When you hear of squirrels, you think about their cuteness and goofiness. Right? Well, gardeners would like to think otherwise. To them, these critters are nothing but trouble. These mischievous creatures have turned many gardens upside down and stolen several ripened fruits and vegetables. Imagine dealing with this chaos every summer or autumn. No matter what method, they have always been three steps ahead. 

Being someone who enjoys gardening, we can understand the frustration one would feel after seeing their labored earning stolen and their precious flowers torn. Don’t worry, here are 5 trusted tips to keep squirrels out of the garden.

5 Trusted Tips To Keep Squirrels Out of The Garden 

Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

Are squirrels eating away from your bird feeder? These creatures are very intrigued by the bird feeder and are always looking for ways to get into it. There are variable squirrel-proof bird feeders you can choose to have to prevent them from invading your garden. They are designed in such a way as to keep such animals from getting inside.

Fence It Up 

There are various physical barriers you can use to keep squirrels at bay. Fruit netting is a great option to have, especially in summer and autumn, as squirrels are pretty active in this period to store food. Spiked fences are also a great economical option to control squirrels. Set them up at a short distance from the garden to stop them there and then.

Shoo Them With Organic Repellents

There are certain smells that don’t sit well with squirrels. Using these scents on your foliage, fences, and flowers will hopefully keep these pesky squirrels away for a long time. Experiment with these scents and keep switching them up. 

1. Garlic: Squirrels passionately hate the smell of garlic, and you can use this to your advantage. Take equal parts vinegar with chopped garlic and let it rest. Spray the infused solution near the flower pot and tree stalks. Remember to avoid spraying directly on flowers, as vinegar can be harmful for flowers. 

2. Cayenne Pepper: The capsaicin in hot pepper is a natural squirrel repellent. You can use chili powder, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to sprinkle around the plants. To have more prominent results, make a concoction of pepper with dishwashing liquid and spray generously on the soil. 

3. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint is a highly effective squirrel repellent due to its concentrated aroma. You can either spray peppermint essential oil directly on your plants or dilute it with apple cider vinegar on the tree stalks. 

Grow Unappealing Plants

There are certain plants that squirrels are squeamish to. Planting such plants in the surrounding area will keep these critters away. These plants include peppermint, marigold, nasturtiums, mustard, fritillaria, etc. It is advised to plant them outside the living areas as they possess strong astringent smells that are unpleasant to bear.

Get a Watchdog or Owl Nest

There is no bigger tip than using nature’s natural food chain to your advantage. Get a dog or set up an owl’s nest nearby to instill fear in squirrels. A dog would keep a close eye on any wandering squirrel and keep them out. Keep your other pets in consideration before setting up an owl’s nest.

Read now: 5 Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden Naturally

Squirrels are, without a doubt, some of the most adorable and goofy animals. But, they can become a nuisance for gardeners when they keep thrashing the garden every summer. By following these tips, you can keep squirrels out of your lawn humanely. Keep experimenting till you find your best shot.