Squirrels are known as troublesome pests for gardeners. After spending time planting bulbs and setting up potted plants, gardeners may find them dug up the following day. Once a squirrel takes residence, it can be very hard to get rid of it. Once inside, it considers your property as its own and turns it into a nest. To avoid this happening, experts at Summer Winds Nursery have shared their top tips to discourage squirrels from “wreaking havoc” in gardens.

Squirrels love digging in flower pots to bury their hoards of food, such as nuts and acorns, to enjoy later in the winter. 

Unfortunately, soft gardening soil is a prime digging preference and they are highly likely to be starting a digging fest in the backyard. No shrubs are safe from the garden either.

Despite a “commonly believed myth”, most squirrels do not actually hibernate. 

The experts said: “They can actually rely on their fat reserves to make it through the cold, harsh winters, as well as the treats they saved in your flowerpots.”

Despite their destructive nature, squirrels still are animals that don’t deserve to be harmed by the use of chemicals, so gardening pots have suggested ways to keep them at bay naturally.

How to deter squirrels from your garden

1. Protect plants

Gardeners who notice squirrels are digging up their flower bulbs, try discouraging the squirrels by spreading some mulch. 

The experts said: “This can be a helpful way to deter them from your seedlings.”

Also, remember to cover the plants. Try using fencing or chicken wire to keep the garden safe from their little mischievous paws.

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2. Use homemade sprays

According to the experts, if gardeners mix together “something smelly and spicy”, this will “effectively keep them away”.

They said: “Try making a homemade spray with a combination of strong flavours like cayenne, crushed red pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil or garlic to spritz near your plant.” The best option for gardeners to go for is to mix vinegar with cayenne pepper and spray in on the plants.

However, it is important to avoid spraying this on plant parts that households intend to eat.

3. Spook them

Like most rodents, squirrels tend to be lively. For gardeners who have dogs, the experts recommend letting their dog chase squirrels as “this can prevent the pests from settling in your yard”. 

They added: “If you don’t have a pet, ask a neighbour or find a vial of predator urine from animals like wolves or tigers online.”

For those who would prefer another option, place shiny and noisy decorations in the garden. 

The gardening pros said: “Objects like windmills, spinners, CDs, or reflective objects may make squirrels look at your garden less desirably.”

4. Make changes to bird feeders

Squirrels are attracted to feeders. They sometimes like to gnaw on the opening to birdhouses so that they can eat the seeds or eat the nesting birds inside.

When gardening, start to consider relocating bird feeders and bird houses far away from points where squirrels can access. 

Gardeners can also try wrapping the pole with disc baffles or some sheet metal to make climbing more difficult. 

The experts added: “Another way to deter squirrels from your feeders would be by replacing them with safflower seeds. These pests don’t necessarily like them, but the birds will.”

While squirrels will readily sample most types of birdseed, they are less attracted to safflower seeds, as they have a slightly bitter taste. By using these seeds exclusively, gardeners can close the squirrel snack bar without having to stop feeding the birds.

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