How to Keep Squirrels Out of Garden Beds and Potted Plants

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There are more than 65types of squirrelsin the United States . They ’re cute and playful , but , as fun as it may be to determine their antics , squirrels can sometimes be problematic for gardeners when they nibble on yield and veg , dig , foray into the boo birdfeeder , or climb vine .

Before learning how to keep squirrels out of the garden , it helps to ensure they are the culprit of plant life price . First , know the sign that squirrels are in your garden .

Gray Squirrel finds a nut and digs it up

Photo: istockphoto.com

Second , learn how to keep squirrels away from your garden .

1. Fence them out.

fence is a simple and inexpensive squirrel deterrent . While squirrel can easily climb wooden seclusion fences , they can not get through heavy wire or plastic mesh . weld untainted steel mesh , telegram hardware cloth , andpoly nettingare good fence options . choose a mesh with orifice of under ¼ inch . poulet wire does n’t make a unspoilt squirrel sack because it ’s lightweight ; determined squirrels can chew through it .

2. Remove the bird feeder.

Getting disembarrass of squirrel humanely is challenging . It ’s often easier to discourage them from showing up in the first place . Removing a favored food source is one pick . Squirrels are n’t terribly fussy , but some of their preferred solid food to nosh let in yield , vegetable , crank , efflorescence , fungi , and insect . They ’re also hump to search alternative , such as dog and computerized axial tomography solid food , board scraps , and razz seed .

Removing the chick confluent should make squirrels to short-circuit your yard . If you want to continue supplement the diet of your feather Friend , choose asquirrel - proof bird feederor add a squirrel baffle likethis highly rate option useable at Amazonto an exist feeder .

3. Grow plants that are unappealing to squirrels.

Like other rodents , squirrels can be magpie who will rust just about anything available , but there are intellectual nourishment they dislike that mighthelp dissuade them . Among these are sore onions and in the buff ail , as well as many sort of raging peppers . Squirrels , many animals , and even insects dislike the smell and taste of peppermint . They , like many animals and dirt ball , also abominate the pungent smell of marigolds . Planting a mete of any of these unappetizing ( to squirrel ) plants can sometimes be an effective squirrel repellent . Keep in mind that slew maturate sharply and can take over a garden .

4. Pepper your plants with the hot stuff.

Becausehot peppersare one of the thing squirrels hate the most , dousing your plants with a spray made of humiliated hot Piper nigrum and just a drop of dish soap in water . Or try sprinkling red-hot pepper flakes on and around plants to dissuade them from ravaging the works . Capsaicin ( a chemical element of chili white pepper ) is one of the most in force squirrel repellents becausethey do n’t like the smellor the spicy flavor . chili pepper black pepper has the means and also might deter squirrels or other garden pests . Remember to reapply after pelting washes the substance away .

5. Keep your yard and garden tidy.

Because squirrels forage for nuts , acorn , and other things to eat , a cluttered yard harbor a food source that attracts them . scan up dead leaf , branchlet , branches , and other bushed plant matter can bump off food for thought as well as possible nesting site . scavenge up the codswallop leave by rodents , such as corn cobs or rugged bollock shield , to disinvite the midnight feasters .

6. Blast them out with noise.

Go simple by hanging malarky chimes or even tin pie plates tethered to a bet in the garden to make noise that should sway squirrels to go elsewhere . If you have a sheltered maculation , a radio can also gravel them enough to depart — peculiarly if it ’s tune to a talk radiocommunication station . For a little more investment , try an supersonic gimmick that emits in high spirits - frequency sound Wave to scare away squirrels and other animals .

7. Shine a light on the problem.

Blind squirrels ( temporarily ) with movement - trip light . squirrel are sore to bright igniter and will usually go away the arena when accosted by flashing lights . A motion - sensor strobe light likethis extremely rated option available at Amazonis a good , humane fashion to disembarrass a garden of unwanted squirrel . Many are solar - powered types , so they want no electricity and use no toxic chemical .

8. Stink them out.

Using odour squirrel do n’t care can keep them at alcove . In add-on to commercial-grade repellents sold at baby’s room , garden centers , and online retail merchant , you’re able to try usual home items such as umber grounds , soap ( especiallyIrish Spring ) , or acetum to shoo them aside . Do not use ammonia water , whitener , naphthalene , or paradichlorobenzene ( ingredient in mothballs ) because they are harmful to wildlife , pet , and even people .

Another way to persuade them that your garden is protected is to usepredator urinearound the margin , or even yourdog ’s fur .

9. Scare them away.

Stagnant scarecrows or fake owls bond on a post are unbelievable to trick a squirrel into departure , but apparent movement - activated faux snakes , Fox , doll of target , and other predators — especially if they also have level-headed — may convince squirrels to move along . In addition to decoy vulture , object that move , such aspinwheelsand wildlife tape likethis highly scab option available at Amazonmay work .

Other ways gardener taste to dash off squirrels includemotion - activated sprinkler systemsthat will start but not harm them .

10. Live trap and relocate.

As an out-and-out last resort in extreme portion , set live trap , baited with squirrel favorites , and relocate the furry little rodents . Be aware that Department of State or local laws might prohibit immobilise and/or releasing or relocating them . see with your local Department of Natural Resources before attempting this method acting .

Also understand that trapping for relocation is seldom effective and often prejudicious to the creature ’s living . They may leave babies behind — now orphan — or they might give in to predatory animal or other squirrels in territorial conflict . They also might contend to find food and protection in unfamiliar surroundings .

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Vegetables garden and wire fence close up background

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Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder