Plants That Deter Squirrels From Your Garden

Table of Contents

Plants That Deter Squirrels From Your Garden

Why Do Squirrels Invade Gardens?

Squirrels are infamous for their relentless attacks on gardens. They tend to nibble on young plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which makes them a major headache for gardeners.

The Benefits of Using Plants to Repel Squirrels

One way to deter squirrels from your garden is by using plants that repel them. This method has numerous benefits, including:

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Cost-effective compared to commercial repellents
• Safe for pets and kids

Important Considerations Before Planting

Before you start planting squirrel-repelling plants, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• It's best to choose plants that are native to your region.
• Not all plants will work for every situation.
• There's no guarantee that these plants will completely eliminate squirrel invasions, but they can certainly help.

Top 5 Squirrel Repellent Plants

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they also happen to repel squirrels. The bulbs contain lycorine, which has a bitter taste that squirrels dislike.

2. Alliums

Alliums are another great option for repelling squirrels. These ornamental onion plants have pungent odors that squirrels find repellent.

3. Snowdrops

Snowdrops are a delicate-looking plant that produces flowers in late winter or early spring. Not only do they repel squirrels, but they also attract bees and other pollinators.

4. Fritillaries

Fritillaries are a type of lily that contains an alkaloid called fritimine, which squirrels dislike. They also have beautiful bell-shaped flowers that add a pop of color to your garden.

5. Hyacinths

Hyacinths are not only great for repelling squirrels, but they also have a sweet fragrance that can make your garden smell divine.

Other Deer-Resistant Plants That Also Repel Squirrels

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb that adds flavor to dishes and repels squirrels. It has a pungent scent that makes squirrels want to stay away.

2. Lavender

Lavender is often used for its relaxing aroma, but it's also an excellent squirrel repellent. The plant's oils have a strong scent that irritates squirrels.

3. Mint

Mint is ideal for repelling squirrels because of its strong aroma. It's also easy to grow and can be used in various dishes.

4. Chives

Chives are a popular herb that add flavor to soups, salads, and other dishes. They also happen to keep squirrels away with their strong scent.

Final Thoughts

In using plants to deter squirrels from your garden is a natural and cost-effective method. While there's no guarantee that these plants will completely eliminate squirrel invasions, they can certainly help.

Other Methods to Deter Squirrels

Aside from using squirrel-repelling plants, other methods to deter squirrels include:

• Installing physical barriers like fences and netting
• Using commercial repellents
• Providing food sources for squirrels elsewhere to draw them away from your garden

FAQ

How do these plants repel squirrels?

Plants repel squirrels through various mechanisms, including bitter tastes, strong odors, and toxic alkaloids.

Can I plant these in containers or do they need to be in the ground?

You can plant these in containers or in the ground, but make sure they have enough space to grow.

Do these plants require a lot of maintenance?

Most of these plants don't require a lot of maintenance, but make sure to read the care instructions for each plant.

What if these plants are not effective? Are there any other ways to repel squirrels?

If these plants are not effective, you can try installing physical barriers or using commercial repellents.

Will these plants harm the squirrels?

No, these plants are safe for squirrels.

Are these plants safe for pets and kids?

Yes, these plants are safe for pets and kids.

Do these plants have any other benefits aside from repelling squirrels?

Yes, some of these plants have medicinal and culinary uses.

Are there any other animals that these plants can repel aside from squirrels?

Yes, some of these plants can also repel deer, rabbits, and other garden pests.

Can I use essential oils of these plants to repel squirrels instead of planting them?

Yes, you can use essential oils in homemade squirrel repellent sprays.

How many of these plants should I plant to effectively deter squirrels?

The number of plants you need will depend on the size of your garden and the severity of your squirrel problem.