How to keep squirrels out of garden?

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How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden?

Squirrels are cute and entertaining creatures to watch from a distance, but they can become a real nuisance when they invade your garden. Their insatiable appetite for fruits, vegetables, and flowers can wreak havoc on your carefully tended plants.

How to keep squirrels out of garden?

Fencing

One of the most reliable ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is to install a sturdy fence around it. Opt for a metal mesh or chicken wire fence that’s at least 3-4 feet high. This will make it difficult for squirrels to climb over and access your plants.

Repellents

Natural repellents can be a humane way to deter squirrels. Some options include using predator urine, cayenne pepper, or coffee grounds. These scents can confuse and discourage squirrels from venturing into your garden.

Another clever trick is to sprinkle dog hair around and under your plants. Squirrels will associate the scent with a potential predator and may avoid your garden.

Hide or Relocate Their Food

Keep your garden area clean by promptly removing fallen nuts, acorns, and berries. Relocate these tempting food sources to an area in your yard where squirrels are welcome, like a secluded corner.

Get a Dog

Dogs love to chase squirrels. If you have a dog, encourage their natural instincts by letting them patrol the garden. The mere presence of a dog can often scare squirrels away.

Create a Barrier

For ground crops and delicate plants, consider using row covers or enclosures made of chicken wire. Building a greenhouse can also protect your precious vegetation from hungry squirrels.

Keep Your Yard and Garden Tidy

Regularly remove dropped fruits or vegetables from the ground. Cleaning up other food sources that attract squirrels, such as leftover pet food or fallen acorns and black walnuts, can help keep these critters at bay.

Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders and Unsavory Seed

If you enjoy feeding birds, opt for squirrel-proof bird feeders. These typically have mechanisms that prevent squirrels from accessing the seeds.

Choose less appealing birdseed options like safflower seed or seed treated with cayenne pepper. These are less attractive to squirrels, reducing their presence in your garden.

FAQ

  • How high should a fence be to keep squirrels out?

A fence that is at least 2 feet tall should be sufficient to keep squirrels out of your garden. However, you may need to make the fence taller if you have squirrels that are particularly good at climbing. You should also extend the fence 6 inches underground to prevent squirrels from digging under it.

  • How long does it take to keep squirrels out of garden?

The amount of time it takes to keep squirrels out of your garden will vary depending on the severity of the problem and the methods you use. However, in general, you should start to see results within a few weeks of implementing your deterrents.

  • What should I do if I see a squirrel in my garden?

If you see a squirrel in your garden, the best thing to do is to try to scare it away. You can do this by making loud noises, waving your arms, or spraying it with water. If the squirrel does not leave, you may need to resort to more drastic measures, such as trapping and releasing it.

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