Squirrels have an adorable little body and agility, especially when they are jumping from branch to branch quickly. They are mostly active in keeping food during planting and the fall season.
Squirrels can be a big problem when they visit the garden. If you notice mysterious evidence such as half eaten fruit, overturned pots, and many more, it must be because of a hungry squirrel.
However, you do not need to worry because you can learn how to keep squirrels out of garden by applying these easy and smart tips to protect your plants from damage!
Squirrels often choose central areas where the plants you are protecting are. Referring to GardenDesign, you can plant scents like mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, or mustard, around vulnerable areas of the garden which possibly would be often visited.
In addition, many gardeners also use chili powder, coffee grounds, or pet hair around plants which can fool squirrels’ keen sense of smell.
Related to that, small wire baskets are often used to plant tubers that squirrels often dig up, such as tulips, onions, or potatoes. To make it difficult to dig up, link the bottom of the planting hole with coarse gravel.
The first way to keep squirrels out of the garden is to always keep your garden clean and tidy from any kind of trash such as seeds, animal food scraps, and fallen fruit. You also need to check if you have closed the trash cans tightly or not.
It is important to not leave trash, especially bird feed scattered on the ground, so as not to invite the squirrels’ arrival.
Additionally, according to GardenDesign, keeping the area under trees clean can reduce the likelihood of squirrels coming by more than half.
Next, consider placing a squirrel feeder in a corner of the garden away from the main area then fill it with nuts or corn.
However, it is somewhat controversial; it can attract more squirrels by distracting them from moving to other places that are far from the garden.
Before making a physical barrier, you need to set it up first at the bottom of the fence that is buried around 25–30 centimeters. You also need to cover surface plants with a thin row cover to make them still get sunlight but are safe from pests.
Because feeding birds often attracts squirrels, you can use its guards or purchase squirrel-proof feeders. Install them at least 1.5–2.5 meters from trees or fences so they are difficult to reach.
Do not forget to regularly clean up any leftover seeds underneath so the squirrels do not come back to visit your garden.
Squirrels also do not like walking on rough or sharp surfaces. You should use the sharp stones, small pebbles, and coarse then add aluminum foil later or small rocks on top to cover the scent that attracts them.
Many squirrel repellent sprays are available on the market, but you can also make your own to save money.
You can make it by mixing water, peppermint essential oil, cayenne pepper powder, and vinegar then spray it in areas where squirrels often pass through. Please be careful with the chili pepper dosage and do not let it get into their eyes.
You can also install automatic sprinklers devices that activate when there is squirrels movement.
When they pass by, these devices will spray water or emit a startling sound without harming them. This kind of method is an excellent choice for small to medium sized gardens.
Sustaining a natural balance can help natural predators of squirrels control their population balance. You also can install owl boxes or tall poles in your garden.
However, you need to be careful by doing research at first to consider what kind of natural predators that are suitable and safe for your pets.
Trapping squirrels and applying harsh methods are not a long-term and good solution. It not only harms them but also empty areas are usually quickly replaced by other kinds of animals that would annoy your garden.
In conclusion, how to keep squirrels out of garden is not easy to practice if you do not know the smart strategy. By those ways you know what methods are suitable and safe for your plants and also avoid harming the animal.
It certainly requires patience, consistency, and creativity related to knowledge of technology and simple research to make mindful decisions to balance the environmental living aspect of plants and animals.
With that combination, you can learn and explore, then enjoy a tidy, stress free, and pristine garden while allowing nature to remain in balance.
