Squirrels are cute and fluffy, but they can be a real nuisance when they decide your garden is their personal buffet.
They dig up bulbs, devour your fruits and vegetables, and even strip bark from trees. If you’re tired of sharing your hard-earned harvest with these furry fiends, this guide is for you.
We’ll explore a variety of methods, from natural deterrents to more proactive measures to get rid of squirrels in garden and restore your oasis.
Understanding the Enemy: Squirrel Behavior
Before you wage war on squirrels, it’s helpful to understand why they’re attracted to your garden in the first place.
- Food Sources: Squirrels are natural foragers, constantly seeking out nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Your garden offers a tempting array of tasty treats.
- Shelter and Nesting: Trees, shrubs, and even your attic can provide squirrels with ideal nesting sites.
- Easy Access: Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, making it easy for them to reach even the most well-protected plants.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in Garden
If you prefer a humane approach, there are several natural methods you can try to get rid of squirrels in garden.
Make Your Garden Less Appealing
- Clean Up: Remove fallen fruit, nuts, and seeds regularly. This eliminates easy food sources and makes your garden less attractive.
- Strategic Planting: Avoid planting squirrel favorites like tulips, crocuses, and corn. Opt for daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums, which squirrels tend to avoid.
| Squirrel-Resistant Plants | Squirrel Favorites |
|---|---|
| Daffodils | Tulips |
| Hyacinths | Crocuses |
| Alliums | Corn |
| Marigolds | Sunflower Seeds |
| Geraniums | Berries |
Create Barriers
- Fencing: Erect a fence around your garden, ensuring it’s at least 3 feet high and buried 6 inches underground to prevent squirrels from digging under it.
- Netting: Use bird netting to protect vulnerable plants and fruit trees. Make sure the netting is securely fastened to prevent squirrels from getting tangled.
- Repellent Plants: Squirrels dislike the smell of certain plants. Consider planting peppermint, garlic, or onions around your garden.
Homemade Squirrel Repellents
- Spicy Spray: Mix hot peppers, garlic, and water in a spray bottle. Apply this mixture to plants and areas where squirrels are a problem.
- Predator Urine: The scent of predators like foxes or coyotes can deter squirrels. You can purchase predator urine online or at garden centers.
Taking More Proactive Measures
If natural methods aren’t enough, you may need to take more proactive steps to get rid of squirrels.
Trapping and Relocating
- Live Traps: Use live traps baited with peanut butter, nuts, or sunflower seeds. Once you’ve caught a squirrel, relocate it at least 5 miles away from your home to prevent it from returning.
- Important: Check local laws and regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife.
Ultrasonic Repellents
- High-Frequency Sounds: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness varies, and squirrels may become accustomed to the sound over time.
Exclusion Devices
- Bird Feeders: Use squirrel-resistant bird feeders to prevent them from stealing birdseed.
- Tree Baffles: Install baffles around tree trunks to prevent squirrels from climbing up and accessing bird feeders or nesting in trees.
Fastest Way To Get Rid of Squirrels in Garden
The fastest way to get rid of squirrels is often a combination of methods. Start by removing food sources and using barriers like fencing and netting. If that doesn’t work, consider trapping and relocating squirrels or using ultrasonic repellents.
How do I get rid of chipmunks in the garden?
Many of the same methods used for squirrels will also work for chipmunks. Try removing food sources, using barriers like fencing and netting, and applying natural repellents.
Conclusion
Dealing with squirrels in your garden can be frustrating, but with a bit of effort and the right strategies, you can successfully reclaim your outdoor space.
Remember to start with natural and humane methods before resorting to more proactive measures. By understanding squirrel behavior and implementing a combination of deterrents, you can create a garden that’s less inviting to these persistent pests and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of squirrels in garden.
What Smells Deter Squirrels?
Squirrels have sensitive noses and dislike strong odors like cayenne pepper, garlic, peppermint, citrus fruits, and coffee grounds. Predator urine, mimicking the scent of foxes or coyotes, can also trigger their fear response and keep them away.
Are Mothballs Effective Against Squirrels?
No, mothballs are not recommended. They contain toxic chemicals that can harm children, pets, and wildlife, and their effectiveness in repelling squirrels is questionable.
What’s the Most Effective Squirrel Repellent?
The most effective approach often involves a combination of methods. Consider natural repellents (hot peppers, garlic), commercial repellents (capsaicin), or ultrasonic devices.
Does Irish Spring Soap Repel Squirrels?
Irish Spring soap’s strong scent is believed to deter squirrels. Place bars around your garden, grate it near plants, or make a liquid spray. Its effectiveness can vary.
How Can I Protect My Bulbs From Squirrels?
Protect bulbs by planting squirrel-resistant varieties (daffodils, hyacinths), using wire cages, applying deterrents (cayenne pepper), or covering with mulch.