Buzz
Image: Stanzi11/Getty ImagesSquirrels might be cute, but you'll soon be fuming when they take a bite out of every strawberry or tomato in your garden or start digging up your precious flower bulbs. The truth is, no matter what you do, keeping squirrels out of your garden entirely is nearly impossible in your slice of nature.
The most effective approach to keeping squirrels at bay: Don't fight them, find ways to peacefully coexist. "Try to find ways to co-exist with the squirrels, or whatever wildlife it is, because going to war with them will likely mean that you will lose," suggests Tammi Hartung, organic farmer and author of The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener. Use these expert strategies to peacefully share your garden with squirrels and other critters, all while keeping your plants safe from their hungry nibbling.
Identify where the damage caused by squirrels is occurring
Squirrels tend to have a broad (and often frustrating) appetite, which means they can quickly devour your fruits, vegetables, flower bulbs, nuts, and other plants you hold dear.
Hartung can confirm from experience that the key is to stay vigilant, as you may discover that squirrels aren’t consuming as much of your garden as you assume. Instead, they might be burying nuts and seeds within the soil, potentially causing harm to the plants by disturbing their roots during their digging.
Create a space for squirrels away from your precious plants
To deter them from your prized plants, think about setting up a squirrel- and bird-friendly area they'll be drawn to. Hartung suggests creating a stash of sunflowers. "The best strategy is to offer them something they can use, like sunflowers, which keeps them satisfied and away from the plants we want to protect. Plant them in a corner of your garden, particularly near a fence, as squirrels often use fences as highways."
Hartung also suggests planting fruiting shrubs such as currants, hawthorns, or roses—squirrels are particularly fond of rosehips. And remember to provide a water source, especially if squirrels have been chewing through your drip irrigation lines. "Squirrels can hear the water flowing through the drip tape or pipe, and since they’re thirsty, they chew the system," she explains. "By placing a glazed pottery saucer or a similar container with fresh water, they’ll have a drinking spot and will stop damaging the irrigation system."
Pick fruits and vegetables without delay
While squirrels and other critters may sometimes nibble on green tomatoes, leaving ripe or decaying fruits and vegetables in your garden will definitely attract them.
"The simplest solution is good maintenance," advises Roger Dickens, technical services manager at Terminix. "Ensure that all fruits and vegetables are picked at the proper time, and remove any rotting produce as soon as possible."
Grow plants that act as natural deterrents
Squirrels have keen olfactory senses and might be repelled by plants with strong aromas. For example, the scent of garlic and onion-like plants such as allium flowers, scallions, garlic, mint, hot peppers, and strongly scented flowers like geraniums, marigolds, lily of the valley, and daffodils can be off-putting to squirrels. Planting these around your more vulnerable plants may help deter squirrels from exploring deeper into your garden.
"I recommend planting vegetables that you enjoy eating as a way to keep squirrels at bay," suggests Dickens. "This approach helps prevent squirrel damage while also allowing you to harvest the vegetables you love."
Use chicken wire to safeguard your plants
Create a protective barrier to prevent animals from reaching your plants—metal chicken wire is an effective solution. Hartung advises against using netting, as it can become tangled and ensnare birds and other creatures.
Squirrels have the ability to chew through metal, so a determined squirrel may still manage to bypass this barrier.
Sprinkle some pepper flakes on the soil
Sprinkling red or black pepper liberally around the base of the plants you wish to protect can help keep squirrels and other pests (like squash bugs) at bay. "The peppers are effective because the creatures get the hot pepper or black pepper on their nose and paws, and when they lick it, it doesn’t take long for them to realize it’s not the best spot to visit," Hartung explains. Be sure to reapply after a heavy rain or windstorm.
Experiment with other squirrel-repellent products
There’s a vast array of squirrel and pest deterrent products available, although their effectiveness can vary. However, Hartung recommends a product called Plantskydd, a deodorized blood meal powder or granule. "It’s not meant to be sprayed directly on the plants, but rather applied as a barrier around them," Hartung says. "We rely on it when other methods fail. It works for squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, bears, deer, and elk. Plus, it only needs to be applied once every six months."
Smart home gadgets, like motion-activated sprinklers, can also persuade squirrels to vacate your garden. Or, consider some low-tech alternatives that are equally effective. "Pie plates and mylar tape may provide some short-term results, but they should be replaced regularly to prevent the squirrels from getting used to them," says Dickens.
Predator urine, such as that from wolves or foxes, is sometimes used as a deterrent, though it tends to lose its effectiveness after a short period of time.
Shield important garden features with a blend of petroleum jelly and hot pepper sauce
Squirrels don’t just snack on food and plants—they’ve also been known to gnaw on wooden fences, hoses, irrigation systems, and nearly anything else in your garden. Consider applying a mix of petroleum jelly and hot sauce or spicy pepper flakes to protect areas they like to chew, as well as your bird feeder. (Birds won’t be bothered by the spice.)
