- Remove food sources<\/a><\/li>
- Physical barriers and deterrents<\/a><\/li>
- Natural and Chemical Repellents<\/a><\/li>
- Landscape management<\/a><\/li>
- Hunting, trapping, and relocation<\/a><\/li>
- Electronic and motion-activated deterrents<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Remove food sources<\/span><\/h2>
The best way to keep squirrels (or other critters) out of your yard? Don\u2019t feed them, says Jessica Merkling, an urban wildlife biologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Bird feeders, in particular, are like magnets for squirrels.<\/p>
\u201cI know a lot of people like to see birds,\u201d Merkling says, \u201cbut if you\u2019re having issues with squirrels, I really recommend taking down any food, including feeders.\u201d<\/p>
Birds are messy eaters, so squirrels feast on the spilled seeds. They like standing water, too, so ditch the bird bath.<\/p>
While you\u2019re cleaning up spilled bird seed, look for fruit or berries that drop from trees and bushes. Squirrels like those unexpected treats, too. <\/p>
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of accidental feeding we don\u2019t always think about,\u201d Merkling says. \u201cI have trash cans; the lid is secure \u2026 but is there another way to get into it? We put out food for pets, which other wildlife can get into as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>
For more information, see 3 Signs that Squirrels Are Digging in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>
Physical barriers and deterrents<\/span><\/h2>
![\"In](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/squirrel-barrier.jpeg\")
Wire mesh is effective at keeping squirrels off plants. Photo Credit: Natalia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Squirrels are built to get over barriers. Tree squirrels have a 4-foot vertical jump, and they\u2019re excellent <\/em>climbers. (A squirrel in my back yard easily scales the neighbors\u2019 6-foot fence to taunt the dogs.)<\/p>
That said, there are barriers that can dissuade squirrels from digging in your yard or garden.<\/p>
Chicken wire and wire mesh:<\/strong> Wrap these around trees, or create a tunnel (vertical or horizontal) around plants. For larger areas, lay chicken wire atop your garden soil and secure it with stakes. Cut holes for the plants to grow through. <\/p>
Netting:<\/strong> For a small garden, secure bird netting over a fence. Lay netting over a new patch of grass and secure it with stakes. Plastic netting can be placed over flower pots to prevent digging. (I use the mesh bags that produce comes in.)<\/p>
Forks:<\/strong>\u00a0This started out as a prank, but some gardeners now swear by it. Bury white plastic forks\u00a0 \u2014 tines up \u2014\u00a0 roughly 4 to 6 inches apart around your garden or grass patches. You can also bury them between plants.\u00a0 The forks act as a barrier, and the light reflecting off them can startle a critter into staying away.\u00a0<\/p>
Note<\/strong>: Keep an eye on children and pets, and remember to pull the forks before you cut the grass.<\/p>
Natural and Chemical Repellents<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Amber](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/essential-oil.jpg\")
Cinnamon essential oil irritates and repels squirrels. Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Repellents take advantage of squirrels\u2019 excellent sense of smell by producing obnoxious odors that drive them off. Do they work? Results are mixed. They may work in the short term, but once the odor fades, or the first rainstorm hits, the squirrels will return..<\/p>
You can raid your spice rack to create natural repellents, or buy a commercial product (many use the same ingredients). Some common repellents: <\/p>
- Spices: Sprinkle a layer of chili powder, or powdered cayenne pepper, hot pepper, garlic or cinnamon on your plants. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Essential oils: Mix peppermint or cinnamon essential oils with water for a spray, or soak cotton balls and drop them around the yard.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Other options: Spray or pour white vinegar on areas where squirrels gather. Or mix 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 1 tablespoon of biodegradable dish soap in a gallon of water to spray on garden beds. The oil changes the smell and taste of the soil. <\/li> <\/ul>
Chemical deterrents:<\/span><\/h3>
Don\u2019t use mothballs:<\/strong> Using this EPA-regulated pesticide outside is illegal. They\u2019re toxic to people and animals, and the chemicals can leach into the ground.<\/p>
Polybutenes: This polymer creates a sticky substance that deters squirrels from climbing fences and buildings. However, it is messy to apply and can cause eye irritation.<\/p>
Merkling suggests putting down soap. (Irish Spring is a favorite.) The idea, she says, is that \u201dyou\u2019re making it smell human,\u201d which deters the squirrels. In fact, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has used soap to keep critters out of their vehicles.<\/p>
Landscape management<\/span><\/h2>
If barriers around your garden aren\u2019t helpful, try adding plants that help keep the critters at bay: Some possibilities: <\/p>
- Plant marigolds and daffodils around your garden. They\u2019re toxic to squirrels, so they\u2019ll avoid them. If you\u2019re growing herbs, try planting lavender, sage and rosemary \u2014 their strong scents keep squirrels away.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Merkling suggests using native plants such as onions and mints, which have natural repellents to ward off the critters.<\/li> <\/ul>
For more information, see Plants That Make Your Garden Stink<\/a><\/p>
Hunting, trapping, and relocation<\/span><\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/squirrel-live-trap.jpg\")
Trapping is a last resort and may be a temporary solution Credit: PT Hamilton<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Sometimes, destructive squirrels have to be removed, either through hunting, trapping, or relocation:<\/p>
Hunting<\/strong>: Many states consider Fox and Gray squirrels as game, so they can be hunted. But don\u2019t plan on hunting in the city or suburbs. In most places, it\u2019s illegal to use firearms in a residential area.<\/p>
Trapping:<\/strong> There are a variety of traps available, both lethal and live. But trapping carries risks: scratches, bites, exposure to ticks and other parasites. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management suggests wearing protective gear, and choosing the right trap for the job.<\/p>
Some states require trapping permits, so be aware of local laws. If you aren\u2019t confident about your trapping skills, hire a licensed wildlife control company.<\/p>
Relocation:<\/strong> This can be tricky, Merkling says. \u201cIf it\u2019s sick, you\u2019re potentially spreading disease, or you\u2019re putting one animal into another animal\u2019s territory.\u201d Plus, \u201csome species try really hard to get back to where they came from,\u201d and may be harmed in the process.<\/p>
Electronic and motion-activated deterrents<\/span><\/h2>
Desperate gardeners have tried squirrel-deterrent devices like motion-activated sprinklers and flashing lights. Merkling suggests a low-tech method: Put out a radio that\u2019s tuned to a talk show. Squirrels hear voices and think there are people in the area.<\/p>
Whatever you do, \u201cYou don\u2019t want to become really, really predictable,\u201d she says. \u201cI know a place that airs distress calls for birds so they don\u2019t nest there. But they use the same sounds at the same time every day. They get used to that.\u201d<\/p>
For more information, see How to Deal with Nuisance Squirrels<\/a><\/p>
FAQ<\/span><\/h2>
How do I protect a newly planted tree from squirrel damage?<\/strong>You can protect a young tree with a plastic tree guard, or wrap the trunk with hardware cloth or chicken wire. (Bury them a few inches down to prevent digging.) If the tree is small enough, cover it with bird netting or tightly woven mesh.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>
Why do squirrels strip the bark from trees?<\/strong>In winter, squirrels eat bark when food is scarce. But in spring and fall, they\u2019re after the tree sap for its sodium content, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. (Squirrels need sodium for nerve and muscle function, among other things.)\u00a0
How do I know I have squirrels and not another pest?<\/strong>For starters, look at the hole. The University of Illinois Extension says squirrels dig enough to cover seeds or acorns, so holes aren\u2019t very large or deep. Skunks will dig a top-shaped hole about 2-3 inches across, while a raccoon will just rip up your lawn.\u00a0
Need help to keep squirrels out of your yard?<\/span><\/h2>
We hope that our tips will help discourage squirrels from digging up your yard. But if you don\u2019t have the time, or could use assistance, Lawn Love can connect you with a pest control pro<\/a> who can make your yard a squirrel-free zone.<\/p>
- Merkling suggests using native plants such as onions and mints, which have natural repellents to ward off the critters.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Plant marigolds and daffodils around your garden. They\u2019re toxic to squirrels, so they\u2019ll avoid them. If you\u2019re growing herbs, try planting lavender, sage and rosemary \u2014 their strong scents keep squirrels away.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Other options: Spray or pour white vinegar on areas where squirrels gather. Or mix 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 1 tablespoon of biodegradable dish soap in a gallon of water to spray on garden beds. The oil changes the smell and taste of the soil. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Essential oils: Mix peppermint or cinnamon essential oils with water for a spray, or soak cotton balls and drop them around the yard.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Physical barriers and deterrents<\/a><\/li>