Spring-flowering bulbs promise color after winter, but squirrels often view them as an easy, high-calorie food source. These rodents are attracted to the scent of freshly disturbed soil and the soft, starchy nature of certain bulbs, often turning a newly planted bed into a foraging ground. Protecting this investment requires a strategic approach that targets the squirrel’s senses, behavior, and access. The most successful methods involve making the bulbs unappealing to eat or physically inaccessible.
Applying Repellents and Taste Deterrents
Making the bulbs or the surrounding soil unappetizing is an effective way to discourage a squirrel’s interest. Many gardeners utilize capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, which irritates the sensitive membranes in a squirrel’s nose and mouth. This can be applied by mixing a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spraying the solution directly onto the bulbs before planting.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle powdered cayenne pepper or chili flakes over the soil surface immediately after planting the bulbs. While effective, this dry powder should be used cautiously, as the Humane Society often recommends a wax-based spray instead. A wax-based spray adheres better and is less likely to drift into an animal’s eyes. A significant drawback to most scent or taste-based deterrents is that their effectiveness diminishes quickly due to rain or watering.
Scent deterrents that mimic predators or emit strong odors can also confuse or scare away rodents. Commercial granular products containing predator urine scents are available. Alternatively, use blood meal, which acts as a fertilizer and emits a smell suggesting a predator has been in the area. However, the strong smell of blood meal fades when wet, meaning it must be reapplied after rainfall to maintain effectiveness.
Physical Barriers and Protective Measures
Physical barriers are often the most reliable method because they completely block access to the bulbs. One of the best ways to keep squirrels out is by creating a protective cage or basket for the bulbs using chicken wire or hardware cloth. This wire mesh, typically with openings no larger than half an inch, should be placed in the planting hole before the bulbs are set.
The mesh can either line the entire planting bed or create individual cages for clusters of desirable bulbs. After planting, the wire should extend up the sides of the hole and cover the top, secured with soil or landscape staples. This prevents the squirrel from digging down. Since the bulbs can easily sprout through the mesh openings, the barrier can be left in place permanently.
Another method involves manipulating the soil texture directly above the bulbs to discourage digging. Squirrels prefer soft, loose soil, so mixing sharp aggregate like small gravel or crushed oyster shells into the top few inches of earth creates an unpleasant barrier for their paws. Planting bulbs deeper than the package recommendation, such as 8 to 10 inches instead of the standard 6 inches, also helps, as squirrels are less likely to dig that far down.
Immediately after planting, smooth out the soil surface and cover the area with heavy mulch or a temporary layer of stones. This masks the visual and olfactory cues of freshly turned earth, which squirrels use to locate caching spots. Masking the scent of disturbed soil is particularly important during autumn when squirrels are actively preparing for winter.
Selecting Squirrel-Resistant Bulbs
A proactive strategy involves selecting bulbs that squirrels naturally avoid due to their taste or toxicity. Many popular spring bloomers contain compounds that are unpalatable or mildly poisonous to rodents, leading to them being largely ignored. Daffodils, which belong to the Narcissus genus, are a prime example, as they contain the toxic alkaloid lycorine.
Highly resistant varieties include Allium (ornamental onion), which emits a pungent odor squirrels dislike, and Fritillaria, especially the Crown Imperial, known for its skunky scent. Snowdrops (Galanthus) and Hyacinths are also excellent choices for areas with heavy squirrel activity due to their naturally deterrent properties.
In contrast, squirrels strongly prefer Tulips and Crocus, which are soft, starchy, and lack natural defenses, making them frequent targets. If planting these desirable bulbs, consider interplanting them with resistant varieties. Placing Allium or Daffodil bulbs among the Tulips can help mask the appealing scent and reduce the chances of discovery.