As spring approaches, gardeners often face a common challenge: preventing squirrels from digging up their newly planted bulbs. Squirrels are attracted to certain types of bulbs, such as tulip and crocus bulbs, due to their nutritional value. However, there are several effective methods to deter these pests and protect your garden.
Squirrels are active throughout the year, but their digging activities peak during the fall when they are preparing for winter by storing food. Understanding their behavior is crucial in devising strategies to safeguard your bulbs. Here are some key points to consider:
Squirrel Behavior: Squirrels are primarily active during the day and are attracted to areas with abundant food sources. They often dig up bulbs to store them for later consumption.
Bulb Selection: Choosing bulbs that squirrels dislike, such as daffodil and allium bulbs, can be an effective strategy.
Physical Barriers: Using physical barriers like chicken wire or hardware cloth can prevent squirrels from accessing the bulbs.
Choosing the Right Bulbs
One of the simplest ways to prevent squirrels from digging up your bulbs is to choose varieties that they naturally avoid. Daffodil and allium bulbs are particularly unappealing to squirrels due to their strong scent and toxicity. Planting these bulbs alongside other varieties can help deter squirrels from the area.
Using Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are highly effective in preventing squirrels from accessing your bulbs. Here are a few methods:
Chicken Wire: Laying chicken wire over the planted area can prevent squirrels from digging. Ensure the wire is securely fixed to the ground to avoid entanglement.
Hardware Cloth: Similar to chicken wire, hardware cloth can be used to create cages around individual bulbs or cover larger areas.
Gravel and Stones: Placing gravel or stones around the planting area can deter squirrels due to the discomfort it causes them when they try to dig.
In addition to physical barriers, natural deterrents can be used to repel squirrels from your garden. These methods are often inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Natural Repellents
Several natural substances can be used to deter squirrels:
Chilli Powder: Sprinkling chilli powder around the bulbs can repel squirrels without harming birds or other wildlife.
Coffee Grounds: The scent of coffee grounds is unappealing to squirrels and can be used as a natural repellent.
Red Pepper Flakes: Similar to chilli powder, red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over the soil to deter squirrels.
Other Natural Methods
Besides using specific substances, other natural methods can help deter squirrels:
Pet Hair: Placing pet hair around freshly planted bulbs can deter squirrels and other small animals.
Pine Cones: Adding pine cones around the planting area can discourage squirrels due to the discomfort they cause when walked upon.
Planting Strategies
The way you plant your bulbs can also influence how attractive they are to squirrels:
Planting Depth: Planting bulbs deeper, typically 6-8 inches, can make them less accessible to squirrels.
Delayed Planting: Planting bulbs later in the season, when squirrels are less active in storing food, can reduce the likelihood of them being dug up.
Additional Tips for Squirrel Control
While focusing on bulb protection, it’s also important to consider broader strategies for managing squirrel activity in your garden.
Squirrels are sensitive to strong odors, which can be used to deter them from your garden:
Peppermint: Squirrels dislike the scent of peppermint, which can be used in essential oil form.
Vinegar: The strong smell of vinegar is unappealing to squirrels.
Garlic: Garlic’s pungent aroma can also be used to repel squirrels.
Combining Methods
For optimal results, combining different deterrent methods can be more effective than relying on a single approach. For example, using both physical barriers and natural repellents can provide comprehensive protection for your bulbs.
Preventing squirrels from digging up your spring bulbs requires a combination of understanding their behavior, selecting the right bulbs, and using effective deterrents. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy a vibrant and undisturbed garden as the seasons change. Whether you opt for physical barriers, natural repellents, or a mix of both, protecting your bulbs from squirrels is achievable with a little planning and creativity.
Allan is a lifelong gardening enthusiast who still gets excited when the first seedlings pop up in spring. With a deep love for nature and a hands-in-the-soil approach, he shares practical tips, plant discoveries, and clever tricks picked up over years of digging, planting, and observing. Whether you’re a new gardener or have a shed full of tools, Allan writes like a neighbor who’s always happy to swap cuttings and stories over the fence.
You can find more about Allan’s work on Malt or connect with him on LinkedIn.
