Squirrels may seem like friendly denizens of the backyard, but they are actually agents of chaos that have gained the ire of many gardeners. They’ll ransack crops, gnaw on electrical wiring, and even cause willful destruction to property by chewing through drywall. What begins as a few trampled or nibbled plants quickly descends into a turf war for control of your property. 

Squirrels are one of these pests that will require a barrage of different methods to get rid of them, or at least cull their numbers. What may work for one person may not work for someone else. Below are a few methods to try for those suffering from squirrel problems, including both humane approaches and more forceful ones when other methods fail.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How bad can squirrels get?

Don’t be fooled by their innocuous, furry appearances – squirrels are relentless in their pursuits. Not only will they chew through crops, but in worst case scenarios, they’ll also gnaw on exterior siding, wooden furniture, and other materials that your insurance probably won’t cover. If squirrels are a persistent problem, the best ways to remove them are either to install some type of row cover or remove them permanently using traps. 

Will squirrels leave if you feed them food?

A common notion is that if you feed squirrels, they will leave, but this is counterintuitive and will only lead them to spawn more in number. Feeding squirrels may not make them leave – in fact, it could encourage them to stay or return more frequently. If you have bird feeders, this will invite them to invade bird nesting spaces and compete with them for food. It may be wise to rid of bird feeders entirely to prevent this. 

Can I eat squirrels? 

Dogs and cats have a tendency to hunt and eat squirrels, but humans, not so much. While it’s technically possible to eat city squirrels, it is not recommended, as they can be vectors for disease. Squirrels are considered especially unsafe to consume during the summer due to the presence of mites and other parasites. Furthermore, the consumption of squirrel brains, prized as a delicacy in certain rural areas, has been linked to a rare, fatal brain disorder that induces death within a year. 

Can Irish Spring soap repel squirrels?  

Irish Spring soap, whether grated into small pieces or hung whole in mesh bars, has been suggested as a way to deter squirrels – the reasoning is that they are repelled by the strong scent of the soap. While there is anecdotal evidence to support the claim, it is not a long-term solution, and the scent will fade. 

 

Ways to Deter Squirrels

1.  Spray Them with Water  

Sometimes, you just want to shoot squirrels dead, and to echo this sentiment, some homeowners have used pellet guns to do so. However, many areas have regulations against shooting wildlife, even with pellet guns, and some places require a hunting license. For the casual homeowner who probably won’t have the necessary means to comply with these requirements, one alternative is to ‘shoot’ squirrels with water using water guns or with handheld sprinklers. A non-lethal way to handle the problem, it’s fun to blast them, and there’s anecdotal evidence from several gardeners that it works. 

2. Use Raised Beds with Protective Row Covers  

A row cover will protect your plants from marauding squirrels; to deter the more acrobatic ones, it can be helpful to reinforce with mesh or wire netting. Designed to be used in conjunction with Vego Garden raised beds, these modularly made mesh nets are pliable, durable, and reliant, keeping your plants safe from even the most vehement of pests. 

3. Grow Squirrel-Repelling Plants  

Plants like daffodils and marigolds emit a strong scent or contain compounds squirrels find unpalatable. In particular, alliums will deter squirrels with their strong, pungent odor – even ornamental varieties. Intersperse with vegetable crops or plant along the perimeter to ward off squirrels and other pests. These flowers will also look nice, adding a splash of color to garden beds. 

Pest-Repellant Plants: 

• Alliums (garlic, onions, chives)

• Mint

• Fritillaries

• Hyacinths

• Daffodils 

• Marigolds

• Rosemary

4. Fight Fire with Fire           

Difficult times require difficult measures. Fight fire with fire by mixing in cayenne pepper (cinnamon is a less spicy alternative) with the seeds – birds won’t be affected by the capsaicin, but squirrels will. Be sure to use Ceylon cinnamon instead of Cassia or Chinese cinnamon, which can pose long-term health risks to birds. Growing hot peppers or sprinkling some of the mixture into the dirt are related tactics that can deter squirrels. As rainfall or watering can wash away the spices, reapply once a week for results. 

5. Use Solar Animal Repellents  

Solar animal repellents that emit frequencies ranging from 20 kHz to 65 kHz are an environmentally friendly way to deter squirrels and other pests. These devices typically use ultrasonic sounds, which are inaudible to humans, and operate on solar power, making it a low-maintenance method to drive pests away without lifting a finger. Place near plants in an area that receives full sun for optimal effectiveness. 

6. Tube Tunnel Squirrel Trap

When none of the other attempts have worked, it may be time to deploy traps. This tube tunnel squirrel trap proves very effective against squirrels, though some gardeners have found the trigger mechanisms hard to set, especially if they lack sufficient strength. It takes skill to properly dispose of squirrels, but once you get used to it, it becomes a straightforward process to permanently get rid of them once and for all.