How to Keep Squirrels from Digging in Your Garden
The Nuisance of Squirrels
Squirrels are undoubtedly adorable creatures, with their bushy tails and acrobatic antics. However, they can quickly turn into a nuisance when they invade your garden and start digging up your plants. If you’ve been struggling to keep squirrels at bay, fret not! In this blog post, we’ll share some effective tips on how to deter these furry intruders and protect your precious garden.
Understanding Why Squirrels Dig
Before we delve into the methods of preventing squirrel digging, it’s essential to understand why these critters engage in such behavior. Squirrels dig for various reasons, including burying food supplies for later consumption or locating hidden treasures. In some cases, they may even be searching for a suitable spot to build their nests. By understanding their motives behind digging, we can better strategize our defense against them.
Selecting Plant Varieties That Repel Squirrels
Choose Plants with Strong Scents
Scent plays an important role in deterring squirrels from entering your garden. Opt for plant varieties that have strong smells which squirrels find unappealing. Some examples include lavender or mint plants which emit fragrances that repel these animals while adding beautiful scents to your garden.
Focus on Spiky or Thorny Plants
Another effective way to discourage squirrels is by incorporating spiky or thorny plants into your garden landscape design. Roses or cacti are excellent choices as their sharp thorns act as natural barriers that make it difficult for squirrels to navigate through without getting poked.
Making Your Garden Less Attractive to Squirrels
Install Squirrel-Proof Fencing
One of the most foolproof methods to keep squirrels out of your garden is by installing squirrel-proof fencing. Choose a sturdy material like galvanized steel or chicken wire, ensuring that it extends at least 2 feet below the ground surface to prevent burrowing. Additionally, make sure the fence reaches a height of at least 4 feet to discourage squirrels from leaping over.
Avoid Leaving Food Out in Your Garden
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, so leaving food sources readily available in your garden will only attract them further. Ensure you clean up fallen fruits and nuts promptly, as these serve as tempting treats for squirrels. By eliminating potential food sources, you make your garden less appealing and reduce their desire to dig around.
Natural Remedies and Deterrents
Mulch with Strong Scents
Mulching is an excellent technique for promoting healthy plant growth while simultaneously deterring squirrels. Opt for mulch varieties with strong odors such as cedar chips or crushed garlic cloves mixed into wood chips. The powerful scents will deter squirrels from approaching your plants.
Use Repellent Sprays
Repellent sprays can be highly effective when it comes to keeping squirrels away from specific areas within your garden. Look for natural repellents containing ingredients like hot pepper oil or vinegar spray, which create unpleasant tastes and smells for the critters without harming them or your plants.
Promoting Squirrel-Friendly Alternatives Outside Your Garden
Create a Dedicated Feeding Area
If all else fails and you’re still finding persistent squirrel activity in your garden, consider creating a dedicated feeding area elsewhere on your property. This space could consist of bird feeders filled with nuts or seeds that will divert their attention from your garden. By providing them with an alternative food source, you reduce the likelihood of squirrels causing damage to your cherished plants.
Install Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, leaving little left for our feathered friends. Opt for squirrel-proof bird feeders that feature mechanisms like weighted perches or cages to keep these pesky critters at bay. This not only ensures a steady supply of bird food but also prevents squirrels from getting too comfortable around your garden area.
The Final Word
By implementing a combination of plant selection, deterrents, and squirrel-friendly alternatives outside the garden, you can successfully protect your beloved plants from squirrel damage. Remember to regularly inspect and adapt your methods as necessary since every garden and situation is unique. With patience and persistence, you’ll regain control over your plot while enjoying the beauty of both nature’s creatures and carefully cultivated greenery!