How to Protect Flower Bulbs From Animals

Several animals eat flower bulbs, including squirrels, mice, voles, chipmunks and rabbits. Squirrels and chipmunks usually dig up bulbs, leaving obvious damage. Mice and voles, on the other hand, tunnel underground, leaving no sign of their handiwork on the soil's surface. Often, the only sign that mice are enjoying a bulb buffet is when the flowers fail to bloom in the spring. Depending on the severity of the pest infestation, use one method or several to keep them at bay.

Taste deterrent spray, such as Ropel or Deer-Off
Sharp, crushed gravel
Bulb basket (available online or at nurseries)
Mesh chicken wire with holes 1 inch or smaller

Instructions

- 1
  Spray the bulbs before planting with a spray designed to repel animals, such as Deer-Off or Ropel. These products have a bad taste or odor that deters animals.
- 2
  Enclose the bulbs in a metal bulb basket before planting. Ensure that the bulbs are placed upright in the basket. The basket's wire mesh allows the plants to grow through but keeps hungry pests out.
- 3
  Place sharp crushed gravel in the hole with the bulbs when planting. The crushed gravel is uncomfortable to walk on or dig through, deterring animals.
- 4
  Lay chicken wire on the ground over the bulbs and extending 2 feet around them. The chicken wire is unpleasant to walk on and creates a barrier.

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