If squirrels have been wreaking havoc on your garden or yard, you’re not alone. These clever and persistent critters can cause significant damage by digging up plants, raiding bird feeders, and chewing on structures. However, there’s a natural way to deter them: strategic planting. These are 12 plants that keep squirrels away.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that squirrels tend to avoid due to its strong scent. This hardy perennial thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and can be used in cooking, making it a practical choice for gardeners. Its aromatic leaves can deter squirrels while adding flavor to your dishes. Additionally, rosemary is drought-resistant, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden.
2. Hyacinths
Hyacinths are not only beautiful but also serve as a natural squirrel repellent. Their vibrant flowers emit a strong fragrance that squirrels find unpleasant. As the flowers bloom, they release a scent that becomes more intense, further deterring these rodents. Additionally, hyacinth bulbs are toxic to squirrels, adding another layer of protection for your garden. Planting them in flower beds can create a visually appealing barrier against squirrel intrusion.
3. Daffodils
Daffodils are well-known for their bright blooms and ability to deter squirrels. The bulbs contain lycorine, a chemical that is toxic to many animals, including squirrels. This toxicity, combined with the unpleasant smell of the flowers, makes daffodils an excellent choice for protecting your garden. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and can re-flower each spring, providing both beauty and pest deterrence.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint is another plant that effectively keeps squirrels away due to its strong, minty aroma. The scent is sharp enough to deter various pests, including rodents like squirrels. Peppermint is easy to grow and thrives in a variety of conditions, but it can become invasive if not contained. For best results, consider planting peppermint in pots to control its spread while enjoying its culinary uses and pest-repelling properties.
5. Geraniums
Geraniums are not only colorful additions to your garden but also serve as a deterrent for squirrels. Their fragrant leaves emit a scent that many pests find unappealing. Geraniums are resilient plants that can bloom from spring through fall, providing continuous protection against squirrel activity while enhancing your garden’s aesthetics.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds are well-known for their vibrant colors and ability to repel various pests, including squirrels. Their strong scent is unpleasant for many animals, making them an effective barrier in gardens. These hardy annuals are easy to grow and can be planted alongside other vegetables or flowers to help protect them from squirrel damage.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are edible and serve as a natural deterrent for squirrels and other pests. Their peppery leaves and bright flowers can distract squirrels from more desirable plants in your garden. Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil conditions and can be easily grown from seeds, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and pest resistance.
8. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is another plant that squirrels tend to avoid due to its toxicity. The sweet-smelling flowers may attract humans, but they contain compounds that are harmful to many animals, including squirrels. This hardy perennial thrives in shaded areas and can help create a protective barrier around more vulnerable plants in your garden.
9. Fritillaries
Fritillaries produce beautiful flowers with a strong odor that deters squirrels and other garden pests. These bulbs are not commonly found in all gardens but can be an effective addition if you’re looking for something unique that also offers pest-repelling qualities. Fritillaries thrive in well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade.
10. Alliums
Allium encompasses various plants such as onions, garlic, chives, shallots, scallions, and leeks, all known for their strong scents that repel pests like squirrels. Planting alliums around your garden can create an effective barrier against these rodents while adding visual interest with their unique flower shapes and colors.
11. Hot Peppers
Plants like chili peppers contain capsaicin, which gives them their heat and acts as a natural repellent for squirrels. Growing hot peppers can provide you with both culinary ingredients and a way to keep squirrels at bay. You can also create homemade sprays using hot pepper extracts to deter squirrels from specific areas of your garden.
12. Lavender
Lavender is known for its soothing fragrance but also serves as an effective squirrel repellent due to its strong scent that many animals find off-putting. This hardy perennial thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and adds beauty to any garden while helping keep unwanted visitors away.
Source:
Want to Keep Squirrels From Eating Your Garden? Here’s What to Plant
Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of AI and was edited/fact-checked by a human.
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