Squirrels can be a delightful sight in nature, but they often become a nuisance when they invade your garden. These agile rodents are notorious for digging up plants, stealing seeds, and damaging crops, making it difficult to maintain a healthy and thriving garden.
Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can deter squirrels without causing them harm, ensuring that your garden remains a peaceful and productive space. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to keep squirrels out of garden so that you can get back to using it in no time! So grab your tools, and let’s get started!
Common Types of Damage
Squirrels can cause several types of damage to a garden, often resulting in frustration for gardeners. One of the most common issues is the digging of holes in soil and flower beds, as squirrels search for or bury food. They can also chew through stems and branches, potentially harming young plants and trees. Additionally, squirrels are known to raid bird feeders, stealing seeds meant for birds and scattering them across the garden.
Crop damage is another frequent problem, particularly with fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as squirrels are attracted to ripening produce. These persistent behaviors can disrupt the growth and overall health of a garden, making it essential to address the issue proactively.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior in Gardens
Understanding squirrel behavior is key to mitigating their impact on gardens. Squirrels are natural foragers, constantly searching for food to sustain themselves and to store for future use. This instinctual behavior drives them to dig holes to bury nuts and seeds, which can disturb flower beds and unearth delicate plants.
They are also excellent climbers, allowing them to easily access fruits, nuts, and bird feeders positioned off the ground. Squirrels are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, particularly during the spring and fall when they are preparing for seasonal changes. By recognizing these behavioral patterns, gardeners can implement strategies to reduce damage, such as using squirrel-proof feeders, protective netting, or natural deterrents to safeguard their plants and produce.
10 Methods How to Keep Squirrels Out of Garden
1. Install Physical Barriers to Block Access
One of the most straightforward ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is by installing physical barriers. Fencing made of hardware cloth or chicken wire is highly effective. Use a mesh size of about 1 inch or smaller to prevent squirrels from squeezing through. Bury the fence at least 6 inches deep to deter digging.
For raised beds or specific plant areas, consider placing a cage or cover over the plants. Use netting or wire mesh that allows sunlight while keeping squirrels out. Be sure to secure the edges to the ground or garden bed to prevent squirrels from lifting the barrier. Regularly inspect these structures for damage or gaps that clever squirrels may exploit.
2. Use Natural Repellents to Deter Squirrels
Squirrels dislike strong odors, so using natural repellents can significantly reduce their presence. Cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and vinegar are common choices. Sprinkle cayenne pepper directly onto the soil or mix it with water and spray it around the garden. Garlic powder scattered near plants also works well.
Another effective method is soaking cotton balls in vinegar and placing them in strategic spots. Replace these as the smell fades. You can also purchase commercial squirrel repellents that contain natural ingredients. Applying these deterrents after heavy rain is crucial, as moisture can wash them away.
3. Make Use of Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Bird feeders are a major attractant for squirrels. To reduce their allure, invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders designed with weighted perches that close access when a heavier animal, like a squirrel, tries to feed.
Position the feeder at least 10 feet away from trees, fences, or other structures from which squirrels can jump. You can also install a baffle (a cone-shaped shield) on the feeder pole to make climbing difficult. Regularly clean up spilled seeds to avoid attracting squirrels to the ground below the feeder.
4. Plant Squirrel-Repellent Flowers and Herbs
Certain plants naturally repel squirrels due to their scent or taste. Incorporate daffodils, marigolds, mint, and alliums into your garden. These plants not only add visual appeal but also create an environment that squirrels find unpleasant.
Fritillaria imperialis (crown imperial) is another excellent choice, as its strong, skunky smell keeps many rodents at bay. Planting these deterrent species around your garden’s perimeter and interspersed among more vulnerable plants helps reduce squirrel visits.
5. Use Mulch and Ground Covers Strategically
Squirrels often dig through loose soil to bury or retrieve food. To make this more difficult, use gravel, decorative stones, or rough-textured mulch around plants. The uncomfortable surface discourages digging.
You can also use cocoa shell mulch, as its smell can deter squirrels. However, be cautious with this option if you have pets, as cocoa mulch can be toxic to dogs. By creating a less inviting digging environment, you decrease the likelihood of squirrels disturbing your plants.
6. Incorporate Motion-Activated Devices
Squirrels are easily startled, making motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasonic devices effective deterrents. These devices activate when they sense movement, emitting a burst of water or a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant to squirrels but harmless.
Place motion-activated sprinklers near garden beds or bird feeders. Adjust the settings to activate only when an animal passes by, reducing water waste. Ultrasonic repellers are best used near entrances or in areas where squirrels frequently enter the garden. The unpredictability of these deterrents makes the area less appealing to wildlife.
7. Create a Distraction Feeding Area
Sometimes, it’s more practical to divert squirrels rather than eliminate them entirely. Set up a dedicated feeding station away from your main garden, stocked with foods like sunflower seeds or peanuts.
This distraction method works best when placed at a significant distance from your garden, as squirrels will naturally gravitate toward the easier food source. By offering a dedicated space, you can reduce the temptation for them to forage in your planted areas.
8. Utilize Reflective and Noisy Objects
Squirrels are wary of sudden movements and bright lights. Hanging reflective tape, old CDs, or wind chimes in your garden can help keep them away. The flashing reflections and clanging sounds create an environment that squirrels find uncomfortable.
Place these deterrents near plants that are most frequently disturbed. Change their positions periodically to prevent squirrels from becoming accustomed to them. This method works best when combined with other deterrent strategies for optimal effectiveness.
9. Apply Predator Scents as a Natural Deterrent
Squirrels are naturally cautious animals, and the scent of predators can send them scurrying. Purchase predator urine, such as fox or coyote, from a garden center and spray it around the garden’s perimeter.
Be mindful that these products can have a strong odor and may need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain. Alternatively, some gardeners use dog hair or cat fur collected from grooming and scatter it around vulnerable areas. The scent signals potential danger, keeping squirrels at a distance.
10. Maintain a Clean and Orderly Garden
Reducing clutter and food sources is key to keeping squirrels away. Clean up fallen nuts, acorns, and fruits promptly. Regularly rake leaves and remove piles of debris where squirrels might nest.
Cover compost piles securely and avoid leaving pet food outdoors. Prune tree branches that extend close to your garden to limit easy access routes. A tidy, organized garden is far less inviting to squirrels, who prefer areas with abundant cover and food.
Things to Consider When Preventing Squirrel Damage
Local Wildlife Laws
Before taking measures to deter squirrels, it’s essential to check local wildlife regulations. Some areas have laws protecting certain species of squirrels, limiting the methods you can use.
Environmental Impact
Consider the broader environmental impact of your prevention methods. Avoid using harmful chemicals or pesticides that could affect other animals, plants, or water sources in your area.
Seasonal Behavior
Squirrel activity often varies by season, with heightened activity in the spring and fall during feeding and nesting periods. Tailor your prevention strategies according to these active times for better results.
Neighboring Properties
Squirrels can travel great distances, so if your neighbors’ yards provide ample food and shelter, it might make your efforts less effective. Coordinating with neighbors can enhance the success of your deterrent measures.
Balancing Deterrence with Wildlife Appreciation
While it’s important to protect your garden, consider balancing your efforts to deter squirrels with an appreciation of local wildlife. Observing nature in moderation can still be a rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Dealing with squirrels in the garden can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce their presence without resorting to harmful methods. Combining physical barriers, natural deterrents, and distraction techniques creates a multi-layered defense that keeps your garden safe and thriving.
By strategically planting repellent flowers, using motion-activated devices, and maintaining cleanliness, you make your garden less attractive to squirrels. With a bit of creativity and persistence, you can enjoy your garden without worrying about these persistent little intruders. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to keep squirrels out of garden!
