One of the main hurdles in gardening is pests, diseases, and wild animals. These things not only harm the garden but in many cases completely ruins the setting. One of these wild animals is a squirrel. That’s why we are going to tell you how to keep squirrels out of the garden.
These animals are present in almost all places; people do come across these creatures most of the time. These come in search of food and can bring diseases as well.
Wild animals attack the garden
The presence of wild animals in a garden can be both beneficial and detrimental. Wild animals can help to control pests and pollinate plants, but they can also damage plants and spread diseases. That’s the same case with squirrels. They might control some pests but can also destroy gardens for food.
To minimize negative impacts, it is important to understand the specific animals present in the garden and their behaviors and to use non-lethal methods to deter them if necessary. Some ways to do this include installing physical barriers, using repellents, or providing alternative food sources. It’s also important to make sure that any methods used are legal and ethical.
Why squirrels attack
Squirrels are such beautiful creatures that most of the time gardeners think of not harming them. But squirrels may attack gardens because they are searching for food. They may also be attracted to the plants in the garden as a source of shelter or nesting material. That’s where things become uneasy.
Additionally, if a squirrel perceives a garden as a source of food and there is little other food available in their environment, it may become more aggressive in its attempts to get as much food as possible. Then they will start destroying the garden settings.
Squirrels’ effect on the garden
Squirrels can damage gardens by digging in the soil to bury or retrieve nuts, which can disrupt plant roots and soil structure. They may also eat or damage fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and gnaw on tree bark. This makes the gardener lose the investment done on the garden.
Additionally, squirrels can carry diseases that can harm plants. To prevent damage from squirrels, gardeners can use physical barriers, such as fencing or netting, or repellents to deter squirrels from entering the garden. Additionally, planting a diverse selection of plants and providing alternative food sources, such as bird feeders, can help to keep squirrels away from the garden.
Ways to keep the squirrels away from the garden
Many ways can be adopted to keep the squirrels out of the garden. But the important is that you choose the method which is easy and almost not costly. Also, keep in mind the method is ethical and humane.
It’s because you might end up breaking any law, or any animal activist person or organization might take any action against you. That’s why we have discussed some of the commonly used methods to keep the squirrels out of the garden.
Fencing
Installing a fence around your garden can prevent squirrels from entering. Make sure it is at least 3 feet tall and bury the bottom 6 inches into the ground to prevent digging. There are squirrel-proof fences available if you want to get them from the market.
If you are installing by yourself, make sure you get the material that can act against the squirrels. Make sure to use the wire that squirrels cannot chew. Use a small weave and also make sure the fence is good from the bottom, as it is the place where squirrels usually enter.
Netting
Covering your plants with protective netting can keep squirrels from eating your fruits and vegetables. You need to choose the net according to the quality of the net and the intensity of the squirrel’s attack on your garden.
It’s because there are many nets available in the market, according to the varying quality. If you buy a cheap net, the squirrels might end up in chewing it. On the other hand, a good quality net will protect your plants for a longer period.
Repellents
Some repellents, such as those made with hot pepper or predator urine, can be used to deter squirrels from entering your garden. These types of repellents do keep the squirrels away from the garden.
Moreover, you can use peppermint oil as a repellent. This oil is not harmful to plants as well squirrels. It just keeps the squirrels out of the garden. For better results use it with petroleum jelly.
Traps
Humane traps can be used to capture and release squirrels away from your garden. Position the trap well so that it is sure that squirrels will take that way and will get trapped eventually.
You can use anything effectively as bait so that the squirrels are attracted to it. It can be peanut butter, nuts, or any kind of corn, etc., that squirrels like. Once squirrels get trapped, leave them in a place where they cannot harm any of the gardens.
Decoys
Placing decoys, such as owls or snakes, in your garden can scare off squirrels. These decoys will make the squirrels threatened from coming to the garden, as they will see it as their predator. It will keep them away.
Also, the most used decoy is the owl decoy. These types of decoys are common as the owl is the most common predator of squirrels. When used the squirrels will naturally run away from the garden.
Noise deterrents
Loud noises, such as a radio or whistle, can be used to keep squirrels away. You can use any of the noise, and the machine to keep the squirrels out of the garden.
Make sure that noise gets on and off randomly, and it also changes the noise being used in it. Because squirrels might become adoptive to the noise, and the timing of the noise. Random and changed noise will deter them from entering the garden.
Spray bottles
Filling a spray bottle with water and using it to spray squirrels when they enter your garden can deter them from coming back. You can use heat or motion sensors along with that. These sensors should be connected to the bottles.
Whenever the squirrels will come around, the sensors will detect them and spray water on them. They will run and will keep themselves out of the garden.
Hand-picking
Regularly inspecting your garden and hand-picking any squirrels you find can help keep their population under control. When you will regularly visit, the squirrels will keep getting away. Also, you will be able to make them run from the plant and trees.
You will be able to pick them if you found them. You need to get them out to a place where they cannot do any harm
Planting deterrent plants to Keep Squirrels out of the garden
Some plants, such as daffodils or alliums, can act as natural deterrents for squirrels. These plants not only keep the squirrels away but also make the place beautiful.
Moreover, the peppers, and especially the capsicums are the best squirrel repellent, as they hate the aroma of capsicums. You can use it effectively to make the squirrels get away from the garden.
Keep bird feeder away
Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders, so keeping them away from your garden area can also help to keep squirrels away. Every squirrel or wild animal, or bird comes in search of food.
Many people place bird feeders in the middle of the garden. If you see that squirrels are coming because of it, keep them away. You can keep it on the roof or any other place which doesn’t give direct access to the squirrels for getting into the garden.
Cautions while keeping the squirrels out of the garden
When trying to remove squirrels from a garden, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be handled with care. Here are some of the important points that you should keep in mind.
Do not attempt to handle or trap squirrels if you are not trained to do so. They might injure you as these are wild animals. Use humane methods of removal, such as live traps or exclusion barriers. And Be aware of state and local regulations regarding the trapping and removal of squirrels.
Wear gloves and use caution when handling trapped squirrels to avoid bites or scratches. Always release squirrels in an appropriate location, away from any potential hazards. Keep in mind that squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem and should not be eliminated unless they pose a direct threat to threat to your garden.
In short, squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem, but they do possess harm. While being in the state that these are important and beautiful creatures, they can harm the gardens while searching for food. Some ways can be adapted to keep the squirrels out of the garden.
