How to Stop a Squirrel From Digging in Your Garden
Depending on your situation, you might be wondering how to stop squirrel from digging in your garden. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent them. Some of the most effective methods include wire mesh and bones meal. These substances are natural deterrents, and they can make your garden less appealing to them. Some plants that repel squirrels are also available. But you can’t always use these methods. If you want to prevent your garden from becoming a squirrel haven, you can use one of these tips.
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Natural deterrents
When squirrels dig in your yard, you can use several natural deterrents to stop them. For example, you can place mousetraps near the hole and cover them with dirt and newspaper. When a squirrel walks by, the mousetrap will set off, throwing dirt at the animal. Once the squirrel has run away, they will look for another place to dig. If possible, anchor the mousetrap to the ground. This way, the animal won’t be able to get trapped.
If spraying doesn’t work, you can also use a mixture of hot pepper and vinegar. Be sure to wear protective gear when applying the solution. Use this solution only if there are no winds, and remember to spray it every few days. Another effective method is to sprinkle a few drops of Irish Spring soap around the garden plants. Squirrels don’t like the smell of the soap. You can also use hardware cloth. This is mesh cloth sold in rolls. Simply lay the cloth over the soil and cover it with a layer of mulch or unfriendly squirrel repellent.
Wire mesh
There are several methods of preventing squirrels from destroying your garden. One of them involves installing wire mesh fencing. Unlike fences made of wooden panels, which are easy to demolish, wire mesh is much more durable. The smaller openings will be harder for squirrels to pass through than larger openings. The best wire mesh for squirrel control is one-inch mesh. Alternatively, you can purchase a heavier-duty woven wire mesh.
If you have a flower garden or a lawn that has many plants, you can install a chicken wire fence around it. This will protect your plants from squirrels and other animals. You can also place a fox in the area and let him hunt them. The fox is a great predator for squirrels. Another good option is spraying the area with scents that resemble rabbit urine.
Bone meal
The best way to discourage a squirrel from digging up your yard is by using an organic deterrent like bone meal. This substance has a blood-like odor, which repels rodents and serves as a good fertilizer for plants. Aside from preventing your yard from being a haven for squirrels, bone meal also makes your garden more aesthetically pleasing. You can use it in your vegetable and flower gardens, roses, and trees.
There are two main methods for deterring squirrels. The first involves the use of organic materials that have a pungent smell. Bone meal and blood meal contain odors that squirrels don’t like and should be used sparingly. Another effective repellent is castor oil, which contains both astringent and pleasant smell. You can also mix a few drops of dish soap in water and spray the garden, which will protect your sensitive plants. The second method is to use apple cider vinegar, either sprayed or placed in containers with holes.
Plants that repel squirrels
If you want to deter squirrels from digging your garden, plant some of these plants around the area. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies and can deter squirrels from digging as well. These plants are in the lily family, so you can plant some in your garden to attract these species. The common varieties include bluebells and mission bells. They grow in spring and are also easy to grow.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on chemicals, you can also try growing some thorny plants in your garden. Some plants have an odor that squirrels find unpleasant, so adding some of them will discourage the animals from causing damage to your garden. If you’re not sure whether they’ll like the smell, you can try mixing some with your soil. A few drops will work, but don’t use too much or it will cause damage to your plants.
Home-made sprays
One of the most effective methods to prevent squirrels from digging in your garden is to spray them with a repellent. Home-made sprays for squirrels can be made using a variety of ingredients, depending on your region and specific problem. Listed below are some home-made repellents for squirrels. If you don’t have an active repellent, you can apply a homemade spray to their fur.
Another effective and low-impact solution is to plant shrubs and trees that are considered to be squirrel-repellents. These plants are readily available and can be placed in planters or the ground to deter squirrels. In addition, you can also use cayenne pepper, a squirrel’s kryptonite. Cayenne pepper is easy to grow and can be purchased at any grocery store.
What is one way to stop squirrels from digging?
One way to stop squirrels from digging is to sprinkle cayenne pepper around the area they are digging.
What is another way to stop squirrels from digging?
Another way to stop squirrels from digging is to place chicken wire around the area you do not want them to dig.
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.
