6 Effective Ways To Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Garden

Richard Neumayer • July 3, 2024

While squirrels may be charming creatures, they have enough capability to destroy gardens, from nibbling on fruits and vegetables to digging up bulbs. Fortunately, there are effective methods to keep them at bay. In this post, we’ll explore six practical ways to achieve successful squirrel removal and protect your garden.

Trim Tree Branches

Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers. They can easily leap from a tree branch to your garden. To make their journey a little less thrilling (and more inconvenient for them), consider trimming tree branches that overhang your garden. This creates a barrier, forcing them to find alternative routes – preferably not through your meticulously planned garden beds.

Pro Tip: Prune strategically. Aim to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between tree branches and your garden to effectively deter these nimble creatures.

Add Individual Plant Nets

Another effective method for squirrel removal is using individual plant nets. These nets can protect your plants from being eaten or damaged by squirrels. For instance, if you have a tomato plant that squirrels seem to love, placing a net around it can keep the critters at bay.

Pro Tip: Look for lightweight garden netting readily available at most gardening stores. Choose a mesh size small enough to deter squirrels (around ¼ inch) while still allowing sunlight and water to reach your plants.

Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Squirrels are naturally wary of sudden movements and sounds. Installing motion-activated sprinklers can scare them away from your garden. For example, if a squirrel tries to dig up your flower bulbs, the sudden water spray will likely startle it and deter it from returning.

Pro Tip: Position your sprinklers strategically to cover vulnerable areas of your garden, like vegetable patches or newly planted flowerbeds.

Use Gravel or Stones as Mulch

Squirrels love digging in soft soil, searching for treasures like nuts and bulbs. They dislike digging in gravel or stones. Using these materials as mulch in your garden can discourage squirrels from digging up your plants. For instance, if you have a bed of tulips, consider mulching it with gravel. The rough texture will deter squirrels from digging and damaging your tulips.

Pro Tip: A 2- to 3-inch layer of gravel or stones around the base of your plants is sufficient to deter burrowing. This type of mulch also offers additional benefits, such as helping retain moisture and suppressing weed growth.

Keep Your Garden Clean

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and any potential food source in your garden is an open invitation. Here are some tips to keep your garden clean and unappealing to squirrels:

Pick up fallen fruits and nuts immediately. Don't let these become a free buffet for squirrels.
Compost vegetable scraps properly. Don't create an easily accessible food source on your property.
Clean up birdseed spills around feeders. Attract birds, not squirrels, by keeping the area beneath feeders clean.

By maintaining a clean and tidy garden, you remove potential food rewards that might entice squirrels to linger.

Contact Catch A Critter

If you’ve tried everything and still have a squirrel problem, it might be time to call in the professionals. Wildlife removal companies like Catch A Critter can offer a safe and effective solution for deterring squirrels from your garden. Here's why partnering with us can be your best defense:

Expertise and experience: As wildlife removal specialists, we have the knowledge and experience to identify the specific entry points squirrels might be using and to implement targeted exclusion strategies.
Safe and humane methods: Catch A Critter prioritizes humane animal removal. Our technicians use safe and effective methods to trap and relocate squirrels, ensuring the safety of both the animals and your family.
Long-term solutions: Professional wildlife removal goes beyond simply removing the squirrels. Catch A Critter can identify and seal potential entry points to prevent future infestations.
Peace of mind: Dealing with a squirrel problem can be stressful. Letting a professional handle it allows you to focus on nurturing your garden and enjoying your harvest.

Conclusion

Keeping squirrels out of your garden can be challenging, but with these tips, you can protect your plants and enjoy a squirrel-free garden. Remember, the key to effective squirrel removal is a combination of prevention, deterrence, and professional help when needed. Don’t let squirrels ruin your hard work in the garden. If you need professional help with squirrel removal in Cumming, Georgia, don’t hesitate to contact Catch A Critter. As our slogan says, “Don’t worry, We’ll Catch That Critter!”

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Squirrel Mating Season is Here – What It Means for Your Home

By Richard Neumayer • March 21, 2025

Squirrel mating season peaks in March, increasing the risk of home infestations. Learn how to protect your attic from nesting squirrels and when to seek squirrel removal. Contact us today!

Humane Methods to Permanently Remove Squirrels from Attics

By Richard Neumayer • February 20, 2025

Discover humane methods to remove squirrels from attics permanently. Learn effective, safe strategies to protect your home. Call today for expert help!

A squirrel is looking out of a wooden box in the snow.

Winter Squirrel Problems? Protect Your Home This January

By Richard Neumayer • January 29, 2025

Winter months bring more than just chilly weather. They can also bring squirrels seeking warmth into your home. If you're tired of dealing with noisy critters in your attic or walls, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge in January, but don't worry, there are humane ways to handle squirrel removal . This post covers everything you need to know about keeping your home safe and squirrel-free this winter. Why Do Squirrels Invade Homes in Winter? When the temperature drops, squirrels search for cozy spaces to nest - spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities make perfect shelters. They’re looking for: Warmth: Squirrels can’t tolerate freezing temperatures and need a place to stay warm. Food Storage: They often bring nuts and seeds into their nesting areas. Safety: Indoor spaces protect them from predators. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to damage like chewed wires, insulation destruction, and unpleasant odors. Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem If squirrels have moved in, you’ll likely notice these signs: Scratching Sounds: Especially in the early morning or late evening. Droppings: Found near nesting or feeding spots. Chewed Entry Points: Damaged vents, soffits, or roof edges. Nesting Materials: Shredded insulation, leaves, or fabric. How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels This January Follow these tips to protect your home: 1. Seal Entry Points Inspect your home for openings where squirrels can sneak in. Focus on: Gaps in roofing or siding. Open chimneys (install caps for extra protection). Damaged vents or screens. A small gap the size of a quarter is enough for a squirrel to squeeze through. Use durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing to cover these areas. 2. Keep Your Yard Tidy Squirrels are drawn to cluttered yards that provide food and shelter. To make your yard less appealing: Trim tree branches away from your roof. Rake fallen nuts and fruits. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house. This not only discourages squirrels but also other critters looking for a home. 3. Remove Food Sources Squirrels often invade homes in search of food. Take these precautions: Use sealed containers for pet food and birdseed. Avoid leaving food scraps outdoors. Keep garbage bins tightly closed. These simple steps can make your home far less attractive to wildlife. 4. Install Deterrents There are humane ways to discourage squirrels from settling near your home: Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but safe for humans and pets. Natural Repellents: Use scents like peppermint oil near entry points. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can scare squirrels away from your yard. Why Humane Squirrel Removal Matters It’s tempting to resort to harmful methods, but they’re not necessary. Humane squirrel removal in Cumming , focuses on relocating squirrels without causing harm and preventing their return through exclusion techniques. This approach respects wildlife while protecting your property. According to the Humane Society, methods like one-way doors allow squirrels to exit safely but block re-entry. This minimizes stress on the animal and avoids unnecessary harm. When to Call for Professional Help Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If squirrels persist despite your efforts, it’s time to consider professional squirrel removal . A licensed wildlife removal service can: Safely trap and relocate squirrels. Repair damage and seal entry points. Provide advice on long-term prevention. Catch A Critter , with its eco-conscious and humane practices, is a trusted option for homeowners dealing with squirrel issues. FAQs About Squirrel Removal Can I Remove Squirrels Myself? You can try, but it’s tricky and may not be legal in some areas. Always check local regulations and prioritize humane methods. Do Squirrels Cause Fire Hazards? Yes. Squirrels often chew on electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. This is one of the top reasons to address the issue quickly. How Long Does Squirrel Removal Take? It depends on the size of the infestation. Professionals often resolve the issue within a week. Why Choose Catch A Critter for Squirrel Removal At Catch A Critter , we understand how frustrating and overwhelming squirrel problems can be. That’s why we prioritize humane removal techniques that are effective and eco-friendly. Our team is passionate about protecting your home and wildlife, giving you peace of mind without harming the environment. Conclusion Winter squirrel problems don’t have to ruin the start of your year. From sealing entry points to calling a trusted wildlife removal service like Catch A Critter , there are many ways to protect your home. Squirrels can cause significant damage, but with the right steps, you can keep your property safe and cozy this winter. If you’re ready to take action, contact Catch A Critter today for compassionate, effective squirrel removal solutions.