Category: Squirrel

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J’acuse the squirrels

There is something in TheGardenLady’s garden that does not like the garden decorations.

As my garden is being filled with plants, this garden lady has turned to putting decorations in the garden where no plants will grow. I try to get decorations that serve a dual purpose. By that I mean I have been buying birdhouses to decorate tree branches and to serve as places for the birds to nest. I bought a mechanical owl to make a natural looking environment as well as to, hopefully, deter some creatures who want to eat my plants. And I have two wind spinners that are decorative that I hope will work like the old fashioned scarecrow. (Though I think wild animals are too sophisticated to be scared by these whirling decorations)

But, as I said in my title – there is something living in my garden-rent and tax free, I might add, that does not like my decorations.This critter is ungrateful enough to even destroy the decorations that I place in my garden.

Let me explain.

I bought a mechanical owl for my garden and placed it in various locations on the ground or on the ladder where I grow my Major Wheeler honeysuckle vine. Wherever I place this owl, I come out the next day and discover that the owl has been knocked over.

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Getting Rid of Squirrels

Basic Squirrel Information

Squirrels are one of the few wild animals that have learned to coexist with man. With over 365 species found throughout the world, squirrels live in virtually every park, forest, and backyard. The most common squirrels are the ground, the tree and the flying squirrel. They are omnivores, which means they will eat most anything, scavenging through garbage cans, open garage doors, and gardens. Squirrels come in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, gray and even pure white and pure black. Typically squirrels are most active 2-3 hours after sunrise and again before sunset, resting the time in between. Although when trapped in an attic, they are often active during the night. (Squirrels)

The Damage Squirrels Cause Inside and Outside the Home

Squirrels are on the list of some of the smartest animals, making them masters at the art of deceit. Plus, their specialized feet and claws allow them to climb vertical walls, including brick and aluminum-sided homes. They are persistent and learn quickly, making them especially suited to wreaking havoc inside and outside the home.

These intelligent creatures will work hard to gain access to homes, utilizing their razor sharp claws and teeth to gnaw their way in. Access points consist of damaged trim, exposed soffits, chimneys, gable vents, rooftop ventilation fans, and any other tiny hole. Because of their build, squirrels only need a hole the size of their head to squeeze into your home. Once inside, they will destroy whatever is in their path while searching for food, even breaking through sealed containers. They will eat almost anything made from natural ingredients, including holiday decorations, dried flower arrangements, and decorative pinecones. They will soil the area, making a mess for homeowners to clean and sanitize. Squirrels will even chew through pipes to get to water, which could create flooding and expensive repairs. They can also destroy homes because they start fires by chewing through electrical wires. (Squirrel Nuisance Problems)

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How To Deal With Squirrels In The Garden

Squirrel eating my tomatoes…by CaitieBeth

TheGardenLady received this question from Jim.

After all the work of setting up a garden and caring for it, the squirrels get to the tomatoes before we can enjoy them.  They just nibble on part of the tomato as it begins to ripen but enough to prevent us from eating it. It is very discouraging. Do you have any ideas that could help me?

As cute as some people think they are, squirrels are a big nuisance in the garden.

There are both dry and liquid products on the market that are supposed to stop squirrels from eating your tomatoes and they are organic so they should be safe to use. These products are supposed to be effective because the squirrel has a good sense of smell. It is recommended that the product should be reapplied after a heavy rain. Check your hardware store to see what they sell.

Two brand names are: Squirrel Stopper (see here) and the other is Shake Away (see here). This GardenLady has not used these products. If you use these products, take care when applying because they may have hot pepper as part of the ingredients so you have to be sure it doesn’t get into your eyes or on your skin- gloves and goggles are recommended when applying.

Next year, if possible, make a raised bed with screening that squirrels cannot enter. TheGardenLady’s husband had made a raised bed surrounded by screening to prevent animals from getting her tomatoes. On the ground, under the soil where the plants were we put screens – we used old window screens – so that no animal could burrow in through the bottom but rain could go through. The sides and the top also had screening made of the smallest holed chicken wire that was available in the hardware store. If you get screening that has too large holes, rabbits and squirrels can get in. The screens were attached to frames that had hooks so that the frames could be removed in order to plant, weed and harvest. Watering is easy through the chicken wire.

My Tomato Garden covered with chicken netting to protect from squirrels by k2marsh