How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

Plants That Repel Squirrels

Certain plants are known to naturally repel squirrels due to their strong scent or taste. Planting these around the perimeter of your garden or interspersed with your more vulnerable plants can help deter squirrels from entering. Daffodils, for example, contain a toxic compound that squirrels avoid, making them an excellent choice for a garden border. Marigolds have a pungent odor that squirrels find unappealing, and they also offer the added benefit of deterring other garden pests. Alliums, members of the onion family, emit a strong scent that squirrels dislike, making them another effective option. Mint is another plant with a strong fragrance that can help keep squirrels away, but be cautious, as mint can spread aggressively. By incorporating these plants into your garden design, you can create a natural barrier that discourages squirrels from venturing into your garden.

Protect Your Garden from Squirrels

To protect your garden from squirrels, start by using physical barriers that prevent access to plants and soil. Install raised beds with covers or use row covers to shield your plants from curious squirrels. Netting or mesh can also be draped over plants, especially those with fruit or vegetables, to block squirrels from reaching them. Another strategy is to use scare tactics, such as placing motion-activated sprinklers, reflective objects like aluminum foil strips, or wind chimes around your garden to startle and discourage squirrels. Additionally, applying natural repellents like hot pepper spray on plants can make them less appealing to squirrels. Regularly rotating these methods will keep the squirrels guessing and less likely to become accustomed to any one tactic. By taking a proactive approach, you can effectively safeguard your garden from squirrel damage.

Control Methods for Squirrels in the Garden

When dealing with squirrels in your garden, a combination of control methods is often the most effective approach. Trapping and relocating squirrels is one method, but it requires careful handling and adherence to local wildlife laws. Live traps can be baited with peanut butter or sunflower seeds and placed in areas where squirrels are most active. Once trapped, the squirrels should be relocated at least five miles away from your property. Another method is to use squirrel repellents, which can be either store-bought or homemade. Spraying plants with a mixture of water and hot pepper sauce creates an unpleasant taste that deters squirrels. Additionally, using decoys like plastic owls or rubber snakes can help scare squirrels away, though these may need to be moved regularly to remain effective. Consistent application of these control methods can help reduce the squirrel population in your garden.

What Keeps Squirrels Away from the Garden

To keep squirrels away from your garden, focus on making the environment less attractive and more challenging for them. Start by removing food sources, such as fallen fruits, nuts, and birdseed, which may lure squirrels into your garden. Installing squirrel-proof bird feeders or placing them far from the garden can also help reduce attraction. Physical barriers like fences, netting, or chicken wire are effective in blocking access to plants and soil. Using natural repellents, such as a spray made from water and hot pepper, can deter squirrels from chewing on plants. Additionally, planting squirrel-repelling plants like daffodils, marigolds, and mint around your garden can create a natural deterrent. Finally, employing motion-activated devices like sprinklers or lights can startle and scare squirrels away, making your garden a less inviting place for them to explore.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife or Pest Control Company

If your efforts to keep squirrels out of your garden aren’t working or if you’re dealing with a particularly large or persistent squirrel population, it’s time to call a professional wildlife or pest control company. Professionals have the experience, tools, and knowledge to address the problem safely and effectively. They can assess your property, identify how squirrels are entering and what’s attracting them, and implement a tailored plan to remove and prevent them from returning. In some cases, especially if squirrels are damaging your home or posing health risks, professional intervention is crucial. In the Raleigh-Durham area, contacting a company like Freedom Wildlife Solution and Pest Control in Clayton, NC, ensures that you get expert help with humane removal and long-term prevention strategies. Professional assistance provides peace of mind and a lasting solution to your squirrel problem.