How to Keep Squirrels Out of Plants & Flowers

Squirrels are diggers.

If you are a gardener, you have probably encountered a squirrel or two in your plants or flower garden. At times, it may seem that you are at war with these little critters. Squirrels are natural diggers and think nothing of digging up your prized garden while searching for a tasty nut. Instead of using unsightly netting, you may want to try a spray repellent. A natural squirrel repellent consisting of hot peppers may do the trick.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• 2-gallon bucket
• Water
• 8 oz. hot chili sauce
• Dish soap
• Long handled spoon
• 2-gallon pump sprayer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Slip on a pair of rubber gloves. Fill a 2-gallon bucket with 1 gallon of water.

2. Pour 8 oz. of hot chili sauce into the bucket. Add a squirt of liquid dish soap to the bucket.

3. Stir the contents of the bucket using a long handled spoon, to combine. Set a funnel into the opening of a 2-gallon pump sprayer.

4. Pour the contents of the bucket into the pump sprayer, via the funnel. Spray your plants and flowers generously with the water, hot chili sauce and soap concoction.

5. Discard the rubber gloves in the trash after spraying. Rinse the pump sprayer immediately after application with soap and water.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that you will need to reapply the squirrel repellent after each rain, which is likely to wash away any repellent applied previously.

• Do not mix or apply the squirrel repellent without first slipping on a pair of rubber gloves. The capsaicin in the hot chili sauce can irritate your skin.

References

• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Squirrels
• Evergreen Animal Protective League: Squirrel Repellent

Resources

• National Pesticide Information Center: Capsaicin
• Backyard Nature: FAQ About Squirrels