How to Naturally Keep Squirrels Away from Your Garden

By: TheWalledNursery
Time to read: 6 min.

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Squirrels are cute and entertaining to watch, but they can also be a nuisance when they start invading your garden or home.

While there are many commercial products available to keep squirrels away, they often contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous for pets and children.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to deter squirrels that are safe, effective, and easy to implement.

One of the simplest ways to keep squirrels away is by using your own scent. Collect a bundle of your hair from the bathroom or your hairbrush.

When you have a fair amount, spread the hair around the areas of your home and yard that receive the most squirrel activity.

Squirrels will avoid areas that smell like humans or pets, so this is an effective way to keep them at bay without using any harmful chemicals.

Another effective natural way to keep squirrels away is by planting herbs and flowers that they dislike.

Squirrels are known to dislike the strong smells of herbs such as mint, lavender, and rosemary. Planting these herbs around your garden or home can help deter squirrels from invading your space.

Additionally, planting daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths can also be effective as squirrels dislike the smell of these flowers.

Table of Contents

Understanding Squirrels

Squirrels are small, furry rodents that belong to the Sciuridae family. They are known for their bushy tails, sharp teeth, and agile movements.

Squirrels are found all over the world, except in Australia and Antarctica. In North America, there are several species of squirrels, including the gray squirrel, red squirrel, and fox squirrel.

Squirrel Behavior

Squirrels are diurnal animals, which means they are most active during the day.

They are also known for their acrobatic abilities, as they can climb trees, run along power lines, and jump from branch to branch with ease.

Squirrels are also known for their hoarding behavior, as they collect and store food for the winter months.

Squirrel Diet

Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals such as insects, bird eggs, and baby birds.

Squirrels have a high metabolism, which means they need to eat frequently to maintain their energy levels.

Squirrel Habitat

Squirrels are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and urban areas. They build their nests, called dreys, in trees or other structures such as attics or chimneys.

Squirrels are also known to burrow underground, especially during the winter months.

In summary, understanding squirrel behavior, diet, and habitat can help in developing effective strategies to keep them away naturally.

Natural Squirrel Repellents

If you’re looking for a natural way to keep squirrels away from your garden or home, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the most effective natural squirrel repellents:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a natural squirrel repellent that works well to keep squirrels away from your garden.

Simply soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your garden. Squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint, so they’ll stay away.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another natural squirrel repellent that can be used to keep squirrels away from your garden.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the leaves of your plants or around the perimeter of your garden. The spicy smell will deter squirrels from coming near.

Garlic

Garlic is another natural squirrel repellent that can be used to keep squirrels away from your garden.

Crush several cloves of garlic and mix them with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around your garden to keep squirrels away.

Predator Urine

Predator urine is a natural squirrel repellent that can be used to keep squirrels away from your garden.

Spread predator urine around your garden to create the illusion of a predator in the area. This will deter squirrels from coming near.

Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs can also be used as natural squirrel repellents. Sprinkle cinnamon, cloves, or black pepper around the perimeter of your garden to keep squirrels away.

You can also plant herbs like mint, sage, or rosemary in your garden to deter squirrels.

Mothballs

Mothballs are another natural squirrel repellent that can be used to keep squirrels away from your garden.

Place mothballs around your garden or flower pots to keep squirrels out. Be sure to keep them away from pets and children, as they can be harmful if ingested.

Overall, natural squirrel repellents can be an effective way to keep squirrels away from your garden or home.

By using these natural methods, you can avoid using harmful chemicals and keep your garden safe and healthy.

Squirrel-Proofing Your Property

Squirrels can be cute and entertaining, but they can also be a nuisance when they start damaging property or raiding gardens.

Fortunately, there are several natural ways to keep squirrels away from your property without harming them. Here are some tips to squirrel-proof your property.

Protecting Your Garden

Squirrels love to dig up bulbs, munch on fruits and vegetables, and chew on plants. To keep them out of your garden, consider the following:

Plant squirrel-resistant plants such as daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths.
Place chicken wire or hardware cloth over your garden beds to prevent squirrels from digging.
Use natural squirrel repellents such as cayenne pepper, garlic, and peppermint oil. Sprinkle them around the garden or mix them with water to spray on plants.

Securing Your Garbage

Squirrels are notorious scavengers and can easily access garbage cans and compost bins. To keep them out of your garbage, try the following:

Use metal garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Add a bungee cord or clasp to secure the lid.
Keep compost bins covered and away from trees and other structures.

Blocking Entry Points

Squirrels can enter your home through small openings such as vents, chimneys, and gaps around pipes. To block their entry, try the following:

Seal any openings with caulk or mesh wire.
Install a chimney cap to prevent squirrels from entering through the chimney.
Place a metal mesh over dryer vents and other openings.

Trimming Trees and Shrubs

Squirrels can use trees and shrubs as a highway to access your property. To deter them, try the following:

Trim branches that are close to your home or other structures.
Place metal collars around tree trunks to prevent squirrels from climbing.
Install squirrel baffles on bird feeders and poles to prevent squirrels from climbing up.

By following these natural methods, you can effectively squirrel-proof your property without causing harm to these cute critters.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, keeping squirrels away from your yard and garden can be challenging, but there are many natural and humane ways to do it.

By using a combination of methods, you can create an environment that is unappealing to squirrels and encourages them to stay away.

Some of the most effective natural squirrel repellents include predator urine, hair, and peppermint oil. These can be easily obtained and used to create a barrier around your yard or garden.

Additionally, planting certain types of flowers and vegetables can help deter squirrels from entering your space.

It’s important to remember that while these methods can be effective, they may not work for every situation.

Squirrels are intelligent and adaptable creatures, and they may find ways around your efforts to keep them away.

However, by being persistent and trying different methods, you can create a space that is less attractive to squirrels.

Overall, keeping squirrels away naturally requires a combination of methods and persistence.

By using natural repellents, planting squirrel-resistant plants, and being vigilant about removing sources of food and shelter, you can create a space that is less attractive to squirrels.

With a little effort and patience, you can enjoy a squirrel-free yard or garden.