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But, if it gets on their paws and they touch their eyes it can cause pain and even temporary blindness, so we recommend less harmful methods. Yes, applying a mixture of cayenne or other chili peppers either in a spray or sprinkling around plants can deter squirrels. If you simply decide to let them run their course (literally) in your yard or garden, Rooney also points out that they will eat fallen seed that won’t sprout into weeds, help trim trees by keeping branches clean, and can even add some humor. Theresa Rooney, author of The Guide to Humane Critter Control, says, “During the growing season, provide the squirrels with a dish of fresh water…and the squirrels will probably leave those tomatoes for you to harvest.” If squirrels are munching on your tomatoes or other juicy fruits or vegetables, they may just be thirsty. You may want to include some of the other squirrel deterrent methods above around bird feeders and garden beds, just in case. Some gardeners go so far as to plant extra tomatoes to keep them satisfied and away from theirs. Use a squirrel feeder to feed them their own sunflower seeds, peanuts, and feed corn. If you’ve got a large area, make them their own feeding ground that is well away from your garden beds.

Although a disputed method, as this may end up attracting more, giving in to the little guys might just be an option. You might also try laying down aluminum foil. When used over newly planted bulbs, it can also help disguise the scent of the fresh bulbs. Squirrels don’t particularly like the feel of mulch (especially gravel) under their feet, so add it to garden beds. You can also try crown imperial bulbs ( Fritillaria), but it is recommended that you plant these far away from inhabited areas such as patios or porches because of their strong skunk-like smell. Discourage squirrels by surrounding or inter-planting with varieties that they turn their noses up to, like mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, or mustard. Any fencing should be placed up to a foot into the ground to keep squirrels from digging under. Shield ground crops with row covers, create an enclosure with chicken wire or even build a greenhouse to protect tempting treats from squirrels. However, this approach is not recommended if you have small animals in the yard that you’d like to keep there. Use a squirrel’s natural predators to your advantage by attracting hawks or owls by placing raptor perches or owl nests nearby.

Startle and shoo them away with a sudden spray of water from a motion-activated sprinkler or blast of air from an motion-activated air can. You can also try a thin layer of coffee grounds or tucking a small amount of dog hair around and under plants. Squirrels are offended by many of the same scents as deer, so repellents like Plantskydd Deer Repellent work well. Put them on squirrel patrol and let them scare the squirrels away. Also, keep trash can lids securely closed as well. These food sources can be relocated to an area where squirrels are welcome, such as a back corner of your yard (see #7 below).

Make the process faster and easier with a handy nut gatherer. Be diligent about cleaning up fallen nuts, acorns and berries. If you are looking for ways to keep them out of your garden, here are some humane solutions to try: While many of us enjoy watching squirrels, they can be a serious garden problem, causing extensive damage and terrorizing bird feeders. They'll be back in spring, making the most of new growth and ripening fruit when nuts and seeds are limited.

SQUIRREL REPELLENT FULL

Their rummaging is in full swing in fall when they’re prepping for winter. Photo by: BBA Photography / Shutterstock.Īre there small, shallow holes dug in your garden beds? Do you find fruits and vegetables that are half eaten? Have your freshly planted bulbs been dug up? If you answered yes to any (or all) of these, it’s probably squirrel damage.

Squirrel repellent