How to keep squirrels out of your garden – WBOY.com
Tips for keeping squirrels out of your yard
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Squirrels can be a great addition to your garden, and they are fun to watch. Although there are some benefits to having squirrels around, they can also be a major nuisance. And many homeowners are looking for ways to keep them out of the garden. If you want to prevent these rodents from entering your garden, there are several ways to repel them. You can try natural, mechanical, and decoy-based repellents.
Ways to identify squirrel damage in your garden
If you are not sure if you have a pest problem, here are some ways to find out.
- The lights are damaged or missing. Squirrels, groundhogs, and chipmunks frequently dig up new bulbs. They either eat them or take them to their nests to store them for later.
- There are small holes in the garden. Squirrels tend to leave small holes in the soil, usually about two inches in diameter. If you see fresh holes in the dirt, you likely have a squirrel problem.
- Objects around the house or garden have been chewed. Squirrels need to chew on things to prevent their teeth from growing too sharp or too long. This includes wood, vinyl, plastic, and mortar.
- Your plants are missing or damaged. Rodents eat all kinds of things in the garden, including tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, and squash. Sometimes, they take fruit or vegetables with them. Usually, they chew parts of plants or produce and leave the rest.
- They hang around the bird feeders. Similar to birds, squirrels enjoy bird food. If your bird feeder is running out quickly, it could be because of the squirrels.
How to keep squirrels out of the garden
Install garden covers
One way to protect your crops is to create a barrier with garden coverings such as netting, crop cages, tents, or tarp. These can protect plants from rodents and birds. Some need reinforcement to keep them from blowing away or to keep standing animals out.
cultivation of certain crops
Squirrels and other garden pests eat many types of plants, but they stay away from certain ones:
- Jalapeno pepper
- Chili pepper
- cayenne pepper
- lilies
- marigolds;
- Narcissus
- geranium
- Mint
- onion
- garlic
If squirrels are stalking your garden, you can plant flowers and herbs around it that will deter squirrels. The scent and flavor of these plants may keep rodents away. If you mainly plant flowers, go for ones that squirrels don’t like instead. As an added bonus, you can use most of these flowers to decorate the garden.
You can also mix water and hot sauce in a spray bottle and apply the solution to growing crops. This natural repellent is not harmful to plants, but it can keep squirrels away because of its strong scent.
Use liquid squirrel repellent
Squirrels and other rodents have a keen sense of smell. Many repellents use strong scents like peppermint or rosemary oil to deter plants. Since these are natural solutions, they are also safe around children and household pets. It’s best for small gardens because it requires you to spray each plant individually.
Hard squirrel repellent
There are granular and solid repellents that also prevent squirrels from digging and eating in the garden. These work similar to sprays but cover a larger area. Most also last several weeks or even months once applied.
Sold by Amazon
Prepare a mechanical insect repellent
Another thing that deters squirrels and similar garden pests is loud noises and sudden movement. Motion detectors can scare off several rodents before they can harm your plants. Some devices are self-contained, while others can be installed on nearby trees or posts.
Set up the machines around the perimeter of your yard or any areas you don’t want squirrels to invade. When a squirrel passes by, the device will either flash lights or make ultrasonic sounds to drive them away.
Gardiner’s Owl 18.5″ High SOL-R Action
If you want to add some flair to your garden, consider getting some decoys. Strategically placed decoys can scare away rodents before they approach your plants. Common choices include owls and snakes.
Some decoys, like the Gardeneer 18.5-inch High SOL-R Action Owl, can spin. This is especially useful if the squirrels are starting to get used to the immobile figurines. If you go with a non-moving decoy, reposition it every few days or so in the yard to keep pests away.
Seller Home Depot
Wild Delight Sizzle In Hot Bird Food
Squirrels often enjoy eating seeds that are common in bird feeders. Since many bird feeders are open, these rodents have easy access to the birds’ food.
One way to prevent this problem is to get a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Another option is to get a bird feed that squirrels don’t like, such as Wild Delight Sizzle N’ Heat Bird Food. If that doesn’t work, use petroleum jelly along the feeder pole to prevent squirrels from climbing it.
Sold by Amazon
What you need to buy to keep squirrels out of your garden
AlpineReach Garden Netting Kit
This heavy duty woven mesh set is all about fruit plants and trees. Prevents birds, deer and squirrels. It’s secured with a zip tie, so it stays in place even when it’s windy.
It has been sold before Amazon
Growneer Crop Cage
This crop cage measures 4 feet by 8 feet and stretches over small to medium sized plants to protect them from rodents. It comes with everything you need to set it up, including ground staples, steel tubing, and connectors. It also does not prevent sunlight or water from entering.
It has been sold before Amazon
15 home grown grass seeds
If you want to keep squirrels away from other crops, this 15-pack of weed seed can help. Includes mint, rosemary, chives, and more.
It has been sold before Amazon
Rodent repellent spray with potent peppermint oil
This non-toxic liquid rodent repellent comes in a 16-ounce bottle. It contains highly concentrated essential oil of peppermint that smells good to humans but keeps rodents away without harming plants.
It has been sold before Amazon and Home Depot
Ultrasonic animal repeller
This solar powered machine can repel rodents, cats and dogs. Uses motion sensors to protect plants within 20 to 25 yards. It works by emitting an ultrasonic sound, flashing LED lights, and an alarm to scare off unwanted pests.
It has been sold before Amazon
Rexgo Bird Feeder
This hanging bird feeder is designed to keep squirrels away. It also has a gazebo-style design and a 360-degree panoramic feed for those who enjoy bird watching.
It has been sold before Amazon
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