How to Keep Squirrels from Digging Up Your Plants: Practical Solutions for Gardeners

Gardening is a wonderful hobby, but it can be frustrating when squirrels start digging up your carefully tended plants. Squirrels are clever and determined critters, making it challenging to keep them away from your garden. However, with the right strategies, you can effectively safeguard your plants. This article will explore practical solutions, including the use of a cat training mat, bordering your garden, trapping, and repellents.

Using a Cat Training Mat for Squirrel Repellence

To prevent squirrels from digging up your plants, one effective method is to use a cat training mat. These spiked mats are designed to deter cats and other small creatures from settling or digging in their vicinity. If you happen to have a similar-sized mat, it can be placed strategically over your garden plots to keep pesky squirrels at bay.

Example Product:

Hugeleaf 12 Feet Scat Mat for Cats

To use the mat, simply place it over your plants. The spikes will make it uncomfortable for the squirrels to land or dig, thus deterring them from digging up your plants. Keep in mind that you may need to lift and shake the leaves off from time to time when it rains, as the mat may become soggy and lose its effectiveness.

Securing the Cat Mat With Garden Staples

Dotting the mat down into the ground can be a challenge, especially when dealing with slippery surfaces. To ensure the mat stays in place, you can use garden staples to hold it securely in the ground. This will prevent the mat from being easily moved or dragged away by the squirrels.

Example Product:

WAENLIR 6 inch Garden Staples

Border Your Garden with Plants That Repel Squirrels

In addition to using mats and staples, you can also border your garden with plants that squirrels dislike. Certain plants, such as marigolds, lemon balm, and lemon verbena, have strong scents that naturally repel squirrels. By surrounding your garden with these plants, you can create a natural barrier that keeps the squirrels away from your valuable plants.

Alternative Methods: Trapping and Repellents

While deterrent methods work, there are also more aggressive options available, such as trapping and using repellents. If catching and relocating the squirrels is an option, setting out humane squirrel traps can be effective. After catching the squirrels, release them in a suitable location far from your garden. However, it's important to consider the ethical implications of this approach and to release the squirrels in a safe and humane manner.

For those who prefer a more natural solution, there are commercial sprays designed to repel rabbits and deer. Although these products are primarily intended for larger animals, they may also deter squirrels. Applying these sprays around your garden can help keep the squirrels at a distance without resorting to traps or toxic methods.

Important Considerations:

While traps can be effective, they require regular maintenance and checking to ensure the squirrels are not harmed. Commercial repellents can be useful, but their effectiveness may vary. Test them on a small area first to ensure they work in your specific situation.

Conclusion

Squirrels can be a significant challenge for gardeners, but with the right tools and strategies, you can protect your plants from their digging and destruction. Whether you choose to use a cat training mat, plant repellent herbs, or even consider humane trapping methods, there are several effective solutions to keep these cute, but pesky, creatures away. Happy gardening!