• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Home Hardware Mark’s Choice
    • New Products
    • Hand Tools
    • Cutting Tools
    • Boots and Gloves
    • Hose and Watering Accessories
    • Bird Feeders and Bird Seed
    • Container Gardening
    • Seeds and Bulbs
    • Plant Supports
    • Gardening Accessories
  • CIL Iron Plus
    • C-I-L Iron Plus Lawn Fertilizers
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
June 4, 2014

Dealing with Squirrels in your Yard

Over the past number of weeks, I’ve noticed a number of questions concerning squirrels and their less than ideal garden behaviours. They can, indeed, be destructive and quite a nuisance in the garden, especially when it comes to bulbs in the ground or in pots. Here are a few helpful tips for keeping them away.

Squirrels Digging Bulbs

Whether your bulbs are in containers or in your garden, if you have squirrels, they will find them. Try using a ground spicy pepper (like cayenne or chili pepper flakes) around the plants. I have heard mixed results from this method – I guess some squirrels are more persistent. Or maybe like us, some can handle the heat.

If you have containers, try placing long stakes into the soil, reaching to the bottom of the pot. I know some people who use kabob skewers to keep cats out of their house plants and it has proven effective. Be sure the stake is pointed and sticking up at least five inches or so.

Bobbex is another alternative that will keep away most nuisance wildlife. Their website gives some good advice as well particularly geared towards squirrels. Look for it at Home Hardware.

Squirrels Eating Plants

If your bulbs and plants survived the winter but now are being preyed upon by these furry creatures, Bobbex may be your solution again.

Squirrels chew because their teeth are constantly growing and without chewing, they will become long and uncomfortable. You may want to consider giving them something they like better AND that will file down their teeth: corn kernels, hard coated nuts, or a squirrel log. Again, I’ve heard mixed results with this method – some find that the squirrels leave less desirable plants alone and chew only on the better food and others find it attracts more. Use at your own discretion!

Squirrels in your Feeders

Bird feeders are a feast for squirrel kings and queens. You fill them with the best snacks, a few birds come, but two days later, the feeders are empty – squirrels.

The type of feeder you have will determine what measure you can take to help ward off the four-legged critters. The location may also be a problem – located next to trees where the squirrels can easily jump from branches to the feeder will make short work of your bird seed.

Squirrel baffles and squirrel-proof feeders can be effective if properly placed, keeping in mind the location of the feeder.  Use safflower and nyjer seed (squirrels are less fond of these types).

Finally, consider a trap if the squirrels are becoming a problem. Discuss the trapping possibilities with your local wildlife authority.

 

← Previous post
Wanna Be Maple Tree

Next post →
Squashes Abound

Search

Recent Posts

  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020
  • Around the Acres this Week November 2, 2020
  • Around the Acres This Week October 23, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark CullenFollow

Mark Cullen
22 Jan

This spring we are joining gardeners across Canada to plant yellow "Hope is Growing" gardens https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/01/20/show-off-natures-best-shades-of-yellow-with-a-2021-hope-is-growing-garden.html?fbclid=IwAR0J5pqyVf-qgdqTv4wZVlk8K3G9KMmbj7bAojalXlSenjfQBofFeGOlr3Q

Reply on Twitter 1352520011378798593Retweet on Twitter 1352520011378798593Like on Twitter 13525200113787985934
21 Jan

#tbt Last year, @MarkCullen4, pleaded for help in saving Toronto's oldest tree. This year, we are excited to be able to say that it's been saved. City Council voted to cover the remaining cost & purchase the property that this centuries-old tree resides at. https://twitter.com/HOHTribute/status/1214240219135926273

Reply on Twitter 1352327035222417408Retweet on Twitter 13523270352224174085Like on Twitter 135232703522241740813
12 Jan

A review of @suestuartsmith new book - great winter reading! https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/01/12/new-book-cultivates-hope-through-both-the-physical-and-passive-acts-of-gardening.html

Reply on Twitter 1349023794342621191Retweet on Twitter 13490237943426211913Like on Twitter 13490237943426211916
3 Jan

Probably the most important house plant advice that can be given! So many plants die from overwatering! Stick your finger in the dirt. Don’t be afraid 😁 If it’s cool and moist leave it alone! Thanks @MarkCullen4! And thanks @ABurbidge! https://twitter.com/ABurbidge/status/1345484646075740160

Reply on Twitter 1345680506915074049Retweet on Twitter 13456805069150740495Like on Twitter 134568050691507404914

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑