Backyard

Understanding Squirrels and Keeping Them Out of Your Garden

Squirrels, particularly the ubiquitous gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), are a common sight in many gardens and backyards. While these agile rodents can be fascinating to watch, they often become a nuisance by digging up bulbs, raiding bird feeders, and nibbling on fruits and vegetables. To effectively keep squirrels out of your garden, it’s crucial to understand their behavior, habitat preferences, and the strategies that can deter them.

The Life of a Squirrel

Squirrels are highly adaptable creatures known for their impressive acrobatic skills and bushy tails. They are primarily active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Squirrels are omnivores, though they predominantly feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They are also known for burying nuts and seeds to retrieve them later, a behavior known as caching. This caching can often lead to the uprooting of plants and bulbs in gardens.

Squirrels are fascinating creatures known for their agility, intelligence, and adaptability. Understanding their life cycle, behaviors, and interactions with backyard gardens can help in devising effective strategies to mitigate the threats they pose. Here’s an in-depth look into the life of a squirrel and how they interact with and threaten backyard gardens:

Life Cycle of a Squirrel

Birth and Early Life

  • Breeding Season: Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year – late winter and midsummer. Female squirrels can give birth to litters of 2-8 young after a gestation period of about 44 days.
  • Nesting: Babies are born in nests called dreys, which are often built high in trees or in secure locations like attics. The nests are made from twigs, leaves, and other available materials.
  • Development: Newborn squirrels are blind and hairless, relying entirely on their mother for warmth and nutrition. They open their eyes at about 3 weeks old and are weaned around 8-10 weeks.

Juvenile Stage

  • Exploration: Juvenile squirrels begin to explore outside the nest at about 6-7 weeks old, gradually learning to forage and climb.
  • Independence: By 12 weeks, young squirrels are generally independent but may stay close to their mother’s territory for a while.

Adulthood

  • Territoriality: Adult squirrels are territorial, with established home ranges. They communicate using vocalizations, tail movements, and scent marking.
  • Diet and Foraging: Squirrels are omnivores, but their diet mainly consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. They also consume fungi, insects, and occasionally bird eggs.

Lifespan

  • Longevity: In the wild, squirrels can live 6-12 years, though many do not survive their first year due to predation and accidents.

Interactions with Backyard Gardens

Squirrels are highly active and curious, leading to various interactions with backyard gardens that can result in significant damage. Here’s how they typically interact with and threaten gardens:

Foraging and Eating Plants

  • Fruits and Vegetables: Squirrels are attracted to the fruits and vegetables in gardens. They eat apples, tomatoes, strawberries, and corn, often taking bites out of multiple pieces of produce.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Gardens that include nut-bearing trees or seed feeders are prime targets. Squirrels will raid bird feeders and dig up newly planted seeds.
  • Bulbs and Roots: Squirrels dig up bulbs like tulips and crocuses, not only to eat them but sometimes to bury other food items.

Digging and Burrowing

  • Planting Beds: Squirrels dig in planting beds to bury or retrieve food, disrupting seedlings and damaging roots.
  • Lawns: They create small holes in lawns while searching for insects or burying food, which can lead to an unsightly and uneven lawn.

Gnawing and Climbing

  • Trees and Shrubs: Squirrels gnaw on the bark of trees and shrubs, which can harm the plants and make them susceptible to disease.
  • Garden Structures: They chew on wooden fences, decking, and other structures, causing damage that can be costly to repair.

Why Squirrels are Attracted to Gardens

  1. Food Sources: Gardens are a treasure trove of food for squirrels. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are all enticing options. Bird feeders, in particular, can attract squirrels if they are not squirrel-proof.
  2. Shelter: Gardens with dense vegetation provide excellent cover and nesting opportunities. Squirrels often build their nests, called dreys, in trees or dense shrubs.
  3. Water: Bird baths, fountains, or any standing water can attract squirrels looking for a drink, especially during hot weather.

Strategies to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

Physical Barriers

  • Fencing: Installing a fence around your garden can deter squirrels. Use wire mesh with small openings (no larger than 1 inch) to prevent squirrels from squeezing through. Ensure the fence is at least 12 inches deep underground to prevent them from burrowing under it and about 4 feet high to deter jumping.
  • Netting: Cover fruit trees and berry bushes with netting to prevent squirrels from accessing the produce. Ensure the netting is securely fastened and extends down to the ground to prevent squirrels from sneaking underneath.
  • Cages: For individual plants, especially vulnerable ones like tomatoes or strawberries, use wire cages or cloches to protect them.

Repellents

  • Taste-Based Repellents: Commercial repellents containing bitter compounds can be sprayed on plants to make them unappealing to squirrels. These need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain.
  • Smell-Based Repellents: Squirrels are sensitive to certain odors. Repellents with predator urine, such as fox or coyote, can be effective. Additionally, homemade solutions using ingredients like garlic, hot pepper, or vinegar can be sprayed around the garden.
  • Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices spray water when they detect movement, startling and deterring squirrels.

Habitat Modification

  • Tree Trimming: Prune tree branches that overhang or are close to your garden to make it more difficult for squirrels to jump down into your garden.
  • Remove Attractants: Clean up fallen fruits and nuts promptly to reduce the food available to squirrels. Secure trash cans and compost bins to prevent scavenging.
  • Bird Feeder Management: Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or place feeders on poles with baffles to prevent squirrels from climbing up.

Natural Predators

  • Encourage Predators: Owls, hawks, and snakes naturally prey on squirrels. Encouraging these predators can help control the squirrel population. Install owl boxes or perches to attract these natural hunters.
  • Pets: Dogs and cats can be effective at deterring squirrels simply by their presence in the yard.

Community and Professional Solutions

  • Community Efforts: Coordinate with neighbors to implement squirrel control measures. A collective effort can be more effective than isolated actions.
  • Professional Help: In cases of severe infestation, consider hiring a wildlife control professional who can provide more advanced and humane removal techniques.

Sustainable and Humane Considerations

While it’s important to protect your garden, it’s also essential to do so humanely. Avoid lethal methods such as poisoning, which can be inhumane and harmful to other wildlife. Instead, focus on deterrence and exclusion methods that are safe and sustainable.

Keeping squirrels out of your garden requires a multi-faceted approach combining physical barriers, repellents, habitat modification, and sometimes professional help. By understanding squirrel behavior and taking proactive steps, you can enjoy a bountiful garden without the interference of these furry intruders. Remember to periodically reassess and adjust your strategies to stay one step ahead of these clever and persistent animals.

Is There One Best Way To Keep Squirrels Out?

There isn’t a single foolproof method to keep squirrels out of a garden, as these clever and persistent creatures often find ways around various deterrents. However, a combination of strategies tends to be the most effective. That said, one of the best and most reliable methods involves using physical barriers combined with vigilant maintenance. Here’s a detailed approach focusing on this method:

The Best Method: Physical Barriers Combined with Maintenance

Install a Sturdy Fence

Material and Design:

  • Wire Mesh Fencing: Use heavy-duty wire mesh with openings no larger than 1 inch. Chicken wire or hardware cloth are good options.
  • Height and Depth: Ensure the fence is at least 4 feet high to prevent squirrels from easily jumping over it. Additionally, bury the fence at least 12 inches deep to prevent them from digging underneath.

Tips:

  • Angle the top of the fence outward at about 45 degrees to make it harder for squirrels to climb.
  • Regularly inspect and repair any damage or gaps in the fence.

Use Netting and Cages

Protecting Plants:

  • Netting: Cover fruit trees, berry bushes, and other high-value plants with netting. Ensure the netting is securely anchored to prevent squirrels from slipping underneath.
  • Cages: For smaller plants, use wire cages or cloches to provide individual protection.

Maintenance:

  • Check the netting and cages regularly to ensure they are intact and properly positioned.
  • Reposition or adjust as plants grow.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Tree Management:

  • Trim any branches that overhang or are close to your garden area. Squirrels can jump significant distances, so maintaining a clear gap between trees and the garden is crucial.

Shrub Management:

  • Keep shrubs and dense vegetation away from the garden’s perimeter to reduce hiding spots and jumping-off points for squirrels.

Use Squirrel Baffles

For Bird Feeders and Poles:

  • Install squirrel baffles on bird feeder poles or any structures that squirrels might climb. These are dome-shaped or cylindrical devices that prevent squirrels from gaining a grip and climbing up.

Maintenance:

  • Ensure baffles are properly installed and secure. Adjust their position if squirrels manage to bypass them.

Maintain a Clean Garden

Remove Attractants:

  • Regularly clean up fallen fruits, nuts, and seeds from the ground. This reduces the immediate food sources that attract squirrels.
  • Secure compost bins and trash cans to prevent scavenging.

Garden Hygiene:

  • Routinely check for signs of squirrel activity, such as dug-up areas or gnawed plants, and take immediate action to reinforce barriers or add additional deterrents.

Combining with Other Strategies

While physical barriers and maintenance form the backbone of a reliable squirrel deterrence strategy, combining these with other methods can enhance effectiveness:

Repellents

  • Smell and Taste Repellents: Use commercially available or homemade repellents to make your garden less appealing. Reapply regularly, especially after rain.

Motion-Activated Devices

  • Sprinklers and Lights: Install motion-activated sprinklers or lights to startle and deter squirrels from entering the garden.

Natural Predators and Pets

  • Encourage Natural Predators: Attract owls or hawks by installing nesting boxes.
  • Pets: Allowing dogs or cats in the garden can discourage squirrels through their presence and scent.

The best method to keep squirrels out of a garden is a combination of sturdy physical barriers and diligent maintenance, supported by additional deterrents and strategies. By creating an environment that is physically challenging and less attractive to squirrels, you can effectively protect your garden from these persistent invaders. Regular monitoring and adjustments are key to maintaining the effectiveness of these measures.

What Fruits, Veggies and Flowers Do Squirrels Like Best?

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and have a wide range of tastes when it comes to fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Here are some of their favorites:

Fruits

  • Apples: Squirrels are particularly fond of apples and will nibble on both the fruit and the seeds.
  • Pears: Another sweet fruit that attracts squirrels due to its juicy flesh.
  • Peaches: The soft flesh of peaches makes them a popular choice.
  • Plums: Squirrels enjoy the sweet and tart flavor of plums.
  • Berries: This includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These small fruits are easy for squirrels to pick and eat.
  • Grapes: The small size and sweetness of grapes make them an easy target.
  • Cherries: Squirrels will often climb trees to get to these juicy treats.

Vegetables

  • Tomatoes: Squirrels love the juicy flesh of tomatoes and will often take a bite out of multiple fruits.
  • Corn: Fresh corn, especially sweet corn, is a favorite. Squirrels will strip the ears from the stalks.
  • Squash: Both summer and winter varieties attract squirrels.
  • Pumpkins: Squirrels enjoy the flesh and seeds of pumpkins.
  • Peppers: Sweet peppers, in particular, can attract squirrels, although they are less likely to go for hot peppers.
  • Beans and Peas: Squirrels will nibble on both the pods and the seeds.
  • Carrots: They enjoy digging up and munching on carrots.

Flowers

  • Tulips: Squirrels are known to dig up and eat tulip bulbs.
  • Crocuses: Another bulb that squirrels find irresistible.
  • Daffodils: While not their favorite, squirrels will sometimes dig up these bulbs, although they generally find them less palatable.
  • Sunflowers: The seeds of sunflowers are a favorite snack for squirrels.
  • Marigolds: Squirrels sometimes chew on these flowers, although they are not a top choice.
  • Zinnias: Squirrels occasionally nibble on these vibrant flowers.
  • Pansies and Violas: These small flowers are also on the list of squirrel favorites.

Why Do Squirrels Prefer These Plants?

Squirrels are attracted to these fruits, vegetables, and flowers for several reasons:

  • High Sugar Content: Fruits like apples, peaches, and berries are high in sugar, providing squirrels with quick energy.
  • Easy Access: Many of these plants, such as tomatoes and strawberries, grow low to the ground, making them easy for squirrels to reach.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Vegetables like corn and beans offer essential nutrients that squirrels need for their diet.
  • Bulbs and Seeds: Squirrels are natural foragers and are particularly attracted to bulbs and seeds, which they often dig up and store for later consumption.

Preventing Squirrel Damage

To protect your garden from squirrel damage, consider the following strategies:

  • Physical Barriers: Use fencing and netting around vulnerable plants. For bulbs, consider planting in bulb cages or using wire mesh over the planting area.
  • Repellents: Use taste and smell repellents to make plants less appealing. Commercial products or homemade solutions using hot pepper, garlic, or vinegar can be effective.
  • Companion Planting: Planting less attractive flowers like daffodils around your more vulnerable plants can help deter squirrels.
  • Motion-Activated Devices: Sprinklers and lights that activate with movement can startle and scare away squirrels.
  • Garden Cleanliness: Regularly clean up fallen fruits, nuts, and other debris that might attract squirrels.

By understanding what attracts squirrels and implementing a combination of deterrent methods, you can better protect your garden from these persistent critters.

Do Squirrels Eat Sprouting Plants in a Garden?

Yes, squirrels do eat sprouting plants in a garden. Their natural foraging behavior and curiosity often lead them to dig up newly planted seeds and nibble on tender sprouts. This can be particularly frustrating for gardeners, as young plants are especially vulnerable during the early stages of growth. Here’s a detailed look at why squirrels target sprouting plants and how you can protect your garden:

Why Squirrels Eat Sprouting Plants

  • Tender and Nutritious: Young sprouts are tender and packed with nutrients, making them an attractive food source for squirrels.
  • Curiosity and Foraging Instinct: Squirrels are naturally curious and constantly foraging. They will often dig in freshly turned soil where seeds are planted, attracted by the smell and the potential for a quick meal.
  • Easy to Access: Sprouts and young plants are typically close to the ground and easily accessible to squirrels, unlike fruits and vegetables that may require climbing or more effort to reach.
  • Lack of Other Food Sources: During certain times of the year, especially in early spring when other food sources are scarce, squirrels may be more likely to target gardens for food.

Protecting Sprouting Plants from Squirrels

To safeguard your young plants from squirrels, a combination of physical barriers, repellents, and deterrents is often the most effective strategy. Here are some detailed methods:

Physical Barriers

  • Row Covers: Use floating row covers to protect seedlings. These lightweight fabrics allow light and water through but create a physical barrier against squirrels.
  • Wire Mesh and Netting: Cover planting beds with wire mesh (such as hardware cloth) or netting. Secure the edges firmly to the ground to prevent squirrels from getting underneath.
  • Cages and Cloches: Place wire or plastic cloches over individual seedlings or small groups of plants. These protect from both squirrels and other pests.

Repellents

  • Taste Repellents: Apply taste-based repellents to your sprouts and seedlings. Commercial products often contain bitter or hot substances that make the plants unappealing. Reapply regularly, especially after rain.
  • Smell Repellents: Use smell-based repellents such as predator urine (e.g., fox or coyote), garlic, or vinegar sprays. These can be homemade or store-bought and should be applied around the perimeter of planting beds.

Deterrents

  • Motion-Activated Devices: Install motion-activated sprinklers or lights. These devices startle and scare away squirrels when they approach.
  • Decoys and Distractions: Place decoys such as plastic owls or snakes near your garden. While their effectiveness can vary, moving them around occasionally can help maintain the illusion of a predator’s presence.
  • Provide alternative food sources, such as a squirrel feeder filled with corn or nuts, placed far away from your garden. This can divert their attention away from your plants.

Garden Maintenance

  • Cleanliness: Keep your garden clean by promptly removing fallen fruits, nuts, and other debris that might attract squirrels.
  • Companion Planting: Use plants that squirrels find less attractive as a natural barrier. For example, planting daffodils or marigolds around the edges of your garden can deter squirrels due to their unappealing taste and smell.
  • Mulching: Mulch your garden beds with materials that are less appealing to squirrels, such as gravel or pine needles. These can make digging less attractive and more difficult.

Long-Term Strategies

  • Habitat Modification: Trim tree branches that provide easy access to your garden. Squirrels are adept climbers and jumpers, so reducing their access points can help.
  • Install squirrel baffles on trees and poles to prevent climbing.
  • Community Efforts: Coordinate with neighbors to implement squirrel deterrents, creating a more extensive area that is less hospitable to squirrels.

Squirrels are naturally drawn to sprouting plants due to their tenderness and nutritional value. Protecting your garden requires a combination of physical barriers, repellents, deterrents, and good garden maintenance. By employing these strategies, you can effectively reduce squirrel damage and enjoy a thriving garden. Regular monitoring and adaptation of your methods will help you stay ahead of these clever and persistent animals.

What Kinds Of Squirrels Are There, and Where Are They Located?

Different types of squirrels are found across various regions of the United States, each with its unique behaviors and potential threats to gardens. Here’s an overview of the most common types of squirrels and the specific threats they may pose to gardens:

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Habitat:

  • Found primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, as well as parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Behavior:

  • Highly adaptable and common in urban and suburban areas.
  • Known for their climbing and digging abilities.
  • Active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Threats to Gardens:

  • Digging up bulbs and seeds.
  • Eating fruits, vegetables, and young sprouts.
  • Raiding bird feeders.

Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

Habitat:

  • Common in the eastern and central United States, extending into the Great Plains and parts of the West Coast.

Behavior:

  • Larger than gray squirrels and often found in open woodlands and urban parks.
  • Active during the day, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Threats to Gardens:

  • Similar to gray squirrels, they dig up bulbs and seeds.
  • Consume fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
  • Can cause damage to bird feeders and structures while foraging.

Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

Habitat:

  • Found primarily in the northern United States and Canada, including the Rocky Mountains and parts of the Northeast.

Behavior:

  • Smaller than gray and fox squirrels.
  • Prefers coniferous and mixed forests but can be found in suburban areas.
  • Known for being more aggressive and territorial.

Threats to Gardens:

  • Primarily feeds on seeds and nuts, but will also eat fruits and vegetables.
  • More likely to strip bark from trees and shrubs, which can damage garden plants.
  • May hoard garden produce in large caches.

Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)

Habitat:

  • Found along the West Coast, from Washington to California.

Behavior:

  • Prefers oak woodlands and coniferous forests.
  • Less likely to be found in heavily urbanized areas compared to the eastern gray squirrel.

Threats to Gardens:

  • Eats a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, and young plants.
  • Can damage garden plants while foraging.
  • Less likely to raid bird feeders compared to eastern gray squirrels.

Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus spp. and Otospermophilus spp.)

Habitat:

  • Numerous species found throughout the United States, including California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) and thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus).

Behavior:

  • Unlike tree squirrels, ground squirrels live in burrows.
  • Highly social and can form large colonies.
  • Active during the day and hibernate during winter in colder regions.

Threats to Gardens:

  • Extensive burrowing can damage garden structures and uproot plants.
  • Feed on a variety of garden plants, including seeds, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Can strip bark from young trees and shrubs.

Differing Threat Levels and Management Strategies

The threats posed by different types of squirrels to gardens can vary based on their behaviors and habitat preferences:

  • Eastern Gray and Fox Squirrels: These are the most common garden pests in urban and suburban areas. They pose significant threats by digging up plants and raiding bird feeders. Physical barriers, repellents, and motion-activated deterrents are effective against them.
  • Red Squirrels: Their aggressive behavior and tendency to strip bark make them particularly harmful to gardens in their range. Strategies to deter red squirrels include habitat modification and the use of strong-smelling repellents.
  • Western Gray Squirrels: Though less common in urban areas, they can still cause damage to garden plants. Physical barriers and habitat modification can help protect gardens from these squirrels.
  • Ground Squirrels: Their burrowing behavior presents unique challenges, requiring solutions like underground fencing, regular filling of burrows, and habitat modification to reduce attractants.

Understanding the specific types of squirrels in your area and their behaviors can help you implement targeted strategies to protect your garden. Physical barriers, repellents, and habitat management are key components of a comprehensive squirrel deterrence plan. By tailoring your approach to the particular species you’re dealing with, you can more effectively mitigate the damage they cause to your garden.

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