Squirrels are a common sight in yards, but their natural behavior of digging can quickly turn decorative flowerbeds and pristine lawns into a scattered mess of holes. The primary reason is scatter hoarding, where they bury nuts, acorns, and seeds for later consumption, particularly during the fall and winter months. They also dig in search of previously buried caches or to forage for insects and newly planted bulbs, which they find appealing. Preventing this damage involves a multi-pronged approach that makes the yard less attractive as a resource hub, physically blocks access to vulnerable areas, and utilizes humane sensory stimuli to encourage them to find a more comfortable location.
Eliminating Attractants and Food Sources
Discouraging squirrels starts with removing or modifying the food sources that draw them to your property. Bird feeders are a frequent culprit, providing an easily accessible meal, and spilled seed encourages foraging and digging. Switching to specialized bird food, such as safflower seeds, can be effective because squirrels dislike the slightly bitter taste, while desirable bird species do not notice the flavor difference.
Manage all potential sources of nutrition across the yard to reduce temptation. Fallen fruits, berries, or nuts should be raked up and disposed of immediately, as the scent attracts squirrels. Pet food and water bowls should not be left outdoors, especially overnight.
Garbage cans and compost bins must be secured with tightly fitting or locking lids. These actions minimize the incentive for squirrels to visit, reducing the need for them to dig in your soil.
Implementing Physical Barriers
If removing food sources is insufficient, structural exclusion can physically block squirrels from sensitive areas like garden beds and planters. To protect newly planted bulbs, a layer of hardware cloth or wire mesh can be installed over the planting area. The mesh should have openings no larger than one-half inch for full exclusion.
The wire can be laid flat over the soil, secured with garden staples, and covered with mulch. For garden beds, a more permanent solution is creating an underground barrier to prevent burrowing. This is achieved by burying the mesh vertically at least six inches deep and bending the bottom six inches outward.
Altering the surface texture of the soil can deter squirrels where they frequently bury nuts. Since squirrels prefer soft earth, replacing traditional mulch with rough gravel, coarse pebbles, or flat stones makes the area uncomfortable for their paws.
Utilizing Non-Lethal Sensory Deterrents
Non-lethal deterrents work by creating an unpleasant sensory experience, encouraging the squirrel to move to a location where it feels safer or more comfortable. Motion-activated sprinklers are one of the most effective and humane tools, as they use a sudden burst of water and sound to startle the animal without causing any harm.
These devices utilize a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect movement, activating the water spray instantly. The unexpected combination of noise and water teaches the squirrel to associate the area with an unpleasant surprise, leading to long-term avoidance. Many models offer a detection range of up to 40 feet and a wide field of view, providing coverage for vulnerable sections of the yard.
Scent and Taste Repellents
Other deterrents rely on the squirrel’s sensitive sense of smell and taste. Repellents containing capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, can be sprayed onto plants or soil, creating a burning sensation if the squirrel attempts to taste the treated area. Strong odors like peppermint oil, garlic, or vinegar are also disliked by squirrels and can be applied by soaking cotton balls or rags and placing them near digging sites. Since these scent-based methods dissipate quickly, especially after rain or watering, they require frequent reapplication to maintain their effectiveness.