Watching all the different critters that come into your garden is a great hobby to have! Depending on what’s in your garden, you’ll attract different critters from birds, butterflies, garden snakes, and even squirrels. Although it’s fun to watch nature in its element, some critters can cause more havoc in your garden than anything else.
Squirrels, for instance, can raid bird feeders for food, steal produce growing in your garden and pet food as well, and damage soil when burying food. To prevent squirrels from damaging your garden, there are several steps you can take. In the guide below, you’ll find a few natural ways to get rid of squirrels.
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Continue reading to find out more!
- Plant the Right Plants
There are some plants that squirrels dislike. They’ll avoid these plants, which makes them a great natural way to keep squirrels out of your garden. What squirrels do enjoy is any type of vegetable.
To prevent them from stealing your crops, you can plant squirrel-deterrent plants around your vegetables. Some plants to consider planting are peppermint, mustard, marigolds, and daffodils. All of these plants put out a strong aroma that will keep squirrels and other critters away from your garden that could potentially cause damage.
- Install a Squirrel Guard
One of the biggest reasons why squirrels find their way into gardens is a search for food. If they find vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your garden, then they’ll continue to make their way back to it. Having a bird feeder in your garden provides a wonderful food source for birds, but if squirrels can get into it, they will.
a flat top squirrel baffle/squirrel guard is a natural way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders. No chemicals are used, only a barrier. The barrier prevents the squirrels and other critters from climbing up to the feeder.
The flat-top will provide the platform birds need to rest on while eating. You can then continue to provide a food source to birds without having to worry about it being raided by these pesky critters.
- Use the Trap and Release Method
There are a few different types of squirrel traps you can purchase to trap squirrels in. Many of them will trap the squirrel without causing any harm to the critter. If you continue to have an issue with squirrels entering your garden, then a trap and release method might be the best option.
Once squirrels find a reason to come back to your garden, they’ll continue to visit and will become territorial over the area as well. Take your time and conduct some research before buying a trap. After you find a trap you believe will be best, you can then set the traps in or around your garden.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully. If you’re able to trap a squirrel, then the next step is to release it. When you’re ready to release the squirrel, find a location far away from your garden and one that’s a good habitat for a squirrel and let it out.
This should prevent it from finding its way back to your home.
- Remove What Attracts Them
Another option you have is to remove the things in your garden that attract squirrels there. If you have food or water in and around your garden, then you might need to remove them completely. Squirrels are looking for food and water just like every other creature.
If certain vegetables can be grown inside, then this may be the better option. Otherwise, you can consider building a barrier that covers your garden completely. All sides and the top of the garden should have a barrier around it that you then enter through a door to get into.
A full barrier is a great option when you’re unable to remove all the things that attract them there.
- Lay Mulch Down Over Soil
Squirrels will bury their food in the soil. They love to dig in soft garden soil, so laying mulch down over the soil is a great way to repel them. The mulch prevents the squirrels from accessing the soft soil and therefore prevents them from digging.
In return, you’ll protect new plant bulbs in the soil and seeds. If you don’t want to lay mulch, then you can lay gravel or small stones over the soil instead. Each option will keep the squirrels out of the garden and create a healthy draining system as well.
- Keep Tree Branches Trimmed
Sometimes, it’s not what’s directly in the garden that attracts squirrels. Sometimes, it’s the area and other factors surrounding your home. For example, low-hanging branches allow squirrels to easily access your roof and attic.
If they find a good spot, they’ll then build their nests there. Once they build a nest on your land, you can then expect them to be out and about and in your garden on a daily basis.
Squirrels love to climb trees and jump from one branch to another. To stop them from doing so and gaining access to your roof, be sure to keep tree branches trimmed.
Use These Tricks to Prevent Squirrels in Your Garden
Squirrels are fun critters to watch as they run and play, but no gardener wants to find them creating havoc in their garden. As cute as they are, it’s best to prevent squirrels from accessing your garden. Luckily, there are many different natural ways to keep them away.
Use the helpful information given in this guide above to rid your garden of these pesky critters today!
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