. Squirrels are attracted to gardens for their food sources, which include vegetables, fruits, flower bulbs, seeds, nuts, and berries. Additionally, squirrels are known to gnaw through various materials, such as wood, plastic, wiring, and metal. They seek shelter and nesting spots in homes and gardens, posing potential fire hazards with their nesting materials. Therefore, it’s crucial to address the squirrel issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden
When it comes to deterring squirrels, a combination of strategies often yields the best results. Here are some effective ways to keep squirrels out of your garden:
Grow Unappealing Food
Squirrels have specific preferences when it comes to food. By planting species that squirrels find unappealing, you can reduce their interest in your garden. Consider adding the following plants to your garden to deter squirrels:
- Alliums (onion, garlic)
- Daffodils
- Lily-of-the-valley
- Geraniums
- Fritillary flowers
- Goldenrod
- Bleeding hearts
- Hot peppers
Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders and Unsavory Seed
Bird feeders are a common target for squirrels, as they are attracted to spilled seeds. To deter squirrels from bird feeders, consider using safflower seed or cayenne pepper-treated seed, which squirrels find unpalatable. This will discourage squirrels while still allowing birds to feed.
Keep Your Yard and Garden Tidy
Maintaining a clean garden can discourage squirrels from frequenting your property. Ensure to remove dropped fruits, vegetables, pet food, acorns, or black walnuts to eliminate food sources that attract squirrels.
Employ a Watch Dog or Cat
Pets can act as natural deterrents to squirrels. The presence of cats and dogs in your yard can discourage squirrels from entering your garden, as they view them as potential predators.
Try Repellents
There are various commercial squirrel repellents available, usually containing ingredients like predator urine, hot pepper, garlic, onion, or peppermint oil. It’s essential to reapply repellents regularly, as they may degrade over time due to environmental factors.
Fence Squirrels Out
Fencing your garden with materials like chicken wire can be an effective way to exclude squirrels. Alternatively, using a floating row cover in the vegetable garden can deter squirrels by creating a barrier that prevents them from feeling enclosed.
Protect Your Plants
In areas where excluding squirrels is challenging, protecting individual plants from squirrel damage is crucial. Consider using metal mesh cloches, aluminum flashing, or paper bags to safeguard your plants from squirrels’ destructive behavior.
Add Motion-Detecting Deterrents
Motion sensor sprinklers and ultrasonic devices can startle squirrels and deter them from your garden. However, their effectiveness may diminish over time as squirrels become accustomed to the stimuli.
Scare Them Away
Using visual deterrents like resin owls, rubber snakes, or noise-makers can help scare squirrels away. Moving these deterrents regularly can enhance their effectiveness in deterring squirrels.
Annoy Squirrels with Sound
Wind chimes, clanging pie plates, or ultrasonic devices emitting high-frequency sounds can annoy squirrels and discourage them from lingering in your garden.
When to Seek Professional Help
If squirrels have invaded your home or caused significant damage to your property, it may be time to call a professional exterminator. Signs of a severe squirrel infestation include tracks around your home or visible damage to your property. Seeking professional assistance in such cases can help you effectively address the squirrel issue and prevent further damage.
In conclusion, by implementing a combination of preventative measures and deterrents, you can protect your garden from squirrels safely and naturally. Remember to be persistent and proactive in your approach to keep these furry intruders at bay. Happy gardening!
