How to Keep Grey Squirrels Out of Your Garden
The Rise of the Grey Squirrels
The grey squirrel population has been on the rise in recent years, and unfortunately, these critters can wreak havoc on your beloved garden. If you’re tired of finding half-eaten vegetables or flower beds dug up every morning, we’ve got some effective strategies to help you keep those pesky squirrels at bay.
Understanding Grey Squirrel Behavior
To effectively deter grey squirrels from your garden, it is essential to understand their behavior. These furry creatures are natural climbers with extraordinary agility and a voracious appetite for various plants. By grasping their modus operandi, you can better devise plans to protect your precious greens.
1. Create Physical Barriers
Fencing
Installing a sturdy fence around your garden is an excellent way to discourage grey squirrels from entering. Opt for fences made of metal or hard plastic materials that have small enough gaps between slats or wires. This prevents the squirrels from squeezing through and gaining access to your crops.
Netting and Wire Mesh
For areas where fencing may not be feasible, netting or wire mesh can be used as an alternative deterrent method. Covering susceptible plants with netting makes it challenging for squirrels to nibble on delicate leaves and fruits while still allowing sunlight and rainwater penetration.
2. Choose Squirrel-Repellent Plants
Narcissus Bulbs (Daffodils)
Grey squirrels tend to avoid daffodils due to their toxic nature when ingested in large quantities – making them an ideal addition to any squirrel-infested garden.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
Not only do alliums add a touch of beauty to your garden, but their strong scent is also highly unappealing to grey squirrels. These plants are an excellent choice for keeping these critters at bay.
3. Employ Natural Squirrel Deterrents
Cayenne Pepper Spray
Mixing cayenne pepper with water and applying it as a spray on vulnerable plants offers an effective natural deterrent against squirrels. The intense heat of the pepper will discourage them from taking another bite.
Mothballs or Strong-Scented Repellents
Squirrels have sensitive noses, so placing mothballs or using other strongly scented repellents around the garden can deter them effectively. However, exercise caution when using such methods and ensure they are not harmful to other wildlife or pets in your surroundings.
4. Feed Them Elsewhere
Squirrel Feeders
Provide alternative food sources by setting up squirrel feeders away from your garden area. Fill these feeders with nuts, seeds, or dried corn – tempting treats that will help divert the squirrels’ attention away from your precious crops.
5. Maintain a Tidy Garden Environment
Clear Debris and Fallen Fruits
Regularly clean up fallen fruits, nuts, and other debris in your garden as they attract grey squirrels seeking easy meals. By removing these temptations regularly, you reduce the likelihood of attracting these furry intruders.
Prune Overgrown Branches
Trimming overgrown branches near trees surrounding your garden minimizes potential access points for agile squirrels looking to leap into prohibited areas.
Now armed with this arsenal of strategies to keep grey squirrels out of your garden while maintaining its aesthetics, you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labor without having to worry about these pesky invaders. By combining physical barriers, natural deterrents, and attracting squirrels elsewhere, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful and squirrel-free garden.