How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Mulch

Mulch provides a layer of insulation to the plants that helps prevent weeds and retain soil moisture, while also making the garden bed look more attractive. The mulch is also attractive to squirrels. These pests dig in the mulch to bury their food for winter. In the process, they kick mulch out of the bed and uproot tender plants. Keeping the squirrels out of the mulch protects the appearance of your bed and saves your plants from damage.

Things You'll Need

• Poultry wire
• Wire snips
• Pine nugget mulch

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut a sheet of 1-inch poultry mesh to the same size as the mulched bed. Use wire snips to cut through the mesh.

   • 2

     Lay the poultry mesh on top of the mulched bed. Press the edges of the mesh into the soil to anchor the mesh so it doesn't shift.

   • 3

     Cover the mesh with a single layer of mulch to camouflage it. Use a large mulch, such as pine bark nuggets. The combination of a mesh and large mulch pieces prevents most squirrels from digging.