How to Keep Squirrels Out of

Garden Beds and Potted Plants

While squirrels can easily climb wooden privacy fences, they cannot get through heavy wire or plastic mesh.

1. Fence them out.

3. Grow plants that are unappealing to squirrels.

Squirrels dislike the smell and taste of peppermint. Planting some in your yard can be an effective repellent.

Raking up leaves, twigs, branches, and other dead plant matter can remove food as well as potential nesting sites.

5. Keep your yard and  garden tidy.

Go simple by hanging wind chimes or even tin pie plates tethered to a stake in the garden to create noise that should persuade squirrels to go elsewhere.

6. Blast them out with noise.

Squirrels are sensitive to bright light and will usually leave the area when accosted by flashing lights.

7. Shine a light on the problem.

You can try common household items such as coffee grounds, soap (especially Irish Spring), or vinegar to shoo them away.

8. Stink them out.

As an absolute last resort in extreme circumstances, set a live trap. Be aware that state or local laws might prohibit trapping and/or releasing or relocating them.

10. Live trap and relocate.

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