What Keeps the Plants Away From Squirrels?
A layer of stones around the base of your plants will discourage the squirrel from digging through the soil. Make sure to use rocks that are heavy enough to prevent the squirrel from pushing them around and leave gaps in the bottom of the rock for water to flow through. Another option is to use chicken wire to layer the earth around the plant containers. Cut the pieces to the correct size. This method will help keep the squirrel away from your plants and your garden.
Cayenne pepper
You can use cayenne pepper to keep your plants away from squirrels by sprinkle it around the base of your plant. This pepper repellent can also be mixed with water and sprayed on plants. Be sure to spray the pepper regularly, or you may end up with a sticky substance on your hands. In addition to a hot pepper spray, you can sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes around your plant’s foliage and base. Another way to keep squirrels away is to install a raptor perch or owl nest box.
Squirrels can be quite a nuisance, especially once they find a garden or bird feeder full of food. In addition to damaging your plants, they can also destroy your bird feeders. Cayenne pepper contains a chemical called capsaicin, which accounts for the “hot” in the name. Because squirrels have such strong senses of smell and taste, they won’t be able to tolerate the hot pepper scent and taste.
Bone meal
Using bone meal to protect your plants from squirrels is an organic way to protect them. Bone meal has an odor that squirrels find offensive. Apply it on the surface of the soil, rather than mixing it in with the soil. Squirrels avoid areas that contain this natural fertiliser, which is best applied to the ground surface before watering. Bone meal is a natural source of nitrogen and phosphorus, which helps plants grow robust root systems and produce big flowers. This organic fertilizer is recommended for all types of plants, including bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, and shrubs.
Another method is using blood meal, which contains high levels of ammonia. It is extremely effective at repelling squirrels, but it may have negative effects on your plants. Therefore, it is important to research the species of plants that you plan to protect before you start using blood meal. Additionally, if you have problems with unwanted visitors because of the high nitrogen content, you can always use other methods of squirrel control. But blood meal is probably the best option for those who don’t want to use chemicals.
Peppermint oil
In addition to the peppermint plant, you can use a variety of other ingredients to keep squirrels away from your plants. Ground cinnamon is an excellent repellent; sprinkle it around plants and other areas they shouldn’t be walking on. The cinnamon will be blown away by the wind, and rainwater will dissolve it. Peppermint oil is an effective repellent when mixed with cayenne extract and peppermint oil. You can use this mixture to spray your plants and garden, and it will keep the squirrels away for a week or so.
You can use peppermint oil to repel squirrels from your garden. Simply put a few drops of peppermint oil onto cotton balls and place them around your garden. You can also use a spray bottle and combine the peppermint oil with water. Shake the bottle well before using the mixture, and mix the two ingredients 50 percent. Make sure to shake the bottle before spraying. This solution should contain a strong aroma of peppermint.
Fritillary flowers
The fritillary family is a group of bulbous flowering plants that not only attract butterflies and hummingbirds, but also deter pests like rabbits and squirrels. The family includes mission bells, snakes head, bluebells, and lily. Fritillary varieties are bell-shaped and come in many colors. In warmer climates, fritillary cultivars are grown as annuals.
The crown imperial fritillary, which has a tuft of foliage resembling a pineapple, is a great choice. The flowers of this species are a skunky smell that repels squirrels. While you should use a squirrel repellent if you’re worried about squirrels destroying your flowers, it’s worth keeping in mind that these plants can be fussy about the soil they’re in.
Allium plants
Allium plants keep squirrels away with their pungent scent. Allium flowers are heart-shaped and are usually red, white or pink in color. They are perennials in USDA hardiness zones three to nine, but can be grown as annuals in warmer climates. Scent is a natural deterrent for squirrels, but you must plant them in soil rich in sulfur. This is not always possible, however. Here are some tips to grow these plants successfully.
Marigolds, daffodils, and garlic are common garden deterrents. Marigolds have a mild citrus smell, and they’re edible, too. However, squirrels don’t like the spicy scent of garlic. If you’d prefer to use a non-toxic alternative, consider planting dragon heads, which are perennial plants in the Mint family. Dragon heads produce flowers with a strong smell and may be unappealing to squirrels.
Bleeding hearts
If you’re worried about squirrels eating your plants, consider planting a hibiscus. While this plant may be beautiful, it’s also very susceptible to damage from squirrels. While the leaves of this plant may look beautiful, their prickery nature can be dangerous to your plants. Here’s how to prevent them from eating your plants:
First of all, you should plant bleeding hearts in shady areas. They prefer moist soil with lots of organic matter. Plant them in full sun if you live in a temperate climate; however, they can tolerate part shade and need part shade if they grow in the same garden. Another excellent choice is the Brunnera macrophylla, which blooms at the same time as the bleeding hearts and keeps their foliage looking good throughout the summer.

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.