Attracting squirrels to your property can be a fun way to enjoy a little backyard wildlife, but they can be pesky and destructive pests when it comes to potted plants. They dig up your plants and eat the fruits or vegetables growing, and the mess they make can be unsightly. As well as time-consuming to clean up. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that you can use to keep squirrels out of your potted plants. We will explore some of the most effective ways to keep these furry critters from wreaking havoc on your garden.
The Importance Of Keeping Squirrels Out Of Potted Plants
It is important to prevent squirrels from destroying potted plants because they can cause significant damage to property and gardens. Squirrels are attracted to potted plants because they are a source of food and shelter. They can dig up the soil, and chew through stems and root systems. As well as eat or damage the leaves and flowers.
Not only does this cause unsightly damage to the plants, but also it can lead to the plant’s death. Additionally, squirrels can cause other damage to property by chewing through wires and insulation. Which can be dangerous and costly to repair. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures. Discouraging squirrels from causing harm will protect both the plants and the property.
Prevention Methods For Keep Squirrels Out Of Potted Plants
Additionally, you can also use repellents like chili pepper, cayenne pepper, or peppermint oil to deter squirrels from the area. Sprinkle these repellents around your potted plants and reapply after it rains. Finally, make sure to keep pet food and birdseed away from potted plants, as these will attract squirrels.
Using acorns and nuts as a deterrent can prove to be a more natural approach to the problem. Place a handful of both acorns and nuts around the base of the potted plants, as the squirrels will be attracted to the nuts and acorns, and will stay away from the plants. To increase the effectiveness of this technique, it might be beneficial to spread some nut butter or peanut butter around the base of the plants as the squirrels will be attracted to the scent. Additionally, making sure to keep the area around the plants free of debris, such as leaves and twigs, will help to discourage squirrels from digging and tearing up the potted plants.
Maintenance For Ensuring Your Plant’s Well-Being
Physical barriers can prevent squirrels and is another humane option. For instance, you can cover the pots with wire mesh and/or netting to keep squirrels from getting to the plants. Additionally, you can create a physical barrier around the plants by burying a fence or chicken wire in the ground around the pots. Using big rocks, gravel, and sand may be good options to look at. Another method is to use a squirrel-proof bird feeder. This type of feeder has a weight-activated mechanism that only opens when a bird sits on it. Which will also prevent the squirrels from accessing the food. Finally, you can spray the plants with a repellent solution. Sprinkling a squirrel-repellent powder or granules around the pots can deter them from getting too close.
A humane way to prevent squirrels from destroying potted plants is to install a squirrel guard around the plant. Squirrel guards are wire cages that fit around the pot, leaving enough room for the plant to breathe. If squirrels can’t access the plant, they won’t be able to damage it. One way to keep squirrels out of potted plants is to make sure the pot is securely placed either on a balcony or porch. Make sure the pot is not easily accessible to squirrels. If the pot is placed in the ground, a wire mesh can be placed over the pot and buried in the ground. Another option is to use an electric fence, which should be regularly checked to make sure it is in good working order.
Using Shiny Objects And Mulch In Your Garden
Potted plants are often the targets of curious squirrels. To deter them from digging and destroying your plants, try using shiny objects like CDs, aluminum foil, or even wind chimes. Hang these objects around the plants or place them at the base of the pots. The reflection of the light from the objects will startle the squirrels and they will stay away. As an added bonus, the wind chimes will also add a pleasant sound to your garden.
Mulch is an effective way to keep squirrels away from potted plants, as the smell and texture of the material are unappealing to rodents. Mulching around the base of the pot will provide a physical barrier that will prevent the squirrels from digging and destroying the roots. Additionally, it will help retain moisture levels and maintain the temperature of the soil. It is important to use a thick layer of mulch that is at least two inches thick to be the most effective. Organic mulches like wood chips and shredded bark are good options, as they help to enrich the soil with nutrients and increase its water-holding capacity.