I'm really struggling with squirrels invading my garden. They manage to break through plastic covers, move stones and shards, and climb over chicken wire. While I can protect young plants with barriers, it's not effective once they grow larger and the squirrels often dig right in. I end up with nothing but dirt in my pots. They chew on the seedlings and plant stems, and my fruits don't last long either. Even my dogs don't deter them—these little critters are so bold they come up expecting food! I can't keep an eye on my garden all the time, and I want my plants accessible without making my yard a disaster. Is there a humane way to keep squirrels away without affecting my dog?
3 Answers
You might want to try some physical barriers and distractions! Setting up motion-sensitive sprinklers can really startle them. You can also sprinkle things with a spicy spray to keep them from munching. Another idea is to create a separate feeder far from your garden to give them something else to chow down on. Installing an owl box could also bring in some natural predators to help reduce the squirrel population. Just remember, every little bit helps!
I had to get a cat, and honestly, it worked wonders. The cat started hunting around and now the squirrels have mostly vanished. It wasn't my first choice, but sometimes you need to let nature take care of itself!
One simple fix is to lay mesh over the ground where the plants are. It can keep them from digging while still allowing your plants to grow!
I tried live traps last year and relocated about 60 squirrels. However, I've heard they generally struggle in new environments. Just something to keep in mind if relocation seems appealing!