To keep squirrels away from your garden, you can use a combination of natural repellents, physical barriers, and deterrent devices. Here are effective methods:
Natural Repellents (Scents and Plants)
- Use strong scents squirrels dislike, such as peppermint, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, or predator urine (e.g., fox urine). Place soaked cotton balls or spray diluted mixtures around the garden, but avoid applying directly on edible plants
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce on soil and plants to repel squirrels due to the irritating capsaicin
- Spread used coffee grounds or bone meal around plants; squirrels dislike the smell and it also benefits soil
- Plant squirrel-repelling companion plants like mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, mustard, alliums (daffodils, hyacinths), and rosemary around your garden to create a natural barrier
Physical Barriers
- Cover plants with row covers, bird netting, chicken wire, or wire mesh cages. Ensure fencing extends about a foot underground to prevent squirrels from digging underneath
- Place wire mesh or hardware cloth on soil surface around plants and cover with mulch or soil to hide it
- Use rocks or pebbles around plants to discourage digging
Deterrent Devices
- Install motion-activated sprinklers that spray water when squirrels approach, startling them away
- Use ultrasonic repellent devices that emit high-frequency sounds unpleasant to squirrels but inaudible to humans
- Place decoys such as plastic owls or rubber snakes and move them regularly to scare squirrels
Additional Tips
- Remove attractants by cleaning up fallen fruit, securing trash cans, and not leaving pet food outside
- Tuck dog hair around plants to leverage the scent of a predator
- Avoid using harmful substances like mothballs, which can damage plants and the environment
Combining these methods will increase your chances of keeping squirrels out of your garden effectively and humanely. Regular maintenance and refreshing repellents are necessary to maintain their effectiveness
