10 Squirrel Deterrent Plants to Protect Your Garden from Furry Pests

Table of Contents

Squirrels are furry cute animals, but can cause significant damage to our gardens with their constant digging and foraging. Fortunately, there are many plants that can help keep these squirrels at bay. In this article, we'll explore 10 effective squirrel deterrent plants that you can use in your garden. Not only will these natural squirrel control methods save your plants but also enhance the look of your garden.

1. Alliums: Alliums are known for their distinctive ball-shaped blooms that come in various shades of blue, purple, and white. Besides their beauty in the garden, alliums have a pungent smell that repels squirrels. This is because squirrels dislike sulfurous compounds found in alliums. So, planting alliums around your garden perimeter can discourage squirrels from entering the area.

2. Daffodils: Daffodils are bright yellow beauties that are not only popular for their cheerful blossoms but also because they deter squirrels. This is because daffodils contain toxic lycorine which makes them less attractive to squirrels as a food source. You can plant daffodils in groups or clusters along with other plants to provide effective protection to your garden.

3. Fritillaries: Fritillaries are stunning bell-shaped flowers that come in many different hues of purple or cream with speckled patterns. They have a bitter taste and produce an unpleasant scent. Besides discouraging squirrels, fritillaries can also attract butterflies and bees to your garden.

4. Galanthus: Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, is a winter-blooming flower that has an onion-like smell which squirrels dislike. They also contain a toxic compound called galantamine, which when consumed in large amounts, can cause sickness and even death in rodents. Planting them around the garden is a great way to keep squirrels away.

5. Hyacinths: Hyacinths are one of the most fragrant bulbs known for their sweet smells; they not only beautify your garden but also function as a natural squirrel repellent. The deterrent aspect of hyacinths comes from their strong pungent odor, which drives away squirrels.

6. Geraniums: Geraniums come in many different colors and sizes, making it easy to integrate them into any garden design. Geraniums produce a scent that contains citronella oil, which is naturally repuve to squirrels. The aroma produced by these flowers acts as a barrier, keeping squirrels on the outskirts of your garden and away from your plants.

7. Datura: Datura, also known as moonflower or devil's trumpet, is a common plant in gardens worldwide. It produces an attractive trumpet-shaped flower that blooms during the night. However, squirrels find these plants compeltely unappetizing due to their bitter taste and unpleasant scent. Take caution though, as datura can be toxic if ingested.

8. Mint: Mint is a useful herb with a wide range of uses in the kitchen and has been found to have natural insect-repelling properties. Similarly, its fragrance acts as a deterrent to squirrels, making them less likely to trample your garden looking for food.

9. Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that produces pine-scented evergreen needles. The plant's oils give off an aroma that squirrels find displeasing, so planting it around your garden, beds, borders or edging of your property can have a protective effect, repelling both rodents and insects as well

10. Marigolds: Marigolds are bright, hardy annual flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are known to repel rodents because they emit a strong odor that deters squirrels, especially when planted near vegetable gardens where squirrels tend to thrive during summertime.

While there is no absolute guarantee when it comes to keeping squirrels out of your garden, these plants can certainly help. By incorporating these natural squirrel repellants into your landscape, you'll be able to protect your plants and enjoy a beautiful garden without worrying about rodents. You can mix these plants with vegetables, fruit trees, or any other favorite plants that you want to grow in your garden to make it an all-around safe space.

FAQ:

1. Are there any other natural ways to keep squirrels away from my garden?

Yes, there are other natural ways that you can use to deter squirrels from your garden. One of the most effective ways is by scattering used coffee grounds or crushed red pepper flakes around your garden. Squirrels don't like the smell of these substances and will avoid them.

2. Do all squirrels have the same tastes in vegetation?

No, not all squirrels have the same tastes in vegetation. Different species of squirrels may prefer different types of foods.

3. How often should I replant these squirrel deterrent plants?

These plants require replanting every spring season because they typically only produce blooms for one year. Replanting ensures constant growth of a fresh batch of deterrent plants for next season.

4. What happens if squirrels do manage to get into my garden?

If they get in, they cause damage to your plants, mostly digging and foraging through crop beds. Also, they might feed on leaves and fruits to quench their hunger. However, the use of deterrent plants allows prevention rather than controlling the squirrel's damage.

5. Can I use these plants as a lawn treatment?

Using these plants as lawn treatments is not common, as many people tend to value their aesthetic properties more when used in decorative plant beds. Though mint and rosemary repel mosquitos as well and can be useful over the lawn if put down while mulching, but using deterrents directly on the lawn can ruin the grass.

6. Will using these plants harm the squirrels?

No, using these plants does not harm squirrels. The plants only act as a natural repellent, making them less likely to enter the garden. It is important to allow squirrels access to their natural habitats, and using these plants helps balance this fact.

7. How long does it take for the plants to become effective?

For most of these listed plants, they tend to be immediately effective, especially with freshly grown foliage.

8. Do I need to change the plants every season?

Yes, you need to replant these squirrel deterrent plants each new growing season so that they remain efficient in deterring pests as there are no permanent plant options available outside.

9. Are there any plants that will attract squirrels to my garden?

Squirrels tend to be attracted to fruit trees such as apples and peaches, along with different types of vegetables and nesting space like oak trees.

10. Can I plant these in containers on my patio or balcony?

Yes, You can indeed plant these squirrel deterrent plants in containers on your patio, balcony or anywhere outdoors as they are easy to grow and maintain besides being a great alternative natural repellent for people who lack open gardening space.