These include biological and natural predators for insects; humane live-catch traps for larger pests; monitors for moth activity and even beneficial insect habitats to encourage ladybirds, lacewings and similar allies into the garden – in complete organic confidence. All are tried and tested to counter attacks from slugs, aphids, whitefly, spidermites, moths, rabbits, squirrels, wasps, cats, birds, foxes, badgers, deer, dogs and many other creatures, both great and small.
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3 Ways to Make Your Garden Safe from Squirrels
Squirrels may look harmless with their bushy tails and sweet faces, but unfortunately these feisty little creatures can be a real problem for gardeners. They are known to be quite mischievous, especially when it comes to stealing food that is not meant for them!
Squirrels have been known to dig up flower beds and gobble up home grown tomatoes, causing a great deal of frustration in the people who spend hours nurturing those plants. Another big problem is the fact that squirrels will eat pretty much anything they can find. This includes
birdseed, nuts, garden seedlings, tree buds and berries. It seems that a ready-made meal is just too tempting to avoid!
With their long incisor teeth and huge appetites, it can be difficult to find successful ways to keep these little rodents at bay. Thankfully, there are plenty of effective ways to stop squirrels from destroying your garden:
Wire netting to protect vegetation
You can protect shrubs and fruits by using netting to deter squirrels and stop them from digging up your plants. According to the Royal Horticultural Society , wire netting works best since it can be used as a permanent structure to shield fruit and other shrubs from the torment of curious
squirrels. Avoid using plastic netting as this will prove to be ineffective against squirrels, whose sharp teeth can easy penetrate through the material.
Protect bird feeders properly
Unfortunately, when squirrels appear in your garden and target birdseed and peanuts, the birds will be driven away from the area in search of new territory free from any competitors. The most effective way to keep squirrels away from bird food is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder.
There are a variety of different types of squirrel-proof bird feeders available:
- Weight-activated: This type of bird feeder is very clever. It can detect the weight of the bird on the feeding port. When something heavier approaches, the perch collapses briefly.
- Baffled Barriers: Many of these squirrel deterring bird feeders feature an effective barrier that makes access difficult for squirrels.
- Metal Cage: Bird feeders enclosed in a metal cage are ideal for squirrel proofing your garden. Birds can use their slender beaks to get at the delicious seeds, but squirrels will not be able to reach the food within.
You can choose whichever one you like, but bear in mind that squirrel-proof bird feeders aren’t
just practical – they’re also very attractive too, like this one .
Harmless Deterrents
Finally, keeping squirrels away from your vegetation and bird feeder is easier than you might think. Protect vegetables and flowers by placing harmless deterrents around the plants . Other simple methods to help keep squirrels away from your garden is to cover newly planted bulbs with leaves. This method helps to cover up the initial scent of the bulbs, making it difficult for squirrels to pinpoint their exact location.