It can be heartbreaking to nurture a garden full of beautiful plants only for your hard work to be undone by pesky squirrels. Gardening can already feel like an uphill battle with so many things going against us, so the last thing we need is something as small and mischievous as a squirrel wreaking havoc on our well-tended garden beds! Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to discourage these furry visitors from digging up your plants. This blog post will provide information on preventing squirrels from digging up plants, which can help you maintain your greenery and avoid frustration.
What Causes Squirrels to Dig Up Plants?
Squirrels are notorious for digging up plants, seeds, and bulbs in gardens. In some cases they can cause significant damage to plants.
To prevent squirrels from digging up plants in your garden, there are various methods you can use.
How To Deter Squirrels From Digging Up Plants
Install Protective Barriers and Plant Covers
When it comes to squirrels digging up your plants, the best defense is a good offense. To keep them away from your precious flowers and vegetables, start by installing protective barriers around your garden beds and plant covers over vulnerable veggies and herbs.
Provide Other Food Sources for the Squirrels
If you have a squirrel problem, it’s likely they’re coming around for food. Consider providing alternate food sources such as bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds and peanuts, so the squirrels can get their fill without digging up your plants.
Use Repellents and Natural Solutions to Discourage Digging
You can use repellents and natural solutions to deter squirrels from entering your garden beds. You could consider using cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to sprinkle around the area. Alternatively, try applying coffee grounds or an egg-based repellent on top of the soil. You can also make a homemade spray using water and garlic cloves blended together, then spraying it in areas where they’re digging.
Trap and Remove Problematic Squirrels
If squirrels are constantly digging up your plants, you might need to consider trapping and removing them from your property. While this should be a last resort, it can help in some cases. Make sure to check local laws before setting any traps, as they may require a permit or other specific regulations.
Utilize Decoy Predators or Scare Tactics
Scare tactics can be effective ways to keep squirrels away from your plants. Try setting up decoy predators such as owl or snake statues, or hanging shiny objects that move in the wind (like CDs).
You may also want to make noise by banging pots and pans together when you see a squirrel approaching.
What Smell Keeps Squirrels Away From Plants?
There are a number of smells that have been reported to keep squirrels away from plants. This includes scents such as peppermint, garlic, and citrus. These powerful smells can be used in a variety of ways to repel squirrels away from your plant beds. You can make a spray out of these ingredients or simply sprinkle it around the area where you don’t want squirrels to dig. The smell will linger for several days and may even help reduce the amount of damage done by squirrels. In addition, you could also apply fox urine as an effective deterrent since most animals will avoid places marked with this scent. Therefore, using one or all of these methods is sure to keep your plants safe from pesky squirrel digging! [2]
What Is The Most Effective Squirrel Repellent?
One of the most effective ways to stop squirrels from digging up plants is to use a squirrel repellent. There are many different types of products on the market designed specifically for this purpose. Some are in granular form and can be sprinkled around your plants or garden, while others come in liquid form and can be sprayed directly onto them. The goal with these products is to make the area unpleasant for squirrels so that they won’t bother your plants. Additionally, there are some natural remedies you can employ, such as garlic-infused water or spraying cider vinegar on the plant’s foliage. You may need to experiment with a few different methods until you find something that works for you. With patience and persistence, you can keep your plants safe from the marauding squirrels.
Do Squirrels Hate Vinegar?
Some gardeners claim that vinegar is an effective deterrent to squirrels digging up plants. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to back up this theory. If you want to try it, use white distilled vinegar and spray the foliage of your plants with it.
Additionally, some people have found success in using repellents such as predator urine or products containing capsaicin. These may be effective if applied correctly and regularly but should always be used with caution, especially when around children or pets.
Do Squirrels Hate Cinnamon?
Cinnamon can be used as an effective deterrent against squirrels. Ground cinnamon sprinkled around the base of a plant may prevent them from digging up young roots or bulbs. As with any remedy, this method may not work for all types of plants and soil types.
If you do decide to try this remedy, make sure to use ground cinnamon rather than sticks, which can be toxic to your plants. Additionally, reapply often since rain and wind can quickly wash away the scent. It is also important to note that the scent of cinnamon may attract other animals such as chipmunks and birds! Therefore it is advisable to take extra precautions like netting over vulnerable plants when using this method. [3]
Another spice that can repel squirrels is cayenne pepper. Sprinkling some around the base of a plant may prevent squirrels from digging up young roots or bulbs as they dislike the smell and taste of this spice. As with cinnamon, this remedy could also attract other animals so extra precautions may be necessary.
Although these spices can act as deterrents, it is important to note that there are no guarantees when it comes to keeping squirrels away. The best way to protect your plants is to use physical barriers such as netting or fencing around them. Additionally, ensuring there are no sources of food in your garden will help keep squirrels away from your plants. If all else fails, you can contact a local pest control expert for advice on how to best deal with an infestation.
What Animals Are Squirrels Most Afraid Of?
Squirrels are generally afraid of larger animals, such as cats, dogs, and humans. If you have one of these animals living near your garden or yard, they can help keep squirrels away. Foxes, hawks, and snakes may also be effective in discouraging the unwelcome critters. Placing owl decoys or motion-activated water sprinklers around the area might frighten off any potential intruders too. Whatever method you choose to use, make sure it’s done safely so other animals aren’t harmed or disturbed.
In addition to larger predators, some homeowners find that loud sounds help to deter squirrels from digging up their plants. Stringing up wind chimes or placing a radio nearby playing classical music softly may help keep squirrels away. Another suggestion is to bury a few metal pans filled with pebbles around the perimeter of your garden or lawn, so that when a squirrel walks across them they make loud noises. This can be an effective method if done correctly and frequently.
Finally, while it might seem like common sense, making sure that bird feeders are kept far away from plants can also help prevent squirrels from digging up those areas as well. Placing barriers such as fencing or large rocks between the two locations can help deter the animals from coming into contact with your garden in the first place.
Do Squirrels Hate Noise?
Yes, squirrels hate loud noises. If you have a problem with squirrels digging up your plants, try making loud noises to deter them from digging. Make sure to make the noise every time you see a squirrel around your plants so that it gets used to the noise and associates it with danger. You can use a whistle, air horn or just clap your hands loudly.
You can also set up motion-activated sprinklers, which will spray water when they sense movement–startling the squirrel and making it think twice before coming back. Additionally, setting up aluminum foil around the base of the plants may help keep them away as well; this is because squirrels do not like walking on metal surfaces and are less likely to dig in the soil near it.
How Do You Make A Squirrel Trap?
If you’re looking for a more permanent way to keep squirrels away from your plants, trapping them is an effective option. To make a squirrel trap, you will need:
- A large box or cage with at least two doors
- Bait such as peanut butter, seeds or nuts
- Gloves and protective clothing in case of bites
- Wire cutters
- Twine
- Trap door closure for the door of the cage. [5]
To set up the trap:
- Place the bait inside the box or cage, out of reach of any other animals that may try to access it. Make sure it is securely attached so it doesn’t fall out.
- Cut a hole in the side or top of the box large enough for the squirrel to enter, but not big enough for other animals to access it.
- Secure a trap door closure on the entrance so that when the squirrel enters, it will stay inside until you are ready to release it.
- Attach some twine from the interior of the cage to an exterior object and tie it tight so that if the squirrel attempts to escape it will be unable to do so.
- Place your trap near where you have seen signs of squirrel activity such as digging or scurrying about in your garden or yard.
- Check your trap periodically and if there is a squirrel inside, release it far away from your property.
Once you have trapped and released the squirrels, take steps to prevent them from coming back. These include eliminating food sources such as bird feeders or pet dishes, using repellents, and trimming trees near your house so they can’t jump onto your roof. With these measures in place, you should be able to keep squirrels away from your plants! [6]
FAQ
What stops squirrels from digging?
There are several methods to stop squirrels from digging in your garden or flower beds. These include using physical barriers such as chicken wire, burying obstacles such as stones, and applying repellents. You can also reduce food sources by making sure to pick up fallen fruit or nuts from the ground. Additionally, providing an alternate food source such as a bird feeder may help divert some of their attention away from your plants.
How do I keep squirrels out of my garden?
Using physical barriers is one way to keep squirrels out of your garden. Chicken wire can be used to create a barrier around the perimeter of your garden or any areas you want to protect. It should be sunk at least 12 inches into the ground and be sure to leave no gaps for squirrels to squeeze through. You can also bury obstacles such as stones or rocks around the perimeter of your garden. This helps prevent nesting and digging.
Are there any repellents that can help keep squirrels away?
Yes, there are several types of repellents available that are specially formulated to keep squirrels away from gardens and flower beds. These include sprays, granular products, and gels that create an unpleasant smell or taste that keeps squirrels out of the area. Repellents should be applied once every two weeks in order for them to be effective. Additionally, it may take a few applications before you see results.
What else can I do to prevent squirrel damage in my garden?
In addition to using physical barriers and repellents, you can also reduce food sources for squirrels. Make sure to pick up any nuts, fruits or vegetables that have fallen from trees or vines in your garden. Additionally, providing an alternate food source such as a bird feeder may help divert some of their attention away from your plants. Regularly trimming back overgrown branches will also help limit the amount of protection squirrels may find in your garden. Finally, be sure to keep pet food and bird seed stored securely so that they aren’t accessible to squirrels.
How do I keep squirrels off my plants?
There are many ways to prevent squirrels from digging up your plants. The most important step is to make sure the area around the plants is not attractive to the animals. Here are some tips for keeping squirrels away:
- Make sure all food sources, such as bird feeders and pet food dishes, are out of reach of squirrels.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs near your garden so that they don’t provide easy access for animals looking to get into your yard.
- Place cayenne pepper or garlic granules, which have a strong smell and taste, around your garden beds if you want to deter animals from entering them in the first place.
- Install fences, wire mesh, or chicken wire around your garden beds to keep animals out and prevent them from digging up your plants.
- Remove any debris, such as leaves or fallen fruit, that may attract squirrels. 6. Place traps in areas where you’ve seen squirrel activity; this will help remove the animal from your property without hurting it.
- Spray a commercial repellent on the affected area of soil; these contain scents that can deter animals away from the area without harming them. These tips should help you protect your plants from pesky squirrels! You could also consider using a combination of techniques for maximum effectiveness in keeping them away from your garden beds.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels from digging?
Manyers swear by using coffee grounds to keep squirrels from digging up their plants. Coffee grounds can be spread around the base of your plants or even mixed into the soil.
Not only do coffee grounds have a strong scent, but they are also believed to taste unpleasant for animals like squirrels. As an added bonus, used coffee grounds add nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. It is important to note that while this method has been popular among gardeners, there are no scientific studies that prove its effectiveness in keeping squirrels away. Consequently, it may help but results may vary. The best way to ensure your plants stay safe from squirrels is to use a combination of methods mentioned previously such as fencing and repellents.
Will vinegar keep squirrels away from plants?
Vinegar can be used to keep squirrels away from plants. Vinegar is an acetic acid-based solution that has a strong smell and taste. When sprayed on plants, it can act as a deterrent for squirrels looking to munch on your greens. To use vinegar to stop squirrels from digging up plants, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it liberally onto the plant and surrounding soil. Reapply it every few days or after rainfall until the digging stops. Additionally, adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mixture can increase its effectiveness at deterring squirrels.
However, if you have other animals around such as cats or dogs, make sure they don’t come in contact with the vinegar solution. Creating a physical barrier around your plants is also an effective way to prevent squirrels from digging up them up. Place wire mesh or chicken wire around the perimeter of the plant bed and be sure to bury at least 6 inches of it into the soil so that they can’t dig underneath it. You should also inspect your plants regularly for any damage caused by squirrels and take action immediately if you see any signs of destruction. By following these tips, you can make sure that no pesky squirrel will ruin your garden again!
Useful Video: How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Garden – Your Questions Answered
Conclusion
The best way to prevent squirrels from digging up your plants is to make sure they have no access to them. By covering the soil with a layer of mulch, netting, or chicken wire and securing any openings where they might enter your garden, you can keep these pesky critters away. If it’s too late and they’ve already started digging in your flower beds, trapping and relocating them is generally the most humane solution for controlling the problem. Keeping gardens well-maintained and free of food sources can also help keep squirrels away from your plants in the future. While it may take some time and effort on your part to create a squirrel-free environment for your garden, it’s worth it when you see those beautiful plants blooming and healthy without any pesky critters around.
Finally, remember to always practice humane animal control methods when dealing with wildlife in your yard. By following these steps, you’re not only protecting your precious plants, but also helping maintain a safe environment for all species in your area.
Good luck!
References:
- https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-keep-squirrels-out-of-potted-plants
- https://www.gardenerbasics.com/blog/keep-squirrels-from-digging-up-plants
- https://www.henrystreet.co.uk/keep-squirrels-flower-pots/
- https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/squirrels.html
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/protect-containers-from-squirrels.htm
- https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1438405/How-to-stop-squirrels-digging-up-plants-evg
