Plants that Squirrels Hate: Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Away

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As a gardener, you would want the best for your plants. But what do you do when pesky squirrels start damaging your plants? There are many ways to control these critters that do not involve harming them. In this article, we will discuss a few natural ways to keep squirrels away from your garden.

Why Do Squirrels Damage Plants?

Squirrels are known to chew on anything they can wrap their teeth around. This characteristic is especially bothersome for gardeners as they snack on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in our gardens. The damage they cause leads to stunted growth or even death of plants.

Benefits of Natural Pest Controls

Using natural pest controls is always better than chemical ones for several reasons. Firstly, natural pest controls do not harm other creatures like birds or bees, who assist in maintaining a healthy environment. Secondly, natural methods do not leave any toxic residues behind that can adversely affect soil quality. Lastly, it is a more ethical option because it does not involve causing harm to animals like squirrels.

What Smells Deter Squirrels?

Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, and there are certain odors that they find repuve. Some of the smells that deter squirrels include peppermint, garlic, hot peppers, and vinegar. These scents can be incorporated in repellents to discourage squirrels from visiting your garden.

Plants that Squirrels Hate

There are some species of plants that squirrels simply cannot stand the smell of. Incorporating these into your garden can go a long way in keeping squirrels away. Here are a few examples:

1. Alliums

Alliums are a great addition to any garden because they do not only keep squirrels away, but they also repel moles and other rodents. The strong odor emitted by alliums is what squirrels find so unpleasant.

2. Daffodils

Daffodils are beautiful flowers and an enemy to squirrels. The bulbs of daffodils contain lycorine, which is toxic to squirrels. Even the scent of daffodils is enough to make a squirrel lose its appetite.

3. Hyacinths

Hyacinths have a strong scent that squirrels cannot tolerate. Gardeners must, however, keep in mind that hyacinths are poisonous to pets, especially cats.

4. Fritillaries

Fritillaries are another plant that squirrels detest. They produce a chemical compound known as alkoids, which is toxic to animals that feed on it. Squirrels' sensitive noses pick up on the fritillary's potent odor levels and steer clear.

5. Galanthus

Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, produces a smell like honey that appeals to bees but nauseates squirrels. When planning to plant snowdrifts, choose areas that receive abundant sunlight throughout most of the day.

6. Snowdrops

Snowdrops bloom early in the year, and their nectar is collected by insects until the ground thaws completely. Once the bloom ends, the plant becomes unpalatable to squirrels due to its helleborin toxin content.

7. Campanula

Campanula is a low-growing flowering plant with blue/purple bell-shaped blossoms. However, squirrels dislike the plant as it has a strong aroma, and the leaves are bitter.

How to Keep Squirrels Away from Garden

While planting squirrel-repelling plants is an effective solution, there are other means of deterring squirrels from your garden. Below are a few suggestions:

1. Use Physical Barriers

Physical barriers like fencing can help keep squirrels out of your garden. The fence should be at least 2 feet high, buried about 6 inches underground, and made of metal, plastic mesh, or chicken wire.

2. Install Motion-activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers provide an excellent defense line against squirrels, especially when used in conjunction with other tools. Thus, they use a sensor and water to scare off animals that trespass on your property forcibly.

3. Place Bird Feeders far away

Make sure bird feeders are placed strategically so that squirrels cannot reach them. Install baffles on poles where birdhouses sit to prevent squirrels from climbing up.

4. Spread Animal Repellent Granules

Some species of animal repellent granules repel both pests and humans alike. Spread them around your garden to thwart invading squirrels.

5. Make Your Garden Uninviting

Whenever possible, search for approaches to create an unwelcoming landscape. For instance, eliminate small spaces between bushes and structures that squirrels could squeeze through by filling them with weather-resistant materials like caulk.

Growing plants that squirrels hate is an excellent way to protect your garden without harm. By using natural repellent plants, you can ensure the safety of both your garden and squirrels.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding squirrels in your garden:

What Plants Are Toxic to Squirrels?

Several plants are toxic to squirrels, including hyacinths, delphiniums, and foxgloves, among others.

Can Squirrels Climb Fences?

Yes. Squirrels are adept climbers and can easily navigate over or through most fencing types.

Will Coffee Grounds Keep Squirrels Away?

No. While coffee grounds may have a strong odor, they do not contain any chemicals that repel squirrels.

What Smells Do Squirrels Hate?

Squirrels hate the smell of garlic, vinegar, and capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers.

Do Mothballs Repel Squirrels?

Yes. Mothballs are not lethal but release fumes that deter most animals, including squirrels.

Are There Any Plants That Squirrels Won't Eat?

Yes. Plants such as peonies, daffodils, and hyssop are not among squirrels' favorites.

How Do I Know If Squirrels Are Damaging My Plants?

Squirrels leave a signature mark when chewing sites to access nuts inside; fruit and nut trees are particularly vulnerable. Leaves may be partially eaten or stripped entirely from the tree.

Is It Legal To Trap And Relocate Squirrels?

It depends on your location. Laws change drastically between districts, so make sure you understand what makes your state lawfully reasonable.

Why Is It Important To Use Natural Squirrel Repellent?

Natural remedies result in fewer adverse environmental impacts and are better for wildlife well-being.

Can Outdoor Cats Help Control Squirrel Population?

Cats are a natural predator to rodents, making outdoor cats perfect hunters, which can help reduce the squirrel population in your garden.