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Gardening Tips: How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Yard

Gardening Tips: How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Yard

Squirrels may be fun to watch as they leap from branch to branch or nibble on acorns—but in the garden, their playful behavior can quickly turn into a frustrating mess. After carefully planting bulbs or setting up your container gardens, it’s disheartening to wake up and find them dug up or disturbed. Especially in fall, squirrels become more active as they stash food for the winter, and unfortunately, your soft soil and freshly planted pots are perfect hiding spots.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to keep squirrels out of your garden—without using harmful chemicals or resorting to inhumane methods. Here are some gentle yet effective strategies to help you protect your plants and keep the peace in your backyard.

1. Protect Your Plants

Squirrel standing in a garden surrounded by purple flowers

Squirrels love digging, so the looser your soil, the more inviting it becomes. If you're noticing holes where bulbs used to be, try these tips:

  • Add a layer of mulch over your garden beds to make digging more difficult.
  • Cover vulnerable areas with chicken wire or garden netting. You can even pin mesh directly over freshly planted pots until the plants are established.
  • Plant squirrel-resistant bulbs, like daffodils or alliums, which they tend to avoid.

2. Use Scent-Based Deterrents

Squirrels have strong noses and dislike strong, spicy, or minty smells. Try creating a homemade spray with ingredients like:

  • Cayenne pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Garlic
  • Peppermint oil

Mix any combination of these with water and spritz around (not directly on) edible plants or their fruit. You can also sprinkle crushed pepper or coffee grounds around the base of your plants.

repels all bonideBonus Tip: Try Bonide® Repels All

If you're looking for a ready-to-use option, Bonide® Repels All is a natural deterrent made from a blend of essential oils and other ingredients that squirrels dislike. It works through taste and smell to discourage squirrels—and other nuisance animals—without harming them or your plants. Just be sure to follow label directions for safe and effective use.

3. Add a Little Movement and Sound

3 squirrels poking their head out of a single hole

Squirrels are easily startled. Items that move or make noise can help keep them at bay:

  • Hang shiny objects like old CDs, pinwheels, or wind chimes.
  • Use motion-activated sprinklers or lights for larger garden beds.
  • Decorate with garden spinners or fluttering streamers to add visual deterrents.

4. Get a Little Help from Petssquirrel in tree and dog looking up

If you have a dog who likes to patrol the yard, you already have a built-in squirrel deterrent! Even the occasional bark or chase will let squirrels know your yard isn’t a safe storage zone. Cats can help too—although their outdoor roaming should be supervised to protect local wildlife.

5. Rethink Your Bird Feedersquirrel hanging on feeder

Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders. Try these squirrel-proofing tips:

  • Move feeders away from fences and trees, where squirrels can easily jump from.
  • Use squirrel baffles—domes or cones that block access up the feeder pole.
  • Switch to birdseed they dislike, like safflower seeds, which many birds love but squirrels often avoid.

Squirrels are clever, persistent, and part of the natural ecosystem—but that doesn’t mean you have to let them take over your garden. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can enjoy your plants without unwanted squirrel surprises.

Need help finding the right repellents, fencing, or squirrel-proof feeders? Visit one of our California SummerWinds Nursery locations—we’d be happy to help!