Are you struggling to keep squirrels out of garden and wondering how do you keep squirrels out of your garden? These little animals are real headaches because they dig up bulbs, chew fruits, and generally disturb your hard work.
But don't worry, there are simple ways to fix this problem without hurting the squirrels.
In this article, you find some easy and humane methods to help you ward them off. Ranging from natural repellents, barriers, and making your garden unsightly for them, these tips will help make your garden free of squirrels as well as remain friendly to nature.
So, let's begin.
Method #1: Install Fencing
One of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is to erect a sturdy fence. Fences with holes less than ¼ inch in size made of wire mesh or hardware cloth will block access by squirrels.
Set the fence several inches below the ground to prevent these persistent animals from digging underneath.
While squirrels are excellent climbers, the addition of a fence with a smooth surface or the installation on an outward slant will make climbing difficult for them.
Method #2: Remove Bird Feeders
You may know that bird feeders can become a squirrel magnet since they just love the seeds put out for the birds. If you are experiencing issues with garden squirrels, you might consider removing the feeders altogether.
If you do not want to stop feeding the birds, then use squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders incorporate several clever designs that barred weight-sensitive mechanisms to keep the squirrels out.
Method #3: Plant Squirrel-Repellent Plants
Squirrels do not like the smell of certain aromatic plants. Examples include garlic, onions, and hot peppers. Planting these around your garden may create a type of natural barrier.
Other plants that work well are the Marigold and peppermint; both deter squirrels through their scent. This is not guaranteed, but it works great as part of a larger plan to deter them.
Method #4: Use Hot Pepper Spray
Components of pepper spicy flavour, capsaicin is really an effective squirrel repellent. Crushed hot peppers or cayenne pepper combined with water and a little dish soap in a spray works well.
Spray this mixture onto your plants to help repel the squirrels by reapplying after rain to maintain effectiveness.
Method #5: Keep the Garden Clean
These animals are looking for food and shelter. A garden that is in disarray, with fruits and nuts on the ground and general debris, can provide both.
Raking leaves and gathering up food scraps or other items that could be a snack for the squirrels will make your garden less enticing to these creatures.
Keeping your yard free from debris eliminates some of the potential hiding spots for these pests as well.
Method #6: Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Another harmless but effective way to drive the squirrels off is a motion-activated sprinkler. In case a squirrel starts entering the garden, it will face a sudden burst of water that disappoints it and makes it run away without hurting it.
This may train the squirrels over some time in keeping them off your garden.
Method #7: Cover Soil with Mesh
If squirrels are digging up your flower bulbs or tampering with your dirt, then wire mesh or hardware cloth applied over the spot stops the digging.
This physical barrier prevents them from digging into the soil while still allowing for plant growth. It is especially effective in protecting newly planted seeds or sensitive plants.
Method #8: Provide Decoy Feeders
Sometimes, giving squirrels their own food source can help keep them out of your garden. Set up a decoy feeder with nuts or seeds far from your garden to distract them. Just make sure this feeder is placed away from your home to avoid nesting issues.
Method #9: Encourage Natural Predators
Owls and hawks are some of the natural predators of squirrels. Encouraging these to visit your garden would decrease the number of squirrels.
Allow them to set up birdhouses or nesting boxes, or plant trees offering them perching roots. This is another green method that works by restoring the natural balance.
Method #10: Use Live Traps
The live trap allows the catching of squirrels humanely while setting them free, but far enough from the garden. Set traps in locations considered as active places of visiting, using nuts or seeds as a kind of bait.
This form of trapping ensnares them and allows taking into safe places away from the garden.
Additional Tips to Help You Keep Your Garden Safe
Besides the above-mentioned methods, here are some other tips to provide extra protection for your garden from squirrels:
1. Use Ultrasonic Repellents: There exist ultrasonic devices that emit a sound that is inaudible to people, yet annoying for squirrels. Putting these around your garden will keep it free from these animals without necessarily disturbing your peace.
2. Mulch with Gravel: Gravel mulch around plants could make digging difficult for squirrels; thus, they wouldn't like to disturb the soil and plants.
3. Rotate Deterrents: Squirrels are intelligent and adaptable, so switching up your deterrents every now and then will help them not get used to any single method—be it pepper spray, decoy feeders, or sprinklers.
4. Use Garden Netting: Cover plants with a lightweight netting, mainly in the growing season. Prevent squirrels from nibbling fruits and vegetables without hindering sunlight.
Try combining these techniques with some of the above, and you'll be well on your way to having a squirrel-free garden.
Conclusion
Now you know how to keep squirrels out of your garden. It doesn't have to be challenging or cruel; you can save your plants and have a squirrel-free garden simply by simply following the methods given above.
Try several methods to find out what works best for your garden, and always be patient and persistent. These ways will let you save your garden without being cruel to nature.
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