Squirrels pose a consistent challenge for gardeners by targeting newly planted tulip bulbs, confirming that these rodents do indeed consume them. This behavior makes it necessary to proactively protect plantings for a vibrant spring display. The conflict arises primarily during the fall, when squirrels are actively foraging and preparing for the colder months. Understanding the motivation behind this feeding is the first step in successful prevention.
Why Squirrels Target Tulip Bulbs
Tulip bulbs become a desirable target for squirrels mainly because of their composition as a dense energy source. The underground storage organs are rich in carbohydrates and starches, providing a concentrated burst of calories. This is especially true during the autumn planting season, when the rodents are focused on caching food for winter survival.
While many gardeners observe a “bite-and-toss” behavior, the primary damage comes from the initial excavation. Squirrels are highly sensitive to the scent of the newly planted bulbs and the disturbed soil, which mimics the signs of a buried food cache. The combination of easy digging in loose soil and the promise of a calorie-dense meal makes tulip beds a prime location for foraging activity. The main concern is the destruction of the bulb itself before it even has a chance to sprout.
Practical Physical Protections for Plantings
The strategy for protecting bulbs involves creating a physical barrier that prevents the squirrel from digging down to the food source. One method is manipulating the planting depth, burying the bulbs deeper than the standard recommendation. Planting tulips at a depth of 8 to 10 inches, rather than the typical 6 inches, significantly increases the effort required for a squirrel to reach them.
An effective method is the use of wire mesh, such as hardware cloth or chicken wire, placed over the planting area. A section of wire is laid flat over the soil and secured with stakes or heavy stones immediately after planting the bulbs. The mesh openings allow the tulip shoots to emerge in the spring but block squirrels from digging through the soil surface.
Alternatively, gardeners can create underground cages by lining the planting hole with hardware cloth, placing the bulbs inside, and folding the mesh over the top before covering it with soil. This forms a complete protective barrier around the bulb. Another physical deterrent involves topping the soil surface with materials that are uncomfortable for squirrels to dig through, such as sharp gravel, crushed oyster shells, or chicken grit.
Using Sensory Deterrents to Discourage Feeding
Sensory deterrence focuses on making the tulip bulbs or the surrounding soil unappealing through taste and smell. One common approach involves applying capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, to the bulbs. Dusting bulbs with cayenne pepper or commercial capsaicin powder before planting can impart a taste that squirrels find objectionable. If chili powder is sprinkled over the soil surface, it must be reapplied following rain or irrigation.
Scent-based repellents can also be used to mask the attractive odor of the tulip bulbs or to introduce a smell that squirrels naturally avoid. Materials like blood meal, which has a strong, distinct odor, or garlic powder can be mixed into the top layer of soil. These strong scents can confuse the foraging instincts of the squirrels, making them less likely to investigate the area. A more permanent sensory strategy is planting certain bulbs that are naturally toxic or distasteful to rodents alongside the tulips.