How do I keep squirrels from digging in my yard?

How To Stop Squirrels From Digging: Protecting Your Yard

Protecting your yard from persistent digging squirrels can be achieved through a combination of deterrents, habitat modification, and, if necessary, humane trapping and relocation. The key to success lies in understanding squirrel behavior and implementing a multifaceted approach to make your yard less attractive to them. Here’s how to keep squirrels from digging in your yard:

Understanding the Squirrelly Culprits

Before launching a full-scale war against these bushy-tailed bandits, it’s helpful to understand why squirrels dig in the first place. Understanding their motivations empowers you to tailor your approach for maximum effectiveness. They’re not just randomly tearing up your lawn out of spite!

• Food Storage: Squirrels are notorious hoarders. They bury nuts, seeds, and other food items in shallow holes to retrieve later, especially during the leaner winter months.
• Foraging for Food: They also actively forage for grubs, insects, and roots under the soil surface.
• Creating Dens: While squirrels typically nest in trees, they may sometimes dig burrows for shelter, particularly for raising young.
• Boredom and Curiosity: Sometimes, squirrels simply dig out of curiosity or because they’re bored. A varied and stimulating environment keeps them entertained.

Making Your Yard Less Appealing: The Multi-Pronged Approach

The most effective way to discourage squirrels from digging is to make your yard less attractive to them. This involves targeting their basic needs: food, water, and shelter.

• Eliminate Food Sources:

  • Bird Feeders: Squirrels are drawn to bird feeders like magnets. Use squirrel-proof feeders, or better yet, temporarily remove the feeders altogether to break the habit. Consider feeders that use weight-activated closures or cages around the feeding ports.
  • Fallen Nuts and Seeds: Regularly rake up fallen nuts, seeds, and fruits from trees. Clean up spilled birdseed promptly.
  • Pet Food: Store pet food indoors and avoid feeding pets outdoors. If outdoor feeding is unavoidable, clean up any leftovers immediately.
  • Garbage: Ensure garbage cans are securely sealed to prevent squirrels from accessing food scraps.

• Deterrent Plants:

  • Plant deterrent species. Certain plants like daffodils, alliums (onions, garlic, chives), and marigolds are known to deter squirrels due to their strong scents or toxicity. Interplanting these throughout your garden can create a less inviting environment.
  • Thorny or prickly plants: Using thorny or prickly plants as borders creates a natural barrier.

• Physical Barriers:

  • Wire Mesh: Bury wire mesh (chicken wire or hardware cloth) a few inches below the surface of vulnerable areas like flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. This prevents squirrels from digging.
  • Rocks or Gravel: Cover the soil surface with decorative rocks or gravel. Squirrels prefer digging in loose soil.
  • Fencing: Install a fence around your garden, burying the bottom at least 6 inches deep to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. For maximum effectiveness, the fence should be at least 4 feet high.

• Repellents:

  • Commercial Repellents: Use commercial squirrel repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin (from chili peppers) or garlic. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Reapply after rain.
  • Homemade Repellents: Create your own repellent spray using a mixture of water, cayenne pepper, and dish soap. Spray on plants and affected areas, but avoid spraying directly on food crops close to harvest.
  • Sprinklers: Install motion-activated sprinklers. These unexpected bursts of water will startle squirrels and discourage them from returning.

• Provide Alternative Food Sources (Strategic Distraction):

  • In a less accessible area of your yard, place a squirrel feeder filled with corn or other foods that squirrels enjoy. This can distract them from digging in your garden. This is a tricky tactic and only works if the alternative food source is truly more appealing and readily available.

Creating an Uninviting Environment: Landscape Modification

Beyond direct deterrents, you can modify your landscape to make it less squirrel-friendly.

• Remove Access Points: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof or provide easy access to your yard.
• Limit Hiding Places: Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed to reduce hiding places for squirrels.
• Encourage Predators: While not always feasible or desirable, encouraging natural predators like owls or hawks can help control squirrel populations.

Trapping and Relocation: The Last Resort (Use with Caution and Legality)

Trapping and relocating squirrels should be considered as a last resort and only when other methods have failed. It’s crucial to check your local laws regarding trapping and relocation, as it may be illegal or require a permit.

• Humane Traps: Use humane traps designed to capture squirrels without causing them harm. Bait the trap with nuts, seeds, or peanut butter.
• Relocation: Release the captured squirrel at least 5 miles away from your property in a suitable habitat, such as a wooded area or park. Relocating squirrels can be stressful for them and disrupt the existing ecosystem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Inconsistency: Deterrent methods need to be applied consistently to be effective.
• Using Poison: Poisoning squirrels is inhumane and can pose a risk to other animals and children.
• Ignoring the Underlying Problem: Simply filling in holes without addressing the root cause of the digging will only lead to more digging.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Eliminating squirrels entirely from your yard may not be possible. The goal is to manage their behavior and minimize damage.

Keeping Accurate Records of Squirrel Control Efforts

Keeping a record of what you have tried and the results can help to fine tune your squirrel management approach. Log the frequency of squirrel activity, types of deterrents used, and their effectiveness. Include the date, time and a short description of the squirrel activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best squirrel repellent?

The “best” squirrel repellent is subjective and depends on the situation. However, repellents containing capsaicin (from chili peppers) or garlic are generally effective. Motion-activated sprinklers and physical barriers also work well. Experiment to see what works best in your yard.

Will mothballs keep squirrels away?

No, mothballs are not recommended for repelling squirrels. They are toxic and can pose a risk to humans, pets, and other wildlife. They are also largely ineffective.

Are coffee grounds effective at deterring squirrels?

Some people report success using coffee grounds as a squirrel deterrent, citing their strong smell. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. While it may deter some squirrels, it’s unlikely to be a foolproof solution.

How do I protect my newly planted bulbs from squirrels?

To protect newly planted bulbs, cover the planting area with wire mesh or hardware cloth. Bury the edges a few inches deep to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. You can also sprinkle bone meal around the bulbs to make them less appealing.

Will peppermint oil deter squirrels?

Peppermint oil has a strong scent that some believe deters squirrels. You can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your garden. However, its effectiveness is not guaranteed, and it may need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.

What kind of soil do squirrels dislike digging in?

Squirrels prefer digging in loose, easily excavated soil. They are less likely to dig in compacted soil or soil covered with rocks or gravel.

How can I keep squirrels from eating my tomatoes?

Protecting your tomatoes from squirrels requires a multi-pronged approach. Physical barriers like cages or netting are the most effective. You can also try spraying your tomato plants with a squirrel repellent.

Are there any plants that attract squirrels to my yard?

Yes, certain plants can attract squirrels to your yard. These include nut-bearing trees (oak, walnut, hickory), sunflowers, and fruit trees.

Is it cruel to use a live trap for squirrels?

When used correctly, live traps are considered a humane way to capture squirrels. However, it’s essential to check the trap regularly and release the squirrel promptly to minimize stress. Avoid leaving the trap in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

How do I prevent squirrels from nesting in my attic?

To prevent squirrels from nesting in your attic, seal any potential entry points, such as holes in the roof, vents, or gaps around pipes. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to limit access.

What are the legal implications of trapping and relocating squirrels?

The legality of trapping and relocating squirrels varies by location. Check your local laws and regulations before attempting to trap or relocate any wildlife. Some areas require permits or prohibit relocation altogether.

How long will it take to get rid of squirrels digging in my yard?

The timeframe for eliminating squirrel digging depends on several factors, including the size of your yard, the squirrel population, and the effectiveness of your chosen methods. It may take several weeks or even months to see significant results. Persistence and consistency are key.