How to Keep Squirrels Out of Potted Plants
Squirrels are sneaky little creatures that love to dig in flowerpots. They’re looking for a place to bury their food, and the soft potting soil in your containers is the perfect spot. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to keep squirrels out of your potted plants.
Why Do Squirrels Dig in Flowerpots?
Squirrels dig in flowerpots to bury their food, such as acorns and nuts. Potting soil is soft and easy for them to dig in, making it the perfect spot to hide their treasure trove.
Protecting Potted Plants from Squirrels
Keeping squirrels out of potted plants is a matter of trial and error, but the following suggestions are worth a try:
Add Something to the Potting Soil That Squirrels Find Distasteful
Squirrels don’t like the smell of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil, or garlic. You can mix one or more of these ingredients into the potting soil to deter squirrels.
Create a Homemade Squirrel Repellent
To make a homemade squirrel repellent, combine 2 tablespoons of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, one chopped onion, and one chopped jalapeno pepper in a pot. Boil the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, then strain it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the strained mixture into a spray bottle and use it to spray the soil around your potted plants.
Add Dried Blood to the Potting Mix
Dried blood is a high-nitrogen fertilizer that squirrels don’t like the smell of. Be careful not to apply too much, as it can burn your plants.
Cover the Soil with Rocks or Mulch
A layer of rocks or mulch on top of the potting soil can discourage squirrels from digging. However, rocks can get hot in the summer and damage plants, so mulch is a better option.
Hang Shiny Objects Near Your Plants
Squirrels are afraid of shiny objects. You can hang colorful pinwheels or spinners, old CDs, or aluminum pie pans near your potted plants to scare them away.
Cover Potted Plants with a Cage
If you don’t like the idea of surrounding your plants with shiny objects, you can cover them with a cage made of chicken wire, plastic bird netting, or hardware cloth. This will keep squirrels out and protect your plants from their sharp claws.
Use Thorns to Deter Squirrels
If you have blackberry vines or wild roses growing nearby, you can cut a few stems and poke them into the soil around your potted plants. The thorns will deter squirrels from digging.
Additional Tips:
- Squirrels are more likely to dig in potted plants during the offseason when they’re looking for a place to store their food. Be sure to take extra precautions during this time.
- If you see a squirrel digging in your potted plants, don’t chase it away. This will only make it more likely to come back. Instead, try to scare it away with a loud noise or a spray of water.
- Be patient. It may take some time to find a method that works for you. But don’t give up, and eventually you’ll be able to keep squirrels out of your potted plants for good.
