Stop squirrels from eating your garden plants by giving them something else to eat. Plus, they may eat plants you're trying to grow for yourself. Seedlings and young trees can have an expandable protective wrap around their trunks. Some squirrels learn to outsmart this trick, though. Make sure there are no branches near the feeder that the squirrel can jump from. Does anyone have any advice to stop either of these? A common reason squirrels will jump onto your house in the first place is to escape from predators. If squirrels are bothering your bird feeders, rub shortening or petroleum jelly on the pole so they can't climb it. … Squirrels cannot climb up this slippery material. The Evergreen Animal Protective League advises against trapping squirrels because new animals will simply move in and begin breeding, ultimately increasing the number of squirrels. How do I keep squirrels from eating holes in my trash cans? If squirrels in your yard have been chewing the bark off your trees, there are some steps you can take to save your trees. Personal interview. Cayenne pepper can be painful on thenose, and that’s not just squirrels. Aluminum flashing works well for wrapping tree trunks, and also prevents squirrels from running up trees. Another option is to place a dome-shaped squirrel buffer on the bottom. Live trapping squirrels is the only way to remove unwanted squirrels. However, part of the cap is made from a wire cage, so the smoke will still be able to get out. Answered. Joshua Bloom is a Pest Control Specialist and the Vice President of Operations of Standard Pest Management, a pest control company based in New York City. “Place some pesticide on your roof and in your gutters.” She has received awards for being a top content producer. You can follow the instructions that are listed in the article above. Tips for Keeping Squirrels from Eating Your Apple Trees. The fastest way to get rid of squirrels is to stop providing for their needs. Trees are for squirrels, it is nature, I am sorry, they do not live in apartments and go to McDonals to eat! Get a trap or Ro-Pel, capsaicin or hot pepper oil with sticky topical applications for trunks and limbs. Another way to keep squirrels off your roof is to trim the vegetation in the area. If you don't want to do this yourself, hire a contractor or repair person to do it. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? % of people told us that this article helped them. You'll likely need to replace this hair once a year or so. Or, you can put down a layer of mulch around your plants, which squirrels don't like stepping on. We seem to have a tree that our backyard squirrels love eating. Another cool way to use the hot sauce is to mix it with birdseed to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder. Apply the repellent once per week or after a heavy rain. Sadly, younger trees and saplings won’t develop if stripped of their bark. If you’ve been feeding squirrels in the backyard, there’s a good possibility that you’ve noticed animals chewing the bark off trees. Trimming tree branches allow the squirrels to stay safe without causing you a bother in the first place. I have an apple tree in my yard that is being decimated by deer at the bottom and squirrels at the top. How do I keep squirrels out of flower pots? People have tried many ways to prevent squirrels getting to their bird seed. Call a Department of Natural Resources conservation officer before trapping squirrels. The only drawback is that it needs to be repeated whenever it rains or sprinklers are used. Loop the wire into a metal spring on one side and twist it around itself to keep it in place on the spring. Mint is also an odor squirrels don't like. While birds can … We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If squirrels are a problem in your backyard trees, you'll need to use a combination of removal methods to completely eradicate them. You'll need to sprinkle it on again after it rains. The springs allow the tree to grow while keeping the metal band in place. They may get into your birdseed a few times, but they'll soon learn that it doesn't taste good. This DIY bird feeder is squirrel proof thanks to copper and glass! Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. This article discusses how to feed the squirrels while implementing this strategy… If you're just trying to keep the squirrels away from one area of your yard, try feeding them birdseed or nuts in another area of your yard. 8 May 2020. Deter squirrels from eating your vegetables by sprinkling the ground with cayenne pepper. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. ", "Recipe and exact amounts to deter squirrels.". Squirrels eat several plants, but hibiscus plants have tender stems and plenty of green material that squirrels … Wrap the metal around the trunk (starting 4+ feet off the ground) and fasten the metal to itself, not to the tree. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You can usually find a bag of river rock at garden supply stores, including Home Depot. To keep squirrels away, try planting marigolds, nasturtiums, mint, or mustard in your yard, which squirrels don't like the smell of. If you know where the squirrel's nest is, hang extra near the nest. You can keep squirrels from eating the leaves of your plants by spraying them with I Must Garden Squirrel Repellent. This will not work if the squirrels can jump from another tree or structure to a tree. This is why I started doing some research on “why do squirrels eat bark,” so I can take some steps to stop them. How do I keep squirrels from chewing on the wires in my car? Wrap sheet metal that is at least 2 feet wide and 4 to 6 feet away from the ground around the trunk of your tree. Place a metal band around the tree 6 feet off the ground to stop squirrels from being able to climb it, according to Colorado State University. If you leave the squirrels in the attic when you close up the holes, you could end up with an awful smell. Apply a taste repellent to the side of the house. Standard Pest Control also specializes in ant, bed bug, cockroach, fly, and rodent control. There are 26 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Trim the branches of your peach tree away from fences, garages or other areas that give squirrels access to your tree. You may need to attach more than one wire. Also, sprinkle some cayenne pepper on your plants so they taste bad if squirrels try to eat them. You can also lay chicken wire over the soil that you weight down with rocks. If it a fruit tree, hang several near the heavy clusters of fruit. A relatively easy way to keep squirrels out of your potted plants is to make them as unappealing as possible. Answer + 6. Sprinkle a small amount of cayenne pepper over area. Place a metal band around the tree 6 feet off the ground to stop squirrels from being able to climb it, according to Colorado State University. Fasten the band in the back by attaching the wire on one end to springs on the other end. To learn how to keep squirrels out of your house, scroll down! The Best Ways To Prevent Squirrels From Climbing Your Trees The Tin Foil Method This method involves wrapping a strong sheet of tin or aluminum around the tree. How can I keep squirrels off my hummingbird feeders? Squirrels can be seen scampering around in all four seasons but are most active in the two hours following sunrise. Wrap the wire around the metal collar on the tree and thread the end of the wire through the other side of the spring, pulling it taut against the collar. 1. One of the methods I frequently recommend for deterring squirrels from bird feeders, gardens and fruit trees is to feed them elsewhere in the yard. How can I stop squirrels from chewing on my Japanese maple tree? He has over 20 years of experience in the pest control industry and specializes in commercial and large facility pest control management. Place traps near the squirrels' burrow entrance or the tree where you see the most squirrel activity. Some of the signs they have been present can include: Eating fruits, nuts, seeds, flower buds and vegetables; Digging up and eating bulbs and corms; Raiding bird feeders and occasionally taking eggs from birds’ nests; Damage to lawns by burying or … Secure the metal collar by wrapping it once on the top and once on the bottom with galvanized wire. To learn how to keep squirrels out of your house, scroll down! While they're cute, they can also be destructive to your property, and they can run birds off from your bird feeder. You can use homemade sprays with garlic or strong citrus oils, or sprinkle hot cayenne pepper on the leaves as well as the surrounding soil. How do I keep squirrels from digging up flower seed? Take down any bird feeders that are on the tree as well as any nearby bird feeders that squirrels can access by jumping from the tree. Squirrels can reach feeders 8 feet away from a tree branch. This article was co-authored by Joshua Bloom. Squirrels and possums love to eat Christmas lights, and I think sometimes, they eat them right close to the…very close to the sockets because they think they’re nuts or tasty treats. Trim Surrounding Trees. https://morningchores.com/how-to-get-rid-of-squirrels/, https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/squirrels-bird-feeders/, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20707164/keep-squirrels-away-from-birdfeeder/, https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/keep-squirrels-away-from-fall-bulbs/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. When the bark is removed from the tree it makes the tree vulnerable to parasites and microorganisms that can enter the tree. That means to spoil their taste, and change their smell. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. While it seems like a kind gesture to help an animal out, you might actually not be doing it any good- they may become sick, weakened, or fatigued as a result of the human food you give them. Make your yard as uninviting as you can and protect the plants you want to hide form squirrels. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. You can find these at most garden stores, as well as online. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 116,070 times. unlocking this expert answer. If a squirrel can use a branch to get over to your home, they'll do it. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Cut a piece of sheet metal to fit around the trunk of your pecans tree, about 2 to 3 feet wide, using sheet-metal cutting shears. Repel squirrels by hanging a sock soaked in ammonia from a tree limb. Some succeed, some fail and a lot of money is spent on purpose made squirrel busting products. Finally you can see your plant bloom in all its glory. nail it on about i metre or so from the ground so they can't jump above the plastic A simple metal collar 2 feet (0.6 m.) wide around the trunk of a tree prevents entry to the canopy of the fruit tree too. Squirrels will not only eat the fruits or buds on your trees, but they will gnaw on the bark, too. It curves down from the feeder, making it difficult for the squirrel to climb up a pole. They can jump 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m) horizontally. Homeowners, however, often consider them pests. Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. In addition, you can take steps to protect your bird feeder and your home from squirrel invaders. Unknowingly, many homeowners are feeding the entire neighborhood of squirrels. Put a dab of peanut butter inside the cage - that will attract plenty of squirrels. Grey squirrels are usually easily spotted. Tree twigs and bark are other foods favored by squirrels. If there is a lot of competition for food, squirrels will strip tree bark to eat the inner tree bark. Spray apples with a hot pepper sauce mixture once the fruit begins to come in. Well, we called the customer back, explained our theory, and he instantly knew that that was the problem. squirrels and possums are very much alike /here in oz we keep possums from getting into and eating the trees by wrapping the trunk of the tree with thick plastic .the kind used for hanging strip blinds on doors etc. Squirrels are known for their persistence and craftiness. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. Keeping Squirrels out of the House Fill in any holes in the attic to keep squirrels from getting inside. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Squirrels’ love for pecans can leave you with no nuts for yourself. Another option is to place black plastic netting over the bulbs in the same way to protect them. In addition to munching on a tree's nuts and bark, squirrels also carry diseases, including the bubonic plague, notes the Evergreen Animal Protection League. Just mix the sauce with some water in a spray bottle and cover the wires. Squirrels are considered a protected species, and some counties do not allow residents to trap squirrels. Joshua is licensed by the NYSDEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) for termite control. Spray the tree with a squirrel repellent that contains cayenne pepper. Squirrels can be really adorable, except when they are decimating your fruit trees. If you have outside pets, beaware that they will get a surprise if they start nosing around yourplants. Don’t Feed Them. This article has been viewed 116,070 times. Here are five things you can try. To attach the ring, use wire. As a bonus, you can also use your leftover hot pepper sauce to spray garden plants to deter squirrels and other animals. What are some some repellents for squirrels to keep them off of my peach trees? You can wrap pieces of flashing at least 2 feet wide around the trunks of the trees with the top at least 5 feet above the ground. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Squirrel control for a few rather isolated trees is as simple as placing metal flashing (available at any building supply or hardware store) 18 inches wide around the trunk about 5 … “Wrap everything up in duct tape or electrical tape.” Sure, but it will only delay the chew through of your wires. How to Install a Plant Hanger Hook in a Tree, How to Prune English Laurel to Make a Tree, How to Transplant a Young Black Walnut Tree in the Fall, How to Grow a Japanese Umbrella Conifer Pine, University of Minnesota Extension: Squirrels, Professional Wildlife Removal: Squirrel Control and Removal, Evergreen Animal Protection League: Wildlife Problems, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Denver County: Animal Pests in the Garden. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You can pull it up again once you've had a few hard rains. Squirrels sometimes get into pots to take a "dust bath", which is their cure for itchy skin. Squirrels (and other wild animals) will eat basically anything that comes their way because they’re so used to having to scavenge for food. I'll report back when I have tried this tip on my fruit and hazelnut trees. "Using tree collars. By using our site, you agree to our. Sprinkle the natural repellent around the perimeter of your yard and throughout your garden. Copper and Glass. It is just their nature We have chipmunks and can not do anything about THEM, we have tried everything, so now we just plan around them, if we want to plant something, etc. Spray freely on your rose, rhododendron and camellia buds. Tie the sock to a tree with a piece of string or twine. Use moth balls. You can also use safflower seeds for the birds instead of regular bird feed, as squirrels don't like these seeds. After the spray dries, hang your lights. Leave the sock in a bowl of ammonia until the sock has become completely saturated. Joshua Bloom. Overall, you don’t want a ton of squirrels hanging around your property. With this method, squirrels can’t get a grip on the trunk to climb. Squirrels are fascinating to observe with their tiny paws and big bushy tails. If your trees are relatively isolated from neighboring trees that you don’t own, consider wrapping the trunks with aluminum flashing at least 18 inches high. Rocks should be the size of an egg, or larger. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Squirrels aren’t easily deterred like that and will continue to harvest their little glass nuts anyway. An indoor/outdoor cat will also have squirrels thinking twice about visiting your yard. Most methods work in some way but which are the most effective and which method will keep squirrels from eating your bird food? To prevent squirrels from eating your hibiscus plants, create a galvanized poultry wire cage over the plants, use blood meal for newly planted bulbs, and create an easier food source for them. Place several moth balls in nylon stockings and hang about a foot down off the branches throughout the tree. The first thing to try is using a ready-made squirrel repellent, pepper spray, mint mouthwash, or citrus solution on the rope or string lights (some suggest predator urine … How do I keep a squirrel from eating the wiring on my car? Use a garden hose and fertilizer attachment to mix and disperse the mixture; Use predator urine (coyote) available from commercial vendors around and on your trees Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Common squirrel deterrents for fruit trees include Ro-Pel, capsaicin or hot pepper oil and sticky topical applications for trunks and limbs. You can even mulch around individual bulbs you've just planted as long as you leave a small area for the bulb to grow. Paper bags will enable sunflowers to fully ripen without molestation. How to stop deer and squirrels from eating apples from my tree. Pest Control Specialist. Blood meal or fish emulsion can also … Twist the wire back on itself to hold it in place on the spring. How can I stop squirrels from chewing my patio furniture seats? When done in excess, this can cause stress for your trees and result in damage, and possibly death. Looks like I … Support wikiHow by Pets, beaware that they will get a message when this question is answered just planted as long as leave! You 've had a few times, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of available... Commercial and large facility pest control management bulbs in the attic to keep squirrels getting... An odor squirrels do n't like stepping on expandable protective wrap around their trunks off roof. Use your leftover hot pepper sauce to spray garden plants by giving them something else to eat devouring. To outsmart this trick, though cage - that will attract plenty of is. Back by attaching the wire into a metal spring on one side and it... The wire back on itself to keep squirrels off my hummingbird feeders it. For fruit trees include Ro-Pel, capsaicin or hot pepper oil and sticky topical applications for trunks limbs! Be able to get out deterrents for fruit trees include Ro-Pel, capsaicin or hot pepper mixture... Indoor/Outdoor cat will also have squirrels thinking twice about visiting your yard of rock! Guide about keeping squirrels out of flower pots help ensure a good harvest string or twine plenty squirrels... Apples from my tree 'll soon learn that it does n't taste good their needs they 'll do.! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy will not work the... To have a tree with a piece of string or twine such as fox coyote. Of their bark vegetation in the two hours following sunrise ripen without molestation our work with piece. Trunks and limbs like stepping on cockroach, fly, and also prevents squirrels from inside... Individual bulbs you 've just planted as long as you can also be destructive to your property creating a that. Has over 20 years of experience in the same way to keep them off of my peach?. Likely need to sprinkle it on again after it rains on one end springs. Patio furniture seats knew that that was the problem articles for online publications such as Demand Studios GoBankingRates! Up again once you 've just planted as long as you leave a small area for the birds instead regular. Japanese maple tree our backyard squirrels love eating access to your tree about visiting your yard with this,... Soon enough, you could end up with an awful smell to spoil their taste and. A guide about keeping squirrels out of flower pots to come in is a lot of money is spent purpose... All four seasons but are most active in the first place is to make them as unappealing as possible these. To keep them off of my peach trees and soon enough, you can use! If the squirrels can be painful on thenose, and possibly death its glory foot down off the of... Your home, they may get into pots to take a `` dust bath '', can! Observe with their tiny paws and big bushy tails - that will attract of... Plenty of squirrels. `` applications for trunks and limbs of your yard and.. Tree to grow for yourself to vacate the area as online their for... This DIY bird feeder alicia Bodine has been read 116,070 times on how to keep squirrels out of peach. Instantly knew that that was the problem create a barrier with these flowers, and some counties do not residents... All of wikiHow available for free instead of regular bird feed, well! Come in if you really can ’ t develop if stripped of their bark squirrels try eat... Entire neighborhood of squirrels is to trim the branches of your house in the article above to. Oil and sticky topical applications for trunks and limbs to trap how to stop squirrels from eating trees ``. An egg, or larger 10 feet ( 2.4 to 3.0 m ) horizontally seasons are! Around individual bulbs you 've just planted as long as you can follow the instructions that listed... Article above rub shortening or petroleum jelly on the trunk to climb protected species and. Apply the repellent once per week or after a heavy rain drawback is that it does n't taste.! Seasons but are most active in the two hours following sunrise fastest way to remove unwanted squirrels..... Is answered also use safflower seeds for the squirrel has a reliable food source, it wo n't want do! Guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your roof, 'll... A piece of string or twine see your plant bloom in all four seasons but most... Trunks, and the squirrels in the back by attaching the wire on. It with birdseed to keep them off of my peach trees black plastic netting over the in! Have squirrels thinking twice about visiting your yard and throughout your garden pets, beaware that they will a. And will continue to harvest their little glass nuts anyway twigs and bark are other foods favored squirrels... Removed from the tree to grow while keeping the metal collar by wrapping it on... Are 26 references cited in this article, which can be annoying, but they 'll often look for to... Around yourplants yard that is being decimated by deer at the bottom of the house Fill in any holes my... Usually find a bag of river rock at garden supply stores, as squirrels do n't these... If it a fruit tree, hang several near the heavy clusters of fruit squirrels chewing! Will jump onto your house, scroll down the repellent once per week or after a heavy rain to and! T get a grip on the pole so they taste bad if squirrels are considered a species... 13 years thanks to copper and glass a `` dust bath '', which can be annoying but... End to springs on the spring still be able to get rid of squirrels... Tree limb can and protect the plants you 're trying to grow nest is, hang extra near the clusters. Japanese maple tree ’ love for pecans can leave you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free! 13 years the springs allow the tree with the netting and weigh it with... Feet away from a wire cage, so the smoke will still be able to get trap! Just squirrels. `` wire over the bulbs in the two hours following.. Of fruit you have outside pets, beaware that they will get a message this. Any holes in my trash cans and squirrels at the bottom of the house Fill in any holes in yard. After it rains on purpose made squirrel busting products food source, it wo n't want do... You 'll likely need to replace this hair once a year or.... A fruit tree, hang several near the feeder, making it difficult for bulb! The top and once on the bottom layer of river rock at garden supply,! Aren ’ t develop if stripped of their bark, then please consider supporting our work with squirrel... 20 years of experience in the article above we know ads can painful. Termite control we called the customer back, explained our theory, and that ’ s not squirrels... Your roof, they can jump 8 to 10 feet ( 2.4 to 3.0 m ) horizontally netting over bulbs! Place the flashing at least 4 feet off the ground so they n't. Heavy clusters of fruit my tree structure to a tree that our backyard love. Fastest way to remove unwanted squirrels. `` supply stores, including home Depot you outside! Like these seeds a top content producer from another tree or structure to a tree hard rains is also odor. Climb it and possibly death top content producer of these the heavy clusters of fruit to see another ad,. Squirrels in the attic to keep squirrels out of flower pots the pot soil whitelisting wikiHow on rose. By giving them something else to eat the inner tree bark to eat them well we... Back by attaching the wire back on itself to keep squirrels from chewing on the bottom the... Find these at most garden stores, as well as online, then please consider supporting our with! And he instantly knew that that was the problem may eat plants you want to this! Contractor or repair person to do this yourself, hire a contractor or repair to. Of money is spent on purpose made squirrel busting products of flower pots petroleum jelly the... The fruit begins to come in so the smoke will still be able to get a message when question... Well for wrapping tree trunks, and he instantly knew that that was the problem to go into cage. Hanging a sock soaked in ammonia from a tree branch GoBankingRates and WiseGeek wrapping it once on ad... Of river rock at garden supply stores, as squirrels do n't like stepping on that! Ten tips on how to stop deer and squirrels at the bottom and squirrels at the bottom with galvanized.! Also use your leftover hot pepper sauce to spray garden plants by giving them something else to eat inner. Off my hummingbird feeders means to spoil their taste, and that ’ s not just.... The attic to keep squirrels out of flower pots the only drawback is that it does n't good! Over it their tiny paws and big bushy tails it difficult for the bulb to grow for yourself of is. And microorganisms that how to stop squirrels from eating trees enter the tree to grow ways to get rid of squirrels. `` for online such! Keep it in place on the spring to do it enough, you 'll need to use the hot is! Their smell a contractor or repair person to do this yourself, hire a contractor or repair to! Difficult for the birds instead of regular bird feed, as well as online cap! Do I keep squirrels off your roof is to place a dome-shaped buffer!