How to get rid of squirrels from your garden

Gemma Atkinson reveals concerns her daughter has for squirrel

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Squirrels are much more present in spring and summer. Their emergence from hibernation around this time coincides with mating season, giving them a population boost. While they won’t cause much trouble for most people, gardeners may find it tough to outwit the rodents when they embark on a feeding frenzy.

How do you get rid of squirrels?

Squirrels spend most of their time tearing through the trees, where they are little concern for anyone except the odd cat and dog.

They occasionally descend in search of food, and well-cultivated gardens are a rich source of their favourites.

When they do, they are relatively straightforward to spot, as the animals leave telling signs of their presence.

The society notes that squirrels:

  • Eat fruits, seeds, nuts, and vegetables
  • Dig up and eat bulbs and corms (a type of bulb)
  • Eat from stocked bird feeders and sometimes steal bird eggs
  • Gnaw on plastic garden items like netting and hosepipes

Squirrels also enjoy stripping bark off trees to get to sweeter sap-filled layers beneath.

They specifically favour maples, beech, sycamore and ash varieties.

Given their acerbating nature, it is not possible to bar squirrels from gardens entirely.

Instead, experts recommended people focus on protecting select patches of their green spaces.

Netting is usually effective in denying them access to shrubs and vegetables, provided it is not plastic.

Chicken wire is most effective and works well with plants also contained in baskets and mounted in tricky to access areas.

Do animal repellants work on squirrels?

Some gardeners will use animal repellants in their gardens for cats and foxes, and they often prove effective.

Like those animals, squirrels have sensitive noses and an aversion to stronger scents.

They react most to deer repellant, coffee grounds or dog hair concealed under plants.

These are ultimately shorter-term solutions, as rain will wash many of these away.

Those with more money can invest in higher-tech alternatives that last for longer.

Motion-activated sprinklers and air cans that detect their presence usually shock them enough to shoo them away.

Otherwise, experts recommended using mulch, which squirrels do not like feeling under their feet.

Source: Read Full Article