Introduction
Squirrels may seem like adorable creatures, but they can wreak havoc in gardens. These rodents are known for feasting on ripe fruits and vegetables, digging up newly-planted bulbs, and gnawing on bark. It’s important to find a solution to keep squirrels out of the garden, not only to protect your plants but also to maintain a clean and safe environment. Here are some tips and tricks to keep pesky squirrels away.
Build a Physical Barrier
One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels out of the garden is by building a physical barrier. This involves creating a structure that prevents squirrels from accessing your plants and garden area. Some materials that can be used include chicken wire, hardware cloth, and metal mesh. These materials are easy to find and inexpensive.
When building a physical barrier, it’s important to install it properly and maintain it regularly. Make sure it’s tall enough to prevent squirrels from jumping over it and secure enough to prevent them from digging under it. Regularly check for any holes or gaps that squirrels can enter through and fix them immediately.
Use Natural Deterrents
Natural deterrents are a great way to keep squirrels out of the garden without harming them. There are certain plants and herbs that squirrels find unappealing and will avoid. Some of these include daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also repel squirrels.
You can also use certain scents and spices to keep squirrels away. These include peppermint, cayenne pepper, and garlic. Simply sprinkle these around the garden area or create a spray with water and the essential oils.
Create Distractions
Another effective way to keep squirrels out of the garden is by creating distractions. Squirrel feeders and water sources are a great way to entice squirrels away from your plants and into a designated area. This not only keeps them away from your crops but also provides them with a source of food and water.
Make sure to place squirrel feeders and water sources away from your garden area. This way, squirrels will focus on the designated area and not your crops. Regularly clean and refill the feeders and water sources to keep squirrels coming back.
Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to keep squirrels out of the garden while also deterring other animals from entering. These sprinklers are designed to release a burst of water when they sense movement. This surprises and scares off animals, including squirrels.
To use motion-activated sprinklers, install them in your garden area and adjust the settings to your desired sensitivity level. Make sure to place them in areas where squirrels are most likely to enter. Additionally, make sure to refill and maintain them regularly to ensure they are effective.
Harvest Early
One way to prevent squirrels from feasting on your crops is by harvesting early. This means picking your fruits and vegetables before they are fully ripe. Squirrels are attracted to ripe fruits and vegetables, so harvesting early will deter them from entering your garden area.
Make sure to practice proper harvest techniques to avoid damaging your plants. Use gardening shears to gently cut fruits and vegetables from the stem. This not only prevents damage to the plant but also ensures the produce will last longer after harvest.
Create an Unappealing Environment
Creating an unappealing garden environment is a great way to deter squirrels from entering your garden area. This means removing any potential hiding spots, such as bird feeders and low-hanging branches. Additionally, make sure to regularly dispose of any waste or debris in your garden area. Squirrels are attracted to areas that have a lot of debris and clutter.
Use Humane Traps
If all else fails, using humane traps is a way to remove squirrels from your garden area without harming them. These traps are designed to capture squirrels safely and effectively. Once captured, release the squirrels in a safe location far away from your garden area.
Make sure to choose and place the traps properly to ensure they are effective. Place the traps in areas where squirrels are most likely to enter, and make sure they are securely fastened to the ground. Regularly check the traps and release any squirrels that have been captured in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Keeping squirrels out of the garden can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies, it’s possible. By building a physical barrier, using natural deterrents, creating distractions, using motion-activated sprinklers, harvesting early, creating an unappealing environment, and using humane traps, you can protect your plants and maintain a clean and safe environment. It’s important to be humane to wildlife and to try different strategies to find the best solution.
