Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Flower Beds

Rubber Snakes

• Squirrels do not like snakes, as they are a predator. Snakes will eat squirrels if given the chance. To help keep the squirrels out of your garden, place some rubber snakes strategically around your plants. This is a good solution for those who are not particularly scared of snakes. Move the rubber snakes around every once in a while to keep the squirrels guessing, as no method is guaranteed to keep these persistent critters out all the time.

Cats

• Consider adopting a cat from the Humane society. Cats hunt squirrels and will often leave a dead one sitting on your doorstep. This works especially well no matter where you live, whether in the city or the country. Dogs will chase away the squirrels, but many jurisdictions do not allow dogs to run around off the leash. If a cat is prowling around your yard, the squirrels will have second thoughts about digging up any more of your flower beds.

Wire Mesh

• Wire mesh will keep squirrels out of your garden. This works best when planting a new garden as you will need to till the soil and bury the mesh about 2 inches into the ground. Use a wire mesh that has 1-inch holes or less to discourage the squirrels from digging down in between the wire pieces. You can plant your bulbs or seeds so that they will grow up through the holes in the mesh. Make sure you bury the mesh well and the squirrels will not be able to grab hold of the mesh to remove it or bury their nuts. When you buy the mesh, you will also have to buy metal stakes to hold it down. Stake the mesh down carefully all around the edges for better protection from the squirrels, especially around the the corners of your flower garden.