418 comments
Last summer the squirrels ruined most of my garden, does anyone have any
ideas on how I can prevent this?
Thank you.
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by GESWHOSBAC
April 26, 2013
TY
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by ROBERTDUGGER
April 25, 2013
by AE127
April 19, 2013
Scare crow sprinkler. Its $20 at Walmart. I've had one for over 5 years and it works great
by PREYLUDE
March 07, 2013
by TLCROCKETT
October 10, 2012
Cute squirrel--too bad they cause such havoc. We live in the country and have a dog so we don't have problems!
by ESHOPPER99
October 10, 2012
A good dog with a bad disposition toward squirrels may do the trick! good luck
by J.LEDET
October 10, 2012
I had the same problem a couple of years ago. We were in a drought and they were looking for water. We now have water for them, away from the garden. It seems to help. They will come steal a tomato now and then but not like before.
by ERICWHIN
October 09, 2012
I bought a roll of plastic fence and use that for the bottom 3 feet. Above that I've got bird netting. Keeps everything out. Just need to be sure that there are no gaps between the fence and the ground. Fill with rocks if necessary. Both products were at Home Depot. For the "gate" I doubled up the fence so that it was 6 foot high in just the entrance part for easier access.
by MSWEIR
May 13, 2013
We tried plastic fencing and netting. Squirrels chewed right through to get to our raised-bed strawberries. :(
by SEAYA712
October 09, 2012
Use the mesh netting...keeps bunnies out of my veggie bed too
by SHELLEYSBUTTONS
October 09, 2012
they take tomatoes for the juice nside . providing fresh water ,, in a dish or bird bath would help . also if yo provide squirrels with nuts .. no shells or salt. they wil have something to eat ... feed them elsewhere and it wil be easier to co-exist ..
by BOBLAT9
May 23, 2012
by SWEETIEWHEATIESCOTIE
October 09, 2012
Cayenne pepper helps in some cases.. but not all. You have to be careful that the family pets can't get to it.
by SNSMANE
April 15, 2012
Screen wire around the tree right below the feeder sometimes helps.
by NORRIS
April 15, 2012
i thought i had posted already but can't find it,anyway
i have tried yard spinners hanging from the trees,
cayenne pepper,garlic cloves,merigold flowers,mothballs,
animal urine i got at the hardware store and another
powder i got at the hardware store,the only thing
that helped for a short while was the yard spinners,i
am going to try 032251 idea,those little buggers eat
all of my tomatoes and eggplants and dig holes all
over my garden and yard,i hope this will keep them
out of my garden,thanks for the tips
i have tried yard spinners hanging from the trees,
cayenne pepper,garlic cloves,merigold flowers,mothballs,
animal urine i got at the hardware store and another
powder i got at the hardware store,the only thing
that helped for a short while was the yard spinners,i
am going to try 032251 idea,those little buggers eat
all of my tomatoes and eggplants and dig holes all
over my garden and yard,i hope this will keep them
out of my garden,thanks for the tips
by MUUMMY
October 10, 2012
I have used dried blood and it works occasionally. The drought has really had all animals taking many vegetables this year.!
by NORRIS
April 15, 2012
i meant to say,the squirrel in the pic looks like them in my garden fleeing with my tomatoes :( :(
by BWHITED
April 15, 2012
we have more rabbits in town than squirrels for some reason.
by YOMOMDAD
April 15, 2012
Human urine seems to keep deer away, maybe it would work with squirrels.
by DQEEZA
April 15, 2012
when you get a hair cut ask for the clippings and spread the hair around the garden. gives off human scent.
by PUMPKINSMILE2008
April 15, 2012
buy the cheapest nuts in shells and spread them near your trees away from garden do this every night. Even sunflower seeds would work. great for birds too
by COGIT8
April 15, 2012
We set up a platform feeder on our deck, by the sliding door. Our cats LOVE to watch the birds and squirrels, it's easy to toss more birdseed out when it gets low, and our garden stays safe!
by STRAW-B
April 15, 2012
If you plant marigold flowers, some animals and bugs won't bother anything because they don't like the smell. Also deer don't like daffodils maybe squirrels won't either...
by SPIKE2
April 14, 2012
No, we don't have squirrels, but if you could tell me how to keep snakes away, I'd be happy.
by Y1DER
April 14, 2012
We keep all animals out of our yard with human urine...with two little boys and a husband, well....:)
by BOZERENG
April 14, 2012
Gee, I wish that I could help but from the comments listed below it looks like you've got some good ideas to try out! GOOD LUCK!
by BROWNEANN
April 14, 2012
Lots of great ideas here. I have a squirrel proof bird feeder which real does work and saves the seeds for the birds. I have watched the squirrel try to get food out of this feeder, but they give up and go elsewhere. They don't bother my flower garden. The birds are more of a threat to my Monarch caterpillars then the squirrels are to my plants.
by DONNASWA
April 14, 2012
have no idea but at the farm they eat the walnuts that fall from the trees
by BARBWIRE4471
April 14, 2012
We actually gave up fighting with them. We have several feeders inside our fenced in yard--where the dogs are. And one feeder outside the fence--for them.
by QUILTINGJ
April 14, 2012
Sorry, we use to have a dog and that kept them away, now that we don't, I think we have squirrels into the roof over the porch.
by FAMJR
April 14, 2012
Once I started to put out water & food (old dried out bread, cookies, donuts etc.)for the critters, they left our garden alone. Been feeding them for over 20 years now. They look for food & have no idea they should not bother the garden, so by feeding them,we all win, they get food & water & we have our plants.
by COGIT8
April 14, 2012
I think this can be key. We've had a bird/squirrel feeder the whole time we've had a garden, and other than newly planted strawberry starts (which they dug up), we've had no trouble with squirrels in the garden.
by SCHEEPY
April 14, 2012
by SHELBYACAT
April 13, 2012
wow I always enjoyed squirels but my neighbor has his own solution.......he shoots and cooks to eat. i was wondering why not as many squirels as norma till my husband told me?????
by BIESTEK
April 13, 2012
good tips here but not sure they'll work ... those buggers are pesky and have no pedators around here so the population just grows and grows.
by 92651
April 13, 2012
My mother feeds the little rats unsalted peanuts in the shell and they leave the plants alone. I have two cats that kill the rodents around my house and garden.
by LIBS1DLAB
April 13, 2012
You have a couple options. You can get predator urine such as coyote or bobcat which you can purchase online or at places like Pet Smart. Pour it around the area you want to keep them out of. This may be what others are calling "liquid fence". The other thing is to plant bulbs and other items and cover them with chicken wire. You cover the chicken wire with more soil and no one knows it's there but you. This keeps the critters from getting to the roots and digging plants up. The only other thing to do is trap and relocate but if the squirrels in you area are anything like the ones in mine, it would be a loosing battle. Hope this is helpful.
by CHERLNN
April 13, 2012
I've never heard about liquid fence. Have to check it out.
by RONNAN
April 13, 2012
I use "Liquid Fence" on my gardens and when applied once a month, nothing is bothered by deer, squirrels or rabbits.
by JOY11
April 13, 2012
I have that problem also. I like the tip about the hot peppers. I have heard you can sprinkle cayenne and it will keep them away.
by MASTOOKS
April 13, 2012
Well, I have squirrel feeders on the ground and in the trees and on a stump. They hold corn, peanuts in the shell, or sunflower seed. It's great fun for my cats(indoor cats) and I to watch them eat they're food. They don't touch any of my flowers.
by OLYMPIAR
April 13, 2012
I have no idea but have to battle with them also. I wish I had a solution.
by KJLOOM
April 13, 2012
Have you tried human hair around your garden? If you call a beauty shop most will save the hair for you. But you do have to replace it after a good wind storm otherwise they think someone si nearby. It works great with rabbits and moles. Good Luck!
by NEWME36
April 13, 2012
Try planting the flower merigolds. They are suppose to ward off rabbits. Maybe they may have the same affect.
by ZOONOSIS
April 14, 2012
I have never had any luck with Marigolds warding off anything. =o( I have them planted all over the yard too.
by DFULCHER99
April 13, 2012
We have lots of squirrels and my dog loves to chase them, hasn't caught one yet but waiting for the day. He gets pretty close sometimes but I like watching them also even though they did eat my tulips this year.
by MUGHIBEAR
April 13, 2012
I feed mine peanuts. It keeps them out of the neighbors' tomatoes because they're not hungry.
by PEACHIE2
April 13, 2012
If you don't/can't have a dog, the dog hair idea is probably your best bet. Our dog keeps the squirrels away
by DIVI TREE
April 13, 2012
I tried all the different peppers and that didn't keep them from digging up my tulip bulbs either!
by BROOKLYNBABY65
April 13, 2012
try a mixture of various types of peppers, cayenne, red, black, and sprinkle in or around trees. Also keep them trimmed so they have less places to nest
by SASSYSUEFL
April 13, 2012
me too as I live in FL & we have lots of squirrels all over & could also use some tips too..TY
by DEBSCOUSIN
April 13, 2012
I've heard people say hanging pie tins will distract some animals. The aluminum's shiny glare from the sun hitting it scares them. Perhaps it will scare a squirrel too.
by RUTHIE37
April 13, 2012
guess it comes down to sharing with the pests..only thing that helps is to feed them!
by CLAUDIA229
April 13, 2012
I'm curious too. Would something like marigolds or moth balls around the perimiter work? Otherwise, probably a fence.
by TOMANDJULIE
April 13, 2012
call your local county extension and they will have ideas
by CHRISTMAS2
April 13, 2012
sorry no ideas to get rid of squirrels but the hints from others should work. good luck
by SANDY314
April 13, 2012
maybe moth balls around the edge of your garden..rabbits got my beans last year...
by 8182122
April 14, 2012
be careful with moth balls, water will break them down and then you have poison in your soil and leaching into your veggies.
by NDAKOTA BLUE
April 13, 2012
I agree on the moth ball idea. I don't think they'll like the smell.
by ALICERJ
April 13, 2012
put out peanuts for them and they won't be hungry enough to eat your garden.
by ANDREAKOLEILAT
April 13, 2012
My neighbor to the left gives them peanuts. My neighbor to the right gives them dried corn. They hide it all and invade my fruit trees. grrr!
by JOERACER
April 13, 2012
If you "Google" how to keep squirrels out of your garden you will find tons of "Expert" tips and videos!
Helped me!
Helped me!
by MARRISA0733
April 13, 2012
interesting to read all these comments -- best luck!
by JERRYHIGG
April 13, 2012
Shotgun, hand grinades, lasers, machine guns, mustard gas...etc. lol
by SEATSEAMER
April 13, 2012
load them now, cause the squirrels are attacking everything, those pesky pesks.
by COMPMAMA
April 13, 2012
Besides having a fox come live in my yard, the only thing I have found that makes squirrels and rabbits stay out of the garden is a solar animal repeller. I got mine from Starcrest of California for $18. It sets off a signal when it senses body heat, you can't hear it but animals can. Works day and night and is weatherproof. You can also use batteries in it if sunlight is limited.
by EGGOFHEN
April 13, 2012
We have tried everything you can think of;But they allways find a way to what they want.
by DFAN
April 13, 2012
don't know because our squirrels get into everything, they've started on my pear blossoms now
by JACKIE60130
April 13, 2012
Get dog hair from either your own pet(s) or a groomer...toss it around the garden. A natural deterent and FREE. Good luck!
by PJ STERLING
April 13, 2012
More squirrels each year eating more and more of my garden, and I haven't a clue how to get rid of them.
by AGGIEDOO
April 13, 2012
I've heard that mixing cayenne pepper with an oil and applying the paste around the edge of the garden will help.
by JESUS IS LOVE
April 13, 2012
THIS is the BEST and works IMMEDIATELY!!
The squirrels' natural enemy is the fox. Hunters use fox urine to disguise their scent. Buy bottled fox urine at a store that sells hunting paraphanalia. Wear some rubber gloves and soak some cotton balls with fox pee. Place the soaked cotton balls in your attic and wherever the squirrels hang out. They will get eerily quiet so as not to alert the "fox" to their whereabouts and get out of there as fast as they can! Wait a few days to be sure they're really gone and seal up any possible entry points.
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_get_rid_of_squirrels_in_the_soffit#ixzz1rw2hZgYk
by BARINSKY
April 13, 2012
We don't have a vegetable garden or fruit trees that squirrels would enjoy. So, we sit in our sunroom and enjoy watching them play. But I understand how it can be upsetting for people who do try to have gardens and fruit trees only to have them destroyed by squirrels. I wish you well in your search for a solution that works.
by YJB1970
April 13, 2012
Home Depot has some great organic products that really work.
by ICANWATCH
April 13, 2012
never had squirrel garden problems-they seem to leave it alone. rabbits are anothe story.hope you get a working idea
by JACKI2954
April 13, 2012
I don't have squirrels either but the rabbits are a BIG problem ugh....
by WEDGEL
April 13, 2012
a few years ago someone told me use moth balls for ground squirrels, they were taking over!!! We have 7 acres of lawn, live way out in the country. Hubby got me boxes of moth balls and out I went searching for holes, I used over three boxes and was very happy with myself thinking the problem was solved!!! NOT, got up the next morning and my yard looked like it had snowed, they throw all the moth balls out of the holes overnight. So on to next plan, live traps, caught them with traps and animal cracker cookies, they love those cookies. Took them way out in the country (has to be move then 5 miles) and let them loose in a wooded area with water and protection. They can do serious damage to your home, and your yard...
by LISALJOST
April 13, 2012
Not laughing at you, but with you. I did the same thing with moth balls and the next day...my yard was littered with them. They just kept throwing them out of my garden and continued digging and eating anything they wanted.
by PMKIRKWOOD @MAC.COM
April 13, 2012
Plastic pinwheels seem to be a deterrent. Also, tying plastic bags on stakes throughout the garden space. In other words, anything that "moves", seems to be a deterrent.
by MYMEEMER
April 13, 2012
I don't know for sure, but I bet the moth balls would help.
by PRINCESSPOWELL
April 13, 2012
try lemon grass, it helps keep something away I can't remember what. Good Luck
by CUALUM
April 13, 2012
lemongrass is the cousin of citronella - which keeps mosquitoes away. Lemongrass isn't as good for that, though.
by SHOP2CHIC
April 13, 2012
I heard if you plant mint around your garden mice, mole,squirrel,gophers and even rats.. hate the aroma
by BLIZZARINO
April 13, 2012
we have never had this problem where we live in Florida - up in NY, different story. They ate all our corn!
by PEPSIGRANDMA
April 13, 2012
Sorry, I can't help. My squirrels leave the garden alone.
by PUPPYDUPPY
April 13, 2012
I must hav efinicky squirrels! I feed them a few peanuts in the morning and they leave the garden alone!
by WCSTONE
April 13, 2012
I would like to know also. I have problems with squirrels on my 2nd floor apartment balcony. Tore apart a styrofoam cooler among other things.
by SEAYA712
April 13, 2012
Love watching the squirrels, except in my garden...maybe I'll try squirrel feeders so they stay out of my garden..and some cayenne pepper :)
by CARROTTHEAD
April 13, 2012
might sound crazy but we got a lot of those plastic spinners from the dollar stores and hang them from tree branches and the flower peg spinners we stuck them in the ground. so far has kept the birds and squirrels at bay
by ELVISSYKES
April 13, 2012
I invite the cousin that eats squirrels over... He gets a freezer full and my garden is saved.
by CHRISUSA46
April 13, 2012
try moth balls (if you can stand the smell of a winter closet when you're outside!) anybody know if squirrels have any benefit in nature?
by WEENIEWIFE
April 13, 2012
our garden is fenced in with the wire fence buried about 6 inches into the ground. Can also re-inforce it with chicken wire. It seems to help us. Now with chipmonks that's a different story.
by CHABIAS
April 14, 2012
I did this with my garden too. We definitely needed the chicken wire to keep critters out.
by NAPOLEONBAKER
April 13, 2012
I have more trouble with chipmunks than with squirrels or rabbits.
by GREYHOUNDMOMX3
April 13, 2012
I've heard that moth balls will repel squirrels.
by 032251
April 13, 2012
I checked on-line & found this homemade repellent recipe:
1 ounce Murphy's Oil Soap
1 ounce hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Hope it helps.
1 ounce Murphy's Oil Soap
1 ounce hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Hope it helps.
by NORRIS
April 15, 2012
i have a question,do i mix this with water and put it in a spray bottle or just sprinkle it around my veggie garden,tia
by CAROLAB
April 13, 2012
We've put cayenne pepper in our bird feeder before to keep the squirrels out. They don't like the pepper but it doesn't bother the birds nor harm them.
by SMAJPP
April 13, 2012
Even if you keep of the garden, you won't be rid of them. Good luck.
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