Ground squirrels can be a delight to watch, but if they start burrowing and nibbling away at your garden plants, they can quickly become a nuisance. If you’re looking for effective ways to deter these critters without using harmful chemicals, here are ten natural strategies to help you keep your garden safe from ground squirrels.
1. Install Physical Barriers
Creating physical barriers can be one of the most effective ways to protect your garden from ground squirrels:
- Wire Mesh Fencing: Use a wire mesh with a small gauge to prevent squirrels from squeezing through. Bury it at least a foot underground to stop them from burrowing beneath.
- Raised Garden Beds: Building raised beds with a barrier on the sides and bottom can prevent squirrels from digging into your plants.
2. Use Natural Repellents
Ground squirrels are sensitive to certain smells, so you can use natural repellents to make your garden unappealing:
- Peppermint Oil: Dab cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your garden. Refresh them every few days to keep the scent strong.
- Garlic and Onion Spray: Create a homemade repellent by blending garlic and onions with water, straining the mixture, and spraying it around the garden.
3. Encourage Natural Predators
Encouraging the presence of predators can help keep squirrel populations in check:
- Birds of Prey: Hawks and owls naturally prey on squirrels. You can install perches to attract these birds to your yard.
- Predator Urine: Purchase coyote or fox urine from garden stores and spray it around your yard, especially near their burrows.
4. Plant Squirrel-Repellent Plants
There are certain plants that squirrels naturally avoid due to their strong scents:
- Daffodils and Alliums: Both are known to repel rodents, including squirrels, due to their scent and slightly toxic properties.
- Mint and Marigolds: These strong-smelling plants can be planted around the edges of your garden to help deter squirrels.
5. Set Up Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Squirrels are startled by sudden bursts of water, making motion-activated sprinklers a humane and effective deterrent. These sprinklers detect movement and release a quick spray of water, deterring animals without causing harm.
6. Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper and Chili Flakes
Squirrels dislike spicy scents, so sprinkling cayenne pepper or crushed chili flakes around plants can make your garden unappealing to them. Just be cautious not to sprinkle it on plants you’ll harvest, as it may affect their taste.
7. Use Mulch and Gravel in Flower Beds
Squirrels love soft soil for digging, so creating an inhospitable environment can be effective:
- Gravel and Stone Mulch: Mulching with gravel or stones makes it harder for squirrels to dig.
- Pine Needles or Bark: Using sharp-edged mulch like pine needles can also deter digging.
8. Utilize Ultrasonic Repellers
These battery-operated devices emit a high-frequency sound that bothers animals like squirrels but remains undetectable to humans. Place them near burrows or areas where you notice ground squirrel activity.
9. Remove Food Sources
Eliminating easy food sources around your garden can make your yard less attractive to squirrels:
- Bird Feeders: Either remove or squirrel-proof bird feeders to avoid accidental feeding.
- Fruit Trees: If you have fruit trees, regularly pick up fallen fruits and cover the tree’s base with netting to deter squirrels from climbing.
10. Block Burrows and Entry Points
If you notice ground squirrels trying to burrow under your garden or in flower beds, take steps to close off these areas:
- Fill Burrows with Gravel or Soil: Fill their holes with gravel or soil mixed with cayenne pepper, which deters them from reopening their burrows.
- Landscaping Rocks: Place rocks around the base of plants to make digging difficult.
Final Thoughts
Combining these methods can create an effective barrier that keeps ground squirrels at bay. Not only are these techniques safer for your garden and the environment, but they also let you enjoy a squirrel-free garden naturally. Experiment with a few of these methods to find the best combination for your yard!