You’ve just planted your favorite flowers, maybe even started a small vegetable garden, and then, out of nowhere, ground squirrels decide to move in, turning your backyard paradise into their playground.
These little invaders may be cute, but they can cause some serious damage to your plants, lawn, and even the foundation of your home. so, if you’re tired of seeing your hard work get upended by these furry trespassers, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through some of the most effective home remedies to get rid of ground squirrels naturally, ensuring your garden stays beautiful and intact without the need for harsh chemicals or traps.
Read on to find out.
Understanding Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels are small rodents that can be mistaken for other species like chipmunks or prairie dogs. They have distinctive bushy tails, and their burrows are typically found in open, grassy areas.
Ground squirrels can be problematic for several reasons. They dig extensive burrow systems that can destabilize the ground, damage plant roots, and even undermine foundations. Additionally, they can carry diseases that are transmissible to pets and humans, making it crucial to address infestations promptly.
Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ground Squirrels
If you’re looking for natural ways to evict ground squirrels from your property, here are some tried-and-true remedies you can start using today:
Natural Repellents
One of the best ways to keep ground squirrels out of your yard is by using natural repellents. These are easy to make at home and don’t pose a threat to the environment.
Pepper Spray Solution: Ground squirrels dislike the strong scent and taste of peppers. You can create a simple pepper spray solution by mixing water with hot pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Spray this mixture around the areas where you’ve noticed ground squirrel activity, such as near burrows or garden beds. Reapply after rain or every few days for the best results.
Garlic and Onion Mix: Garlic and onions are another strong-smelling deterrent. To make a repellent, chop up garlic and onions and mix them with water.
Let the mixture sit overnight, then strain and spray it around your yard. Ground squirrels will be repelled by the pungent odor, encouraging them to find a new place to dig.
Castor Oil Spray: Castor oil is another natural substance that ground squirrels find unpleasant. Mix castor oil with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray the mixture around your garden.
This remedy works particularly well in preventing burrowing, as the squirrels dislike the taste and texture of castor oil on the soil.
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Scents and Plants that Deter Ground Squirrels
Planting certain types of vegetation or using strong scents can help keep ground squirrels away from your garden.
Planting Mint or Rosemary: Ground squirrels dislike the strong scent of mint and rosemary. Hence, you can consider planting these herbs around your garden or yard to create a natural barrier. Not only will they help keep squirrels away, but you’ll also have fresh herbs for cooking!
Use of Coffee Grounds: If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t throw away those used coffee grounds. Instead, sprinkle them around your plants and garden beds. The scent of coffee is unpleasant to ground squirrels, and it can also help enrich your soil.
Utilizing Vinegar and Water Solution: A simple mixture of vinegar and water can also do the trick.
Spray it around the perimeter of your garden or any areas where squirrels are active. The strong odor of vinegar will repel them without causing any harm.
Creating Barriers and Physical Deterrents
Sometimes, the best way to deal with ground squirrels is to make it physically difficult for them to access certain areas. Such as the following:
Installing Mesh Fencing: Mesh fencing is an excellent way to protect gardens and vulnerable plants from ground squirrels. Install the fencing around the perimeter of your garden or over individual plants.
And make sure the mesh is fine enough to prevent squirrels from squeezing through and bury the bottom edge a few inches into the ground to stop them from digging underneath.
Using Gravel or Mulch: Ground squirrels love to burrow, but they find it difficult to dig through gravel or heavy mulch.
Spread a thick layer of gravel or mulch around your plants to make it harder for them to create their tunnels. This can be particularly effective around the base of plants or near their burrow entrances.
Sprinkling Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes can be a great addition to your garden defense. Sprinkle them around the plants or areas where squirrels are active. The spicy flakes will irritate their noses and mouths, making your yard a less appealing place to dig.
Using Noise and Movement to Scare Them Away
Ground squirrels are naturally cautious animals. By introducing noise and movement into your yard, you can create an environment they find threatening:
Wind Chimes or Reflective Objects: Ground squirrels are easily startled by unexpected noises and reflections. Hanging wind chimes or placing reflective objects like old CDs or aluminum foil strips around your yard can create an uncomfortable environment for them.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices are a bit more advanced, but they can be highly effective. When the squirrels come near, the sprinkler activates, spraying water and scaring them off.
This method is particularly effective because it conditions the squirrels to associate your yard with an unpleasant experience.
Creating DIY Squirrel Scare Devices: You can make your own squirrel scare devices using everyday items. For example, tie aluminum pie pans to stakes around your garden. The wind will move the pans, creating noise and reflections that squirrels find unsettling.
Maintaining a Squirrel-Free Yard
Once you’ve successfully driven out the ground squirrels, it’s important to keep them from coming back. Here’s how:
Regular Monitoring and Reapplication of Remedies: Home remedies may need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain. Hence, keep an eye on your yard and reapply as needed to maintain your squirrel-free zone.
Keeping the Yard Clean and Free of Attractants: Ground squirrels are often attracted to food sources like birdseed, pet food, or fallen fruit. Therefore, aways clean up these attractants to make your yard less appealing to them.
Combining Remedies for Maximum Effectiveness: For the best results, use a combination of the remedies discussed. For example, you can use a natural repellent alongside a physical barrier and noise deterrents to create a multi-layered defense against ground squirrels.
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Wrapping Up
Getting rid of ground squirrels doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or harmful traps. Instead, with a little effort and the right home remedies, you can keep these pesky critters out of your yard and protect your garden from damage.
However, you must monitor your yard regularly and reapply these remedies as needed to keep ground squirrels at bay for good.
