How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

Creating physical barriers is one of the most reliable ways to keep squirrels out of your garden. Here are some practical methods to try:

Fencing

• Building a fence around your garden can be an excellent way to repel squirrels.
• Since these rodents are skilled at climbing, we need to build a fence made of materials that they cannot easily climb or chew.
• Choose a fence made up of metal.
• A fence that is at least 4 feet high and has a top that bends outwards can prevent squirrels from climbing over it.

Netting

• Another option is to use bird netting or garden mesh to cover your plants. This works particularly well for individual plants or small patches.
• Wrap the netting around a single plant, ensuring it's securely fastened at the base to prevent squirrels from burrowing underneath.
• For small garden patches, cover a specific area of your garden with netting, securing the edges to the ground or surrounding structures using stakes and clips.
• If you are considering using a garden mesh, choose a mesh size that is small enough to deter squirrels but large enough to allow air and sunlight to reach your plants.
• A mesh size of about ½ inch is suitable. Opt for durable, weather-resistant materials like polyethene or nylon.
• These materials can withstand harsh weather conditions and repeated use.

Raised Beds and Planters

• Squirrels love to dig in the garden to find seeds and bulbs. To make it harder for squirrels, build raised garden beds. These small hills of soil make it more difficult for them to reach your plants.
• Use planters that are raised off the ground. This also makes it tougher for squirrels to climb and reach your plants.
• Before filling your raised bed or planter, add a layer of chicken wire to the bottom. This will prevent these creatures from digging through the soil to get to your plants.

If building physical barriers is not suitable, there are several natural deterrents that can help you repel squirrels out of your garden.

Squirrel Repellant Plant

• Certain plants have scents that squirrels find them unappealing.
• Marigolds, mints, rosemary, hyacinths, and similar plants can help keep these small creatures at bay.
• Strategically planting these around your garden acts as a natural barrier, making your garden less inviting to squirrels.

Spicy Sprays and Powder

• Squirrels are known to dislike spicy or bitter tastes. To deter them, you can create a homemade repellent spray by mixing water, a few drops of dish soap, and hot sauce or ground chili peppers in a spray bottle.
• Spray this solution around your garden but be mindful to avoid directly spraying on edible plants.

For those looking for more high-tech solutions to keep squirrels away, consider the points below.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

• Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective and humane way to repel squirrels.
• These devices detect movement and release a burst of water, startling these rodents and discouraging them from returning.

Ultrasonic Repellants

• These ultrasonic repellents emit a high-frequency sound that is unpleasant for squirrels but typically inaudible to humans.
• Place these devices around your garden to create a zone that these rodents will want to avoid.

Keeping squirrels out of your garden may require a combination of methods. By implementing these strategies mentioned above, you can protect your garden and can enjoy the fruits and vegetables of your labor in peace.