Squirrels often view a ripening strawberry patch as an open invitation to an easy meal, leading to frustration for gardeners. These rodents seek food and, especially in dry periods, moisture, making the plump, juicy berries highly attractive. Protecting your crop requires a strategic, layered approach combining physical exclusion, sensory deterrents, and behavioral modifications.
Creating Physical Barriers
The most reliable, long-term defense involves physically excluding the animals from the patch entirely. This method is effective because it removes access without relying on temporary sensory discomfort or relocation. The best strategy involves constructing a cage or frame structure around the entire strawberry bed.
A permanent frame, often built from wood or PVC piping, allows you to secure a sturdy mesh material over the plants. For effective exclusion against small rodents, the wire mesh, known as hardware cloth, should have openings no larger than one-half inch. Use a galvanized, non-plastic material, as squirrels can easily chew through thin plastic netting.
Securing the perimeter at ground level is just as important as covering the top, since squirrels are adept at digging and burrowing. Bury the bottom edge of the barrier at least six inches into the soil. A more effective technique is to create an outward-facing skirt by bending the bottom of the wire mesh outward and laying it flat on the ground, then covering it with soil or mulch. Squirrels attempting to dig at the base will hit this underground barrier and abandon their effort.
For pollination to occur, the barrier must be removable or only installed once the flowering stage has passed and the berries are setting. If using a fine mesh, such as one-quarter inch, secure it tightly to prevent squirrels from reaching through the openings to pluck the berries. This physical barrier approach provides a consistent, non-toxic shield for your developing fruit.
Using Taste and Scent Deterrents
Methods relying on taste and scent make the strawberry patch less appealing to foraging squirrels. These deterrents irritate the animal’s sensitive nose and mouth, encouraging them to seek food elsewhere. The chemical compound capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, is effective because mammals, including squirrels, find it aversive.
Apply commercially available capsaicin-based sprays or dusts containing cayenne pepper around the perimeter or on non-edible parts of the plants. The irritation caused by the capsaicin discourages foraging attempts. Other sensory deterrents include strong-smelling substances like garlic oil or peppermint oil, which can be applied to nearby surfaces or cotton balls placed strategically around the bed.
A drawback of sensory deterrents is their susceptibility to the elements, requiring frequent reapplication. Rain, watering, or heavy dew quickly diminish the potency of the capsaicin or oil, necessitating a fresh application every few days or immediately following precipitation. Avoid applying the substance directly onto the ripening strawberries, as this could affect the fruit’s taste and cause irritation when consumed.
Modifying the Environment and Diversion
Management of squirrel issues involves making the immediate environment less hospitable while offering alternative food sources. Squirrels are attracted to gardens for food and readily available water, especially during hot, dry weather. Eliminating standing water or providing a separate, distant water source reduces the incentive for them to enter the strawberry area seeking moisture.
Remove other potential food attractants near the patch, such as fallen fruit from nearby trees or spilled birdseed. Keeping the garden area tidy prevents squirrels from incorporating the patch into their regular foraging routes. Additionally, pruning nearby tree branches or shrubs that hang over the strawberry bed limits easy access points, forcing the squirrels to approach from the ground.
Diversion feeding is a proactive strategy that offers squirrels a more convenient meal away from your crop. Establishing a dedicated feeding station stocked with nuts, seeds, or inexpensive corn cobs located a significant distance from the strawberries can satiate their appetite. This tactic redirects their attention to the easier, richer food source, reducing the pressure on the ripening berries.
Humane Trapping and Relocation Guidelines
When exclusion and deterrents prove insufficient, humane live trapping and relocation can protect the harvest. Trapping involves using a species-specific, live-capture cage trap placed along known squirrel pathways near the strawberry bed. Effective baits include peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or small pieces of nut, which lure the animal into the cage.
Before attempting to trap any wildlife, research and comply with all local and state regulations. Wildlife laws vary significantly by location; in some areas, the trapping or relocation of nuisance animals is strictly regulated or prohibited without a specific permit. Failure to adhere to these laws can result in fines or legal action.
If relocation is legally permitted, the captured squirrel must be moved a sufficient distance away to prevent its immediate return. Experts recommend releasing the animal at least five to ten miles from the capture site in a suitable, wooded area that provides adequate food, water, and shelter. This ensures the animal has a good chance of survival while keeping it from returning to the strawberry patch.