Say ‘No’ to the Invasion of Squirrels in Gardens Around America

Squirrels are charming creatures, but their knack for nibbling on plants and digging in gardens can turn even the most peaceful gardener into a squirrel adversary. Fortunately, there are plenty of humane ways to keep squirrels at a distance – for their protection and your sanity.

Here, There and Everywhere

Russia, image by Jamie Eilat, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Squirrels are active, alert travelers and can be found scurrying around in forests, on arid ground, amidst rocky outcrops, through grassy fields and parks, and even in and through your home and garden. Squirrels densely populate regions in the US, northern America, and even Russia with numbers in the tens of millions.

Guarding Our Gardens and Homes

You may view squirrels as cute and fuzzy. Or, you may deem them to be an utter nuisance as they scurry about your property without an invitation. Whatever your take on them, there is a way to prevent the battle between human and squirrel from getting out of hand. Give a few of these humane methods a try to help your situation out.

Obstruct Their View

Raised garden beds. image by W.carter, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

What they can’t see, can’t tempt them, right? One of the simplest ways to detract attention from your garden is to raise your garden beds and cover them with mesh or netting. This barrier will deter squirrels from foraging through your grounds for food.

Make Use of a Sprinkler

Motion-activated sprinklers are a humane and effective way to startle squirrels and other animals away from your garden. Not all squirrels like water. A sudden squirt of water could be just the thing to ruin a ravenous appetite.

What’s That Smell?

Peppermint plant — Peppermint. Image by Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are a variety of natural repellents that squirrels dislike. Leave traces of pungent spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, and black pepper around your garden to deter squirrels from nibbling. Squirrels also tend to dislike potent odors. Applying garlic, peppermint, or vinegar around your garden’s perimeter can also keep them at bay.

Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are often what attracts squirrels to your yard in the first place. Switching to squirrel-proof bird feeders is an excellent solution. These feeders are designed to frustrate the squirrels as they struggle to find their footing while trying to access seed meant for wild birds. What you could also do is isolate the bird feeders by placing them a good distance away from trees and fences, making it harder for squirrels to jump onto and find their way to the good stuff.

Erect a Mulch Barrier

Squirrels love to forage in soft soil, especially when searching for food or hiding nuts. Erecting a mulch barrier made from pine cones, wood chips, or gravel adds a layer that squirrels need to forage through. Mulch also creates an abrasive, unappealing texture for squirrels, discouraging them from digging in your garden beds.

Plant Squirrel-Repelling Vegetation

Narcissus flowers. Image by Uberprutser, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are certain plants that squirrels detest such as daffodils, alliums, hyacinths, and mint. These plants not only act as a deterrent but also add color and fragrance to your outdoor space. So try them as a decoy if all else fails. You have nothing to lose!

Sweep up the Crumbs

Autumn. Image by unknown author, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Clean up any fallen fruit or spilled seeds that fall to the ground during the change of seasons. In other words, sweep up the crumbs if you don’t want a hungry squirrel to find its way to you. A tidy garden is not an appealing sight to squirrels looking for an easy snack.

Use Ultrasonic Sound waves

Startled deer. Image by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ultrasonic high-frequency sounds are unpleasant for squirrels but inaudible to humans. Silent but effective, these devices are designed to keep animals like squirrels, raccoons, and deer away from specific areas without causing them any harm. Place the device in the vicinity of your garden or property to keep squirrels away.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Squirrel on a branch — Image by Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hanging branches scream ‘fun’ to a squirrel. So, do away with any overhanging branches that are within a few feet of your garden to make it more difficult for squirrels to access your plants. Dangling branches will limit their curiosity and desire to jump down and explore your garden beds.

Conclusion

Smiling gardener — Man among sunflowers. Image by Abdullah AL Shohag, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Squirrels can be frustrating visitors to your garden, but there are many humane solutions to help keep them at bay. They can still be darling without being seen as destructive. Think like a squirrel to beat the squirrel, and you’ll both coexist peacefully in your outdoor space.