How To Keep Squirrels From Eating My Vegetable Garden

Why are Squirrels Attracted to My Garden?

Squirrels are small rodents that are notorious for stealing food from unsuspecting gardeners. They don't only stick to nuts, fruits, and seeds either. Squirrels are also attracted to vegetable gardens, and they have a taste for the same vegetables we do. Whether it's tomatoes, peppers, or squash, squirrels will come to your garden to snack away if given the opportunity. The main reason why squirrels are attracted to your vegetable garden is because they have found a reliable food source in your yard. As long as you have food to offer, they will keep coming back.

How to Keep Squirrels from Eating Your Vegetable Garden

Now that you know why squirrels are attracted to your vegetable garden, it's important to learn how to keep them away. The best way to prevent squirrels from eating your vegetables is to make your garden as unappealing to them as possible. Here are some tips for keeping squirrels out of your garden:

Install a fence around your garden. This will help to keep the squirrels out and away from your vegetables.
Put a few squirrel-deterrent plants around your garden. Plants like marigolds, garlic, and chives have strong scents that squirrels don't like and will keep them away.
Sprinkle some ground cayenne pepper around your garden. The spicy flavor of cayenne pepper will deter squirrels from snacking on your vegetables.
Place some decoy vegetables around your garden. You can buy fake vegetables from a local garden center and scatter them around your garden to make it look like it's already been picked over.
Keep your garden clean and free of debris. Squirrels are attracted to gardens that have a lot of clutter, so make sure to keep it tidy.
Set up a motion-activated sprinkler system. This will scare away any squirrels that come near your garden.

What to Do If You Spot a Squirrel in Your Garden

If you see a squirrel in your garden, the best thing to do is to scare it away. You can do this by clapping your hands, making loud noises, or throwing a few stones in its direction. If these tactics don't work, you can also try to get a dog or cat to chase it away. However, if the squirrels become too much of a nuisance, you may want to consider seeking professional help from a pest control company.

Conclusion

Squirrels can wreak havoc on your vegetable garden if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent them from eating your vegetables. By installing a fence, planting deterrent plants, sprinkling cayenne pepper, and keeping your garden clean, you can help to keep squirrels away from your garden. If all else fails, you can also seek help from a professional pest control company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to keep squirrels away from my vegetable garden?

A: The best way to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden is to make it as unappealing to them as possible. You can do this by installing a fence, planting deterrent plants, sprinkling cayenne pepper, and keeping your garden clean. If all else fails, you can also seek help from a professional pest control company.

Q: What kind of plants can I use to keep squirrels away?

A: Plants like marigolds, garlic, and chives have strong scents that squirrels don't like and will keep them away. You can also try planting some decoy vegetables around your garden to make it look like it's already been picked over.

Q: What should I do if I spot a squirrel in my garden?

A: If you see a squirrel in your garden, the best thing to do is to scare it away. You can do this by clapping your hands, making loud noises, or throwing a few stones in its direction. If these tactics don't work, you can also try to get a dog or cat to chase it away.