Tired of squirrels turning your beautiful yard into their playground? While these fluffy creatures might look cute, they can wreak havoc on your garden and outdoor space.
Some common types of squirrels that are known to damage yards include gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and red squirrels. These squirrels can cause various forms of damage and disturb landscaping and tree health.
But don’t worry, there’s hope yet! With some smart, eco-friendly strategies, you can reclaim your yard from these furry intruders without harming them or the environment.
1. Use Unpleasant Smells
Squirrels, like many critters, are highly sensitive to certain odors. Peppermint and mint are not on their list of favorite scents. Try planting these herbs around your garden’s perimeter, or apply peppermint essential oils to deter these uninvited guests.
Mothballs, although a bit stronger, can also do the trick when scattered strategically. If you’re looking for a more kitchen-friendly solution, cider vinegar sprays and a dash of white or cayenne pepper around your beloved plants can keep the squirrels at bay.
2. Remove Food Sources
Squirrels are primarily driven by their stomachs. If your yard is a buffet, they’ll keep coming back. Make it a point to clean up any temptations like fallen nuts, acorns, and berries.
Trash cans should be sealed tightly since squirrels are notorious for digging through garbage in search of a meal. Reducing food accessibility not only discourages squirrels but also deters other pests from visiting your yard.
3. Use Companion Plants
Nature has its way of balancing things out. Certain plants like mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, or mustard are natural squirrel repellents. Consider planting these around your garden’s borders or interspersed among your other plants.
They act as a natural barrier, keeping squirrels out without the need for artificial repellents. This approach not only enhances your garden’s aesthetics but also promotes biodiversity.
4. Create a Barrier
Sometimes, a good defense is the best offense. Squirrels are excellent diggers, but a barrier can stop them in their tracks. Employ row covers, or chicken wire, or even consider building a greenhouse to shield your precious plants.
Digging the fence at least a foot deep can thwart their burrowing efforts. This physical barrier method has been proven effective in safeguarding gardens from squirrel invasions.
5. Use Motion-Activated Devices
Incorporate a little technology into the battle. Motion-activated sprinklers or air cannons provide unexpected bursts of water or air that startle and disorient squirrels. These devices are a great way to keep them moving along without causing any harm.
Place them strategically around your garden for maximum effect. Many gardeners attest to the efficiency of these devices in maintaining squirrel-free zones.
6. Attract Natural Predators
Every creature has natural enemies, and squirrels are no exception. Encouraging the presence of hawks, owls, and other raptor birds can significantly diminish the squirrel population in your yard.
Installing raptor perches or owl nests not only supports local wildlife but also introduces a natural method of pest control. However, this option requires careful consideration if you have small pets.
7. Provide Alternative Food
If your problem is squirrels raiding your bird feeders or nibbling on your plants, why not distract them with their buffet? Set up a feeding area away from the main garden. Fill squirrel feeders with sunflower seeds, peanuts, or feed corn.
Some gardeners go the extra mile by planting additional food sources for squirrels. This tactic can effectively draw them away from your valued plants.
8. Use Aluminum Foil
Squirrels dislike certain textures, especially under their feet. Laying down strips of aluminum foil in garden beds or around trees can deter them from approaching.
The foil’s texture and the noise it makes can be enough to keep squirrels at a distance. Plus, it’s a simple and cost-effective method that anyone can try.
9. Keep Your Yard Clean
A tidy yard is less inviting to pests, including squirrels. Consistently removing debris, leaves, and fallen branches eliminates hiding spots and nesting material.
This is particularly important in the autumn months, as squirrels prepare for winter. A clean yard is not only aesthetically pleasing but also less likely to host unwanted visitors.
10. Consider Humane Traps
As a last resort, humane traps can capture and relocate squirrels. It’s crucial to use these traps responsibly and in compliance with local wildlife regulations.
Relocating squirrels should only be done when other methods have failed and always ensure their welfare during the process.
Implementing these natural and humane strategies can help keep your yard squirrel-free, ensuring your garden thrives and maintains its beauty. Remember, the goal is to deter and relocate, not harm.
With a little patience and persistence, coexisting with nature, while protecting your green space, is entirely possible.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.