Squirrels are tenacious creatures and if they decide to dig a tunnel in your potted plant, it may seem like keeping squirrels out of containers is a futile task. If you’ve had it up to this point with potted plants and squirrels, here are a few suggestions that may help.
Why do squirrels dig in flower pots?
Squirrels primarily dig to bury their stash of food, such as acorns or nuts. Pots are ideal because potting soil is very soft and easy for squirrels to dig through. Chances are you’ll find their tasty treasure buried in some inches (7.5 to 15 cm). deep in their containers. Unfortunately, the creatures can also dig up bulbs or chew on your tender potted plants.
How to Protect Container Plants from Squirrels
Protecting potted plants from squirrels is basically a matter of trial and error, but the following suggestions are worth trying.
Mix something into the potting soil that squirrels find unpleasant. Natural repellents can include cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil, or garlic, or try a combination of two or more.
Similarly, create a homemade squirrel repellent consisting of 2 tablespoons (29.5 ml) black pepper, 2 tablespoons (29.5 ml) cayenne pepper, one chopped onion, and one chopped jalapeno pepper. Boil the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, then strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Pour the strained mixture into a spray bottle and use it to mist the soil around the potted plants. The mixture is powerful enough to irritate your skin, lips, and eyes, so use it carefully.
Add dried blood meal to the potting mix. Blood meal is a high-nitrogen fertilizer, so be careful not to apply excessive amounts.
A layer of rocks on top of the potting soil can discourage squirrels from digging. However, rocks can become hot enough to damage plants during the summer months. Alternatively, a thick layer of mulch can be beneficial in keeping squirrels out of the containers and will be much healthier for the plants.
Consider hanging decorative or shiny items near your potted plants to scare away squirrels. For example, try colored pinwheels, old CDs, or aluminum cake pans.
Cover potted plants with a cage made of chicken wire, plastic bird netting, or chicken wire, especially during the off-season, when squirrels are more likely to “plant” their stash, which they usually return for later, digging up precious bulbs in the process. If you don’t like the idea of surrounding your plants, try cutting small pieces that you can place below the soil surface.
If you have blackberry vines or wild roses growing nearby, cut a few stems and push them into the ground, standing up. The thorns may be sharp enough to deter squirrels from digging.