If you've never had squirrels in your garden, you might think they look cute.
But if you've had squirrels in your garden, you already know they're not just cute, they are little criminals too.
They dig up your plants, steal your fruits, and make a mess everywhere.
I've dealt with them in my garden for a long time. They go after everything, from small container plants to even a big mango tree.
You know what the worst part is?
They don't even finish what they eat and go for another one. They don’t just eat, they take a bite of everything and ruin half of it.
Here I'll share exactly what I did to keep squirrels away from my garden. This is not a simple theory; this is what actually worked for me.
Fully Covered Barriers - Including Top
At first, I used fencing.
I thought it would stop the squirrels. But they climbed it easily, like it was nothing.
That's when I understood that normal fencing won't stop them.
Squirrels are very fast, smart, and they can climb almost anything.
So I started using net covers and small wire cages. I also covered the top, not just the sides.
It's important to cover the top properly, because squirrels can climb nearby trees, walls, and fences, then jump straight down into your garden.
Natural Sprays to Keep Squirrels Away
Squirrels hate strong smells and spicy tastes.
So, I started using simple homemade sprays like:
| Spray | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Chilli spray | Makes plants taste spicy and unpleasant |
| Garlic spray | Gives a strong smell squirrels don’t like |
| Neem oil | Helps keep pests away and reduces attraction |
These sprays actually make the plants taste and smell bad, so squirrels don't like to eat them.
Did you know about Motion-Sensor Sprinklers?
I use one in my garden, and it works great. I first set it up in my garden to deal with rabbits, but it works great for squirrels too. Whenever a squirrel comes near, the sensor detects movement and sprays water and scares them away. I also keep changing its position, otherwise they figure it out and avoid that spot.
Ultrasonic Animal Repeller
I also use an ultrasonic animal repeller in my garden, especially near the areas where squirrels visit the most.
When a squirrel comes close to the device, the sensor detects movement, and it starts making a high-pitched sound.
We can't hear it, but squirrels can, and they don't like it at all.
It doesn't hurt them; it just makes the area uncomfortable for them.
I have also created a detailed guide on How I Protect My Plants from Rabbits. You can check that out.
And if you are tired of rats, this is for you: Get Rid of Rats in Your Garden.
How I Protect Big Plants - Mangoes, Guava, etc.
Now this is where most people struggle, even I am one of them.
Because the truth is, you just can't cover a big tree. Mango or guava trees grow tall and spread everywhere, so using nets or covers is not practically possible at all.
So, here are some simple things I do to protect my plants from squirrels.
- I wrap the tree trunk with a smooth plastic or metal sheet. It makes the surface slippery, so when squirrels try to climb, they just can't get a grip and keep sliding down.
- I saw that squirrels don't always climb - they jump from nearby trees, walls, and even the roof. So I cut the branches and kept about a 5–6 feet gap around the tree. So, the squirrels could not easily reach my plants.
You can't cover every fruit on a big tree; it's just not possible. So, don't waste your time on it. Just focus on stopping animals from reaching the tree in the first place.
