How to Stop Squirrels from Destroying Your Garden
Squirrels can damage your gardens by digging holes for eating their required foods .But how to stop squirrels from destroying your garden, if constantly raid your yard!
Try to plant things they dislike, such as daffodils, allium and mint. Furthermore, they can be stopped by setting the physical barriers and fences and by removing the food sources which attract them to the garden.
Why Squirrels Destroy Gardens
In search of food and for the safety places they destroy gardens. Garden beds and pots feature soft, easy-to-dig; therefore squirrels use them as pantries to hide their nuts and seeds. They become habitual when they find their favorite places.
You can observe these common signs to know if squirrel are damaging your garden:
- Damaged tomatoes and fruit
- Uprooted flower bulbs
- Holes in flower beds
- Missing seeds
- Broken stems and branches
Understanding these signs help you to find the best methods to keep the squirrels away from your garden.
How to Stop Squirrels from Destroying Your Garden?
One of the best methods is installing barriers to protect your garden from squirrels. Cover raised beds, vegetable and fruit plants with wire mesh or garden netting. It will prevent squirrels from getting to the plants while still allow sunlight and water to pass through.
Use a small mesh sized net, as it is harder for squirrels to squeeze through small gaps.
Install Fence around the Garden
Always use at least 4 to 6 feet heighted fence which can help you to keep squirrel away from the garden. Use the following tips for better protection:
- Install the metal fencing instead of plastic or wood
- Bury the bottom some inches into the soil
- Bend the fence outward slightly from top side to make climbing harder
The physical barriers are best and reliable solution for a long-term solution.
Remove Food Sources from Garden
Squirrels will again and again come to the garden if they find food. So, keep your garden clean from food items because it attracts squirrels easily.
Clean Fallen Fruits and Seeds
Regularly pick up the dropped fruits, nuts and vegetables from the ground. It attracts the squirrels and they come again and again to the garden.
Better Placement of Bird Feeders
Squirrels come to the garden when find bird feeders on the ground or placed at the lowest surface. Use squirrel-proof feeders and place them on heighted place far from the planting area.
Use Secure Trash Bins
Open garbage containers are an easy way for squirrels to access the food. Therefore, use secure trash bins having tightly closing lids. This way, the squirrels can neither smell nor reach the food. Less food in the garden will also keep squirrels away.
Use Natural Squirrel Repellents
Natural repellents can help you to keep squirrels away from the garden without harming plants and animals. Squirrels dislike strong scents, So you can sprinkle strong smells around the plants.
Here are some of them:
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cinnamon
- White vinegar
- Peppermint oil
Spray these natural squirrel repellents around the garden beds carefully.
Grow Squirrel-Repelling Plants
Here are some plants which naturally useful to keep squirrel away from the garden, because of their strong smell:
- Mint
- Marigolds
- Daffodils
- Garlic
- Lavender
These plants will also improve your garden appearance while acting as natural defense.
Protect Bulbs and Seeds
Squirrels love freshly planted flower bulbs and seeds because they are easy to dig up. So, you need to protect them from squirrels’ access.
Cover Soil after Planting
Cover newly planted areas with chicken wire or mesh netting until the plants begin to grow. It will prevent squirrels from digging up the soft soil.
Add Mulch or Gravel to Stop Squirrels from Digging
Add mulch, gravel and stones in the garden to make digging difficult for squirrels. This method will keep your garden safe from squirrels.
Use Motion and Noise Deterrents
You can find some motion and noise deterrent devices from your local market or online from Amazon. Use them in garden, in this way squirrels will nervous when they feel unsafe.
Motion sprinklers are best to keep squirrels away from garden. If the sprinklers will detect any movement they will start spraying. In this way, squirrels will run away from the garden.
Use Reflected Objects
Shiny objects like reflective tape, CDs, mirrors are also useful to temporarily scare the squirrels because of reflection. To get the better results regularly change the deterrents position.
Keep Trees and Climbing Areas Trimmed
Squirrels mostly come to gardens through nearby trees, fences, or roofs. Cut off tree branches that hang low near the garden. This will make it more difficult for squirrels to enter in the garden.
Reduce the Hiding Spots
Keep tall weeds, piles of wood and dense bushes under control. A neat clean garden makes squirrels feel insecure.
Avoid To Feeding the Squirrels
Several people intentionally feed squirrels without realizing the long-term consequences. Once squirrels associate your garden for food, they will come frequently and may attract other animals.
Therefore, do not leave nuts, bread, or pet food lying around in your garden. Consistency is the key when practicing to keep squirrels away from your garden.
Tips to Stop Squirrels from Destroying Your Garden
There is not a single method which is perfect in each situation. The best results will come by combining the several strategies.
An effective squirrel deterrent plan should include the following:
- Garden fence or netting
- Natural deterrents
- Removal of food sources
- Movement deterrents
- Soil protection for bulbs and seeds
By using multiple methods, your garden will become significantly less attractive to squirrels.
Conclusion
Stop squirrels from destroying your garden with physical barriers, natural repellents, and by regular garden maintenance. These are smart planting techniques which can significantly reduce damage. By making your garden inaccessible and less appealing to squirrels, you can protect your plants to enjoy a healthier garden throughout the growing season.