What is a Squirrel Deterrent?
If you want to keep your yard free from squirrels, you can use various tricks. Among these tricks is peppermint essential oil, motion-activated sprinklers, daffodils, or Cayenne pepper. Pepper is also known to deter rodents, so you can sprinkle the area with pepper seasoning or white powder many times a day. Alternatively, you can also use a sprinkler that sprays pepper after a rainstorm.
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Peppermint essential oil
To keep squirrels away from your yard, you can use peppermint essential oil. You can dilute the oil with a little water and spray it around the base of trees and shrubs. Peppermint oil is a strong deterrent to squirrels, and the smell can be overpowering. Regular mints, however, do not have a strong enough scent to attract a squirrel.
Another effective way to keep squirrels away is by placing peppermint essential oil on cotton balls. Sprinkle this mixture around the perimeter of your garden, near discarded nut shells or other areas where squirrels frequent. Peppermint smells so strong that even the tiniest amount will cause a squirrel to stay away. Peppermint is a highly potent deterrent that should be reapplied frequently, and is available in most grocery stores.
Cayenne pepper
You can use hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes as a squirrel deterrent. Sprinkle it near the base of plants that attract squirrels. You can also sprinkle it on the leaves of those plants, especially the lower ones. It’s also effective to apply petroleum jelly to the base of plant stems or to fences and poles. Sprinkle the mixture in the garden once a week or after rain.
Another common method is to use a pepper spray made from 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. You can also mix in two chopped onions and a jalapeno. Boil this mixture for 30 minutes, strain it, and spray it around your flower beds. You can also sprinkle the pepper spray on a bird feeder to discourage squirrels from visiting your home. Cayenne pepper works as a squirrel deterrent, but be sure to wear a mask and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any injury.
Motion-activated sprinklers
Installing a motion-activated sprinkler in your yard is an easy way to scare off squirrels, but the process is not without danger. A sudden sound or movement may scare off a squirrel, but it is unlikely to cause a serious injury. However, it can drive up your water bill in no time. If you’re still unsure, watch this video for tips on buying the right motion-activated sprinklers.
The sprayer is activated when an animal approaches it and should be directed at the intruder. A sprinkler with an infrared sensor has a 120-degree viewing angle and can detect small and large animals. It is also easy to adjust its vertical motion and the range of detection. It can be used for large and small areas. The range is approximately 1000 square feet. When installing a motion-activated sprinkler in your yard, make sure you choose a model that can detect movement up to 40 feet away.
Daffodils
Daffodils are early-blooming spring flowers that deter squirrels by their scent. Their scent is attractive to human senses and deters them from entering homes and gardens. Daffodils can be planted around other early-blooming plants to keep squirrels out. If you’re concerned about squirrels digging through the soil, consider planting daffodils as a hedge or barrier. The characteristic scent of daffodils is highly unpleasant to squirrels, so plant them close to other plants to amplify their effects.
Despite their unpleasant odor, daffodils can be grown anywhere, including flower beds, yard, garden, and home perimeter. They’re a great option for deterring squirrels and deterring them from damaging your plants. They’re safe to use in small quantities and should cause no adverse side effects. However, if you’re allergic to fritillaries, consult a doctor before planting them around your property.
Colton’s Naturals Small Animal Repellent
If you have a problem with squirrels, you can use a repellent spray made of all-natural ingredients. It’s easy to make and you probably have the ingredients right in your own home. You can also customize it by adding some essential oils, like lemon or tea tree. It works well in keeping squirrels away from your garden, yard, or any other plants that you’re trying to protect from them.
Other homemade deterrents that work for keeping squirrels away include peppermint oil and hot sauce. If you’re not up for spraying them, you can try tying dryer sheets to your garden or fence. Squirrels are particularly attracted to the smell of garlic and pepper. If that doesn’t work, you can try a few different scents from nature, such as fox and coyote urine.