From afar, squirrels can be cute creatures with puffy cheeks and big bushy tails. However, if you have ever had them in your garden, you know the havoc they can wreak. And if you are trying to keep your garden looking nice, the last thing you want is a furry critter running around and destroying all your hard work. To prevent this from happening, you have to take action. This article will find some helpful methods to keep squirrels out of your garden.
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The Damage Squirrels Can Do To Your Garden
Any gardener knows that squirrels can be a real nuisance. They’re constantly digging plants, eating vegetables, and destroying your garden. But did you know that squirrels can also cause serious damage to your plants? Their constant digging can loosen the roots of your plants, making them more susceptible to wind damage. And their sharp teeth can gnaw through stems and leaves, causing irreparable damage.
In addition, squirrels will often hoard nuts and seeds in your garden, attracting other animals you may not want around, such as rats and mice, which can bring diseases that can harm your plants. So, as you can see, it’s important to keep squirrels out of your garden for the sake of your plants and peace of mind.
Ways To Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Garden
If you are lucky enough to live in an area with few squirrels, you may not have to worry about them getting into your garden. However, if you live in an area with a high population of squirrels, you will need to take some precautions to keep them out. Here are a few different methods you can use.
Use Hot Pepper
If you’re tired of pesky squirrels raiding your garden, you may be able to deter them with hot peppers. Capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat, is unpleasant for squirrels and can cause them to stay away. You can buy a commercial pepper spray or make your own by blending peppers with water.
Just be sure to avoid getting the spray in your eyes, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. You may need to reapply the spray after rain or heavy watering, but with a little effort, you can keep your garden squirrel-free all season long.
Get A Dog
If you’re looking for a way to keep squirrels out of your garden, another option you may want to consider is getting a dog. Dogs are natural predators of squirrels, and even the scent of a dog can be enough to keep them away. But, of course, not all dogs will be equally effective at keeping squirrels away. Smaller breeds or older dogs may not have the energy or the instinct to chase off squirrels.
And while some dogs may take to squirrel hunting enthusiastically, others may be indifferent. So if you’re considering getting a dog to keep squirrels out of your garden, it’s important to do your research and choose a likely effective breed. You can find the perfect furry solution to your squirrel problem with a little effort.
Utilize Chicken Wire
Another way to keep squirrels out of your garden is using chicken wire. Chicken wire is a type of wire mesh that is made from twisted hexagonal wires. It’s typically used for fences or cages, but it can also keep squirrels out of your garden. Simply put chicken wire around the perimeter of your garden, and make sure that the openings are small enough so that the squirrels can’t squeeze through.
You may also want to bury the chicken wire a few inches underground to prevent the squirrels from digging underneath it. With the right tools and strategy, you can keep your garden safe from these pesky critters.
Use A Decoy Predator
While it may seem like a strange solution, using a decoy predator can be an effective way to keep squirrels out of your garden. Placing a statue or stuffed animal in your garden gives you the impression that a dangerous animal is lurking about. Squirrels are notoriously skittish, and this can be enough to keep them away. But, of course, the decoy predator must be convincing enough to scare the squirrels.
A small plastic toy is unlikely to do the trick. But a life-sized replica of a coyote or eagle might do the trick. So if you’re looking for a way to keep squirrels out of your garden, consider using a decoy predator.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are another great way to deter squirrels from raiding your garden. These sprinklers are designed to detect movement and release water bursts. The sudden water shock startles the squirrel and deters them from returning. In addition, the motion-activated sprinklers can also help to keep your garden well-watered.
By releasing a small amount of water each time they are triggered, these sprinklers can help to keep your plants healthy and hydrated. So if you’re looking for a way to keep squirrels out of your garden while giving your plants something they need, consider installing a motion-activated sprinkler system.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Like most gardeners, you probably have a love-hate relationship with squirrels. On the one hand, they’re cute and fun to watch as they play in your yard. But on the other hand, they can be real pests, raiding your garden and eating your plants. So if you still haven’t found a way to keep squirrels out of your garden, apple cider vinegar may be the answer.
Just mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it on the areas where squirrels are likely to enter your garden. The strong smell will deter them from entering, but it won’t harm them. So if you’re tired of dealing with pesky squirrels, give this natural solution a try.
Plant Some Peppermint
Finally, if you want something to grow that will keep squirrels at bay, consider planting some peppermint. Peppermint is a type of mint that has a strong, refreshing smell. Squirrels don’t like the smell of peppermint, so planting it around your garden’s perimeter can help keep them away.
Not only will this solution help to keep squirrels out of your garden, but it will also make your garden smell amazing. So if you’re looking for a way to keep squirrels out of your garden while adding some extra fragrance, planting peppermint is the way to go.
Use These Methods To Keep Squirrels Out!
Several ways to keep squirrels out of your garden can be seen. You can deter these pesky critters from raiding your garden using one or multiple methods. And the best part is all these methods are humane, so you can rest easy knowing you are protecting your precious plants and the squirrels. So what are you waiting for? Give one of these methods a try today and see just how effective they can be.
