Are pesky squirrels invading your garden, stealing your birdseed, or wreaking havoc in other outdoor areas of your home? Your first instinct might be to reach for a store-bought chemical solution to solve the problem, but we have five safer, more humane methods that you can try first. We believe that keeping squirrels out of the garden or your home should never include poison or other harmful substances, as just like us, they also want to eat and ultimately live for another day. From planting certain species of flowers and shrubs to using motion detectors and soundscapes, read on for our top natural repellent ideas that will keep those critters away — without causing them harm.
Get Your Coffee Grounds in Action
One thing squirrels don’t like is certain odors. Coffee grounds emit a strong odor that squirrels don’t like, so sprinkle them around the perimeter of your garden or where you want to keep the critters away. Just make sure to refresh frequently as they lose their potency with time and rain. While coffee grounds may not always be 100% effective, they are an inexpensive and natural way to repel squirrels that won’t harm them.
Plant Squirrel Repellent Trees & Shrubs
Aside from coffee grounds, planting certain species of trees and shrubs can also discourage squirrels from entering your garden. Choose or create a barrier of shrubs and trees that squirrels don’t like the smell of, such as juniper, yew, and cedar. When planted in a thick line around the perimeter of your garden, these plants will help keep unwanted visitors out while letting some fresh air in. On top of that, these plants are also great for providing extra shade and privacy if planted in the right places.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
But what if you’re more into embracing technology? Well, in that case, motion-activated sprinklers are great for keeping squirrels away from your garden or home. These devices will give an unsuspecting critter a quick blast of water when it gets too close, startling them and sending them running away. Not only are motion-activated sprinklers a great way to keep squirrels away, but they can also be used to deter other animals, such as cats and deer. Just be sure to adjust the sensitivity and spray distance before using.
Make Use of Natural Repellents From Your Kitchen
Squirrels also hate the smell of garlic and onions. To keep them away, try creating a homemade repellent with one part chopped garlic or onion and two parts of water. Put the mix in a spray bottle and spray it around your garden or other outdoor areas where you want to keep squirrels away. Make sure to refresh every few days or after a good rain. Besides, you can also try putting out citrus peels or other natural ingredients that squirrels don’t like the smell of.
Install a Physical Barrier Around the Garden
Finally, if all else fails, you can always try installing a physical barrier to keep squirrels out. Options include putting up fencing around the perimeter of your garden or home or creating a barricade with netting or wire mesh. While this may be more time-consuming and expensive than our other ideas, it’s sure to do the trick and provide a long-term solution to your problem.
Let’s put it this way. Squirrels hate strong odors, sudden splashes, and physical barriers. So if you want to keep them away from your home or garden without using harmful chemicals, combine any of these five natural solutions to effectively deter them. Whether getting creative with your landscaping, investing in a motion-activated sprinkler, or building a fence around the garden perimeter, you’re sure to find the perfect solution that works for you.
