Simple Steps To Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

You might’ve noticed that squirrels are becoming more common than you think. But do you really want to exterminate them? I mean, they’re cute, in a way. However, you need to keep them out of your yard. And you don’t even need to resort to nasty chemicals, you could simply outsmart them. Ain’t that a trick? Keep reading and find out! See here simple steps to keep them out of your garden.

1. Find out what attracts them and you won’t see them anymore

Squirrels would show up always for food. So, if you got fallen fruit, nuts, and seeds, they will come for feeding. Thus, you need to remove these sources of food beneath trees and birdfeeders. Also, be careful to close the trash can lids because they’re also curious. So they might want to discover treats in the garbage.

2. Try some repellants

There are many recipes for squirrels repellants. For example, you could use capsaicin, peppermint oil or vinegar. Also, you could prepare a combination of these ingredients. Gardeners report varying success with these homebrews. After raining, reapply these sprays and don’t spray plant parts you intend to eat. Simple as that!

3. Distract them

Using food they like, you could easily distract them. They love food such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and feed corn. Now, if you place some of these in an isolated corner of your yard, you will distract them from ruining your garden. Thus, you will get to feed them and keep them out of your garden.

4. You could also scare them away

Having a dog or cat in the yard will scare the squirrels. Don’t you have a pet? Then purchase vials of predator pee (like wolf or tiger) to place in your garden. The scent terrifies all kinds of animals, including squirrels, rabbits, and deer.

Also, motion-activated sprinklers may work for awhile, but don’t rely on them exclusively to keep squirrels at bay.

For newly planted areas, insert pinwheels or hang old compact disks or recycled aluminum pie tins from stakes to add noise and movement to the garden. It may work until plants have grown past the seedling stage, which is when many, though not all, squirrels typically lose interest.

5. Install a cage or a cover

To keep squirrels from plants or beds, install a cage or cover. Hardware cloth, plastic bird netting, chicken wire, and summer weight row covers all provide effective protection. To guard an individual plant, create a cage using hardware cloth or chicken wire topped with plastic bird netting; use clothespins to hold netting in place.

6. Use natural predators

Hawks and several owl species prey on squirrels. Research which types are found in your area and learn what you can do to attract them.