How to Control Squirrels in Your Garden 
There are several different ways to control squirrels in your garden. First of all, remove their food sources. Another effective way is to install wire mesh or decoy owls. Hot chilies can also act as natural repellents. You can also use chicken wire to make your garden more visible to the squirrels. These are all natural methods that work well to deter squirrels. But they can be quite expensive.
Removing food sources
One of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is to remove all sources of food. This will deter the squirrels from returning, as well as prevent other pests and potentially deadly animals from causing damage to your plants. However, removing food is not the only solution. Adding a thick layer of mulch around plants and flowers will discourage the squirrels from gnawing on the roots of your plants.
In addition to vegetables, squirrels love nuts, seeds, and fruits. They also eat tulip bulbs and blossoms. If you notice a squirrel in your yard, it’s probably because they are rummaging for food and burying it for the winter. You can also try pruning off long branches so the squirrels don’t have access to your plants. In addition, be sure to secure the lids of your trash cans.
Using wire mesh
One of the best ways to keep squirrels away from your garden is to use wire mesh. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and you can choose from galvanized wire, welded wire, or stainless steel. Wire mesh comes in a 4 foot by 50 foot roll. For a safe barrier that will keep squirrels out of your garden, choose wire mesh that is 12 inches wide or wider. The wire should extend above the ground so that digging rodents cannot chew it. Some wires can be layered to create a ceiling or to block off large areas of the garden.
Another method of squirrel exclusion is using a chicken wire fence. For a garden full of vegetables, a fence about 30 inches high and six inches below the ground is the best choice. A low fence may slow a determined squirrel, but it won’t prevent it entirely. Adding a wire mesh over the top of the fence will make it even more effective. You may also want to use thin metal sheeting on top of the wire mesh, which is designed to keep animals from chewing the bark.
Using decoy owls
Using decoy owls in the garden is a natural and inexpensive way to ward off these pesky creatures. Since owls are nocturnal animals, they will not bother you during the day. You can use plastic owl decoys, which cost about $20 to $30, to scare off the squirrels. The decoys are easily placed on a simple post and secured with cable ties. You can also place one owl decoy in a tree or other location where the squirrels will not be able to escape.
To use an owl decoy in the garden, place it in an area where the owls would normally rest. Make sure that the location is high enough for the owl to see. If you have a large yard, you may need to place more than one owl to get rid of the squirrels once and for all. Keep in mind that decoy owls only work for a short time because squirrels become used to them after a while.
Using hot chilies as a natural repellent
Using hot chilies as a naturally repellent for squirrels in garden is a great way to keep the pests away. This pepper contains capsicum, which makes it a strong deterrent. However, you need to remember that not all chillies are equally hot. Some are more pungent than others, so you need to be sure to top them off regularly so that their smell stays strong. Using other scents, such as black pepper, is another way to deter the pests.
If you’re worried about squirrels entering your garden, you can make your own natural repellent spray. Mix some chilli powder with water and spray it around the area. This works especially well as squirrels do not like spicy foods. Also, don’t use cooking oils near the garden, as this can harm your pets. Mixing a small amount of chilli powder with bird seed will work well too.
Using predator pee
If you are concerned about squirrels destroying your plants, you can try to use predator pee to get rid of them. This natural repellent is used by coyotes and foxes to keep rodents away from gardens and lawns. It works by targeting the smell of the pest animal. Unlike poisons, predator urine is not toxic to humans. You can use it to deter squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons. The best way to keep your garden pest-free is to use it on a regular basis, especially after rain. This repellent must be reapplied every three to four weeks, or else the animals can become accustomed to the smell and become unable to find your vegetables or fruits.
Commercial coyote urine can be bought from a variety of sources. The American Heritage brand sells a 16-ounce bottle of natural coyote urine at a low price. You can scatter the urine around the perimeter of your garden, as well as in trees, shrubs, and plants. Garlic is another natural repellent that repels squirrels. In addition to predator pee, you can also use a mixture of cinnamon, peppermint, and garlic to repel them.
What are some effective methods for controlling squirrels in a garden?
Some effective methods for controlling squirrels in a garden include using traps repellents and exclusion devices.
What kind of damage can squirrels cause in a garden?
Squirrels can cause damage to plants by eating the buds flowers and fruits.
They can also damage trees by gnawing on the bark.
Why are squirrels attracted to gardens?
Squirrels are attracted to gardens because they provide a food source and a place to hide from predators.
How can I tell if a squirrel is damaging my plants?
Signs that a squirrel is damaging your plants include chewed leaves stems and bark.
You may also see holes in the ground where the squirrel has been digging.
What can I do to prevent squirrels from damaging my plants?
To prevent squirrels from damaging your plants you can use traps repellents and exclusion devices.
What is the best time of year to control squirrels in my garden?
The best time of year to control squirrels in your garden is in the fall when they are preparing for winter.
What kind of traps can I use to catch squirrels?
There are many different types of traps that can be used to catch squirrels including live traps and kill traps.
How do I set a trap for a squirrel?
When setting a trap for a squirrel it is important to choose a location where they are active and to bait the trap with something that they are attracted to such as peanuts or sunflower seeds.
What kind of repellents can I use to keep squirrels away from my plants?
There are many different types of repellents that can be used to keep squirrels away from plants including visual auditory and olfactory repellents.
What is the best way to use a repellent to keep squirrels away from my plants?
The best way to use a repellent to keep squirrels away from your plants is to apply it directly to the plant that you want to protect.
What is an exclusion device?
An exclusion device is a physical barrier that prevents squirrels from accessing a particular area.
What are some common exclusion devices used to keep squirrels out of gardens?
Some common exclusion devices used to keep squirrels out of gardens include fences netting and wire mesh.
How do I know if an exclusion device is working?
You will know an exclusion device is working if you do not see any squirrels in the area that it is protecting.
How long do I need to use an exclusion device?
Once an exclusion device is in place it should be left in place for at least a month to ensure that all of the squirrels have been removed from the area.
What should I do if I see a squirrel in my garden?
If you see a squirrel in your garden you can attempt to catch it using a trap or you can try to scare it away by making loud noises or waving your arms.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
