It’s a nightmare to see your newly bloomed flowers and young plants damaged. Sometimes this happens when squirrels have invaded your garden. The opportunistic animals may enter your yard to pop the buds of your flowers and ruin your entire yard.
Here are two tips to keep squirrels out of your garden and prevent them from damaging your plants.
Guard Your Garden with a Fence
Installing a fence in your garden is one way to protect your garden from the unwanted visits of squirrels (and other animals). You may use metal for fencing and gates so the structure can last longer. It’s better to select a material that doesn’t stain and rust easily so you don’t spend more money on replacements.
You need to consider other critical matters, besides materials, before building a fence. Local areas usually have their own regulations regarding the required measurement of a fence. To make sure you’re not violating any rules, consult with the local officials in your area first.
You may hire professionals to survey your land before starting the construction. This helps you determine where to build the fence, helping you meet local requirements.
When choosing the style of your garden fence, consider choosing one of the following:
- Cage – this style eliminates the pathways squirrels can use to enter your garden, be it over, under, or around the ground.
- Horizontal fencing – this prevents squirrels from digging in the planting bed and eating the bulbs of your plants by laying a horizontal layer of fine mesh over the bed.
- Electric fences – incorporating wires that carry electric charge can force squirrels to retreat.
- Netting – covering an entire plant properly with nylon net can effectively put squirrels at bay. Persistent squirrels, however, may chew through the net covering.
Avoid Turning Your Garden Into a Squirrel Haven
If you notice squirrels seem to enjoy certain plants, grow bulbs that don’t appeal to the animals. Tulips, for instance, can attract squirrels, so you have to avoid them. Bulbs that can repel squirrels because of their smell and taste, include:
- Alliums
- Daffodils
- Fritillaria or crown imperial
- Hyacinths
- Muscari or grape hyacinth
You may also use natural squirrel repellents to keep animals away from your yard. Some of these repellents are even available in your kitchen, such as:
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Mothballs or mothballs flakes
Additionally, squirrels are likely to look for water on your property. Reducing or eliminating standing water in your yard can prevent squirrels from coming in; standing water can create an oasis for the animals and other pests.
When it rains, always remove any pooling water, especially if your yard has small dips in the ground. Your garden decor may also collect water, so it’s better to clean them off.
Squirrels can be troublesome to many gardeners and homeowners. When trying to eliminate them, however, it’s important to ensure that you’re not harming them and other animals. If possible, consider using natural and safe methods.
