How To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Vegetable Garden

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Introduction

Squirrels are arguably one of the most irritating creatures to gardeners. They can easily decimate your hard work, munching on all your carefully planted vegetables and fruits. Squirrels can be found in most gardens, particularly in urban areas and suburban neighborhoods. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to keep them away and protect your vegetable garden.

First Line of Defense

Your first line of defense against squirrels is to create a physical barrier around the vegetable garden. This can be done easily by erecting a fence around the perimeter. Choose a fence that is at least 2-3 feet high and made of chicken wire or similar material. This will prevent squirrels from climbing in and getting at your vegetable plants. If you don’t want to use a fence, you could also use netting or burlap to cover the entire garden. Make sure the netting or burlap is at least 4 feet high.

Scare Tactics

Another way to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden is to use scare tactics. There are a variety of devices you can use to deter squirrels, such as motion-activated water sprayers, electric fencing, and sound devices. Motion-activated water sprayers are triggered when a squirrel enters the garden, and the sudden spray of water will scare them away. Electric fencing is also an effective deterrent, as the squirrels will get a small shock when they try to cross it. Lastly, sound devices emit a loud noise when they sense movement, which will scare the squirrels away.

Repellents and Deterrents

There are also many repellents and deterrents that can be used to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden. These include predator urine, predator decoys, and even mothballs. Predator urine, such as fox or bobcat urine, has a strong smell that squirrels find offensive and will stay away from. Predator decoys, such as owls or hawks, can also be used to scare away squirrels. Lastly, mothballs are a natural deterrent that can be used to keep squirrels out of your vegetable garden.

Attract Natural Predators

One of the best ways to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden is to attract natural predators. Birds of prey, such as owls and hawks, are natural enemies of squirrels and will help keep them away from your garden. To attract these birds, you can place bird feeders and bird baths around the perimeter of your garden. This will provide a safe haven for the birds and help keep the squirrels away.

Remove Food Sources

Another way to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden is to remove their food sources. If you have bird feeders or fruit trees near your garden, make sure to clean up any fallen or rotting fruit that may attract the squirrels. Additionally, make sure to keep your compost pile far away from your garden, as this can be a major food source for squirrels.

Plant Repellents

Finally, you can also use plants to keep squirrels away from your vegetable garden. Certain plants, such as garlic, onions, and hot peppers, have strong odors that squirrels find repulsive. Planting these plants around the perimeter of your garden will act as a natural repellent and help keep the squirrels away.

Conclusion

Squirrels can be a real nuisance to gardeners, but there are several methods you can use to keep them away from your vegetable garden. Fencing and netting are the most effective methods, but you can also use scare tactics, repellents, and natural predators to help protect your garden. Additionally, removing food sources and planting repellent plants can also help keep the squirrels away. With these methods, you can enjoy a squirrel-free garden and the fruits of your labor.