How to keep squirrels out of your garden (without losing your mind)

Have you ever walked outside to admire your garden, only to find your bulbs dug up and half-eaten tomatoes on the ground? If so, you know the frustration. Squirrels are clever, relentless, and surprisingly bold — especially when they’ve set their sights on your veggies or flowers.

The good news? There are effective ways to keep squirrels out of your garden without turning it into a fortress. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through natural deterrents, physical barriers, maintenance hacks, and even a few creative (and humane!) tactics to reclaim your space.

So, let’s get into it …

Why do squirrels love your garden so much?

First, it helps to understand what’s attracting squirrels in the first place. It’s not personal — they’re just looking for:

• Food: Nuts, berries, fruit, young shoots, and bulbs are irresistible to them.
• Water: Especially in hot weather, they’re drawn to water sources like birdbaths.
  Shelter: Dense shrubs, trees, and even cozy piles of wood make perfect hiding spots.
• Entertainment: Squirrels are naturally curious and playful. If they find loose soil or mulch, they’ll dig just for fun (annoying, right?).

When you remove (or reduce) these temptations, you instantly make your garden less appealing.

1. Start with natural squirrel deterrents

Squirrels have strong senses of smell and taste, which works in your favor.

DIY spicy spray

Squirrels hate spicy scents and flavors. Make a simple spray with:

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• A few crushed garlic cloves
• 1 quart of water

Let it steep overnight, strain it, and spray it around the base of plants, on fences, and along garden beds.

Pro Tip: Reapply after rain!

Strong-scented plants

Consider planting plants in your garden that squirrels naturally dislike, such as:

• Marigolds
• Daffodils
• Hyacinths
• Alliums
• Mint (Bonus: it repels mosquitoes too)

Predator scents

Squirrels are prey animals, so the scent of predators like foxes or coyotes will make them uneasy.

You can buy predator urine granules from most garden centers and sprinkle them strategically.

2. Build physical barriers that work

If you’re serious about keeping squirrels out, physical barriers are your most reliable defense.

Install proper fencing

Use hardware cloth or chicken wire with holes no bigger than 1 inch. Bury it at least 6 inches deep to stop squirrels and other rodents from digging under it. Make the fence at least 2 feet tall — squirrels are great jumpers, but they tend to avoid extra effort.

Cover plants with netting or cages

Use bird netting or cloches to shield vulnerable plants. For fruit trees, consider tree netting to prevent climbing.

Try row covers

Lightweight row covers protect young seedlings and emerging shoots — prime targets for squirrels.

3. Keep your garden clean and less inviting

A tidy garden is a less tempting garden.

• Clean up fallen fruit, nuts, and seeds daily.  Leaving them on the ground is like setting out a buffet.
• Trim back overgrown branches. If you have trees that act as highways into your garden, prune them back away from fences and roofs.
• Secure your compost bin. Compost attracts not just squirrels, but all kinds of critters. Use a bin with a secure lid.

4. Use motion-activated devices

Squirrels hate surprises. Devices that startle them can be extremely effective.

• Motion-activated sprinklers: These deliver a harmless burst of water when movement is detected.
• Ultrasonic repellents: Emit sounds that are unpleasant for squirrels but inaudible to humans.

RELATED: How to keep Canada Geese off your lawn …

5. Don’t forget about bird feeders

If you feed the birds, you might unintentionally be feeding the squirrels too. To help deter squirrels from eating out of feeders, consider a squirrel proof model. 

Look for designs with:

• Weight-sensitive perches that close access to the seed when a squirrel lands.
• Baffles (dome-shaped devices) that prevent climbing.

You also want to take a good look at where you are placing them. Whenever possible, keep them far from jumping points like branches or fences.

6. Try humane trapping as a last resort

If nothing else works, humane traps are an option — but use them responsibly.

• Always check local laws about trapping and relocating wildlife.
• Relocate trapped squirrels at least 5 miles away to prevent their return.
• Never leave traps unattended for long periods.

This can be a quick solution to your current problem … but remember. Unless you address the attractants in your garden, new squirrels will likely move in to take their place.

Be consistent 

When it comes to keeping squirrels out of your garden, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works wonderfully for one garden might need tweaking for another. The trick is to stay consistent and combine methods.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Remove food sources
• Use natural repellents
• Install physical barriers
• Keep things tidy
• Deter them with motion-activated devices
• Protect your bird feeders
• Trap only as a last resort

With a little patience (and persistence), you can enjoy a lush, squirrel-free garden.

Remember, squirrels are just doing what comes naturally to them. The goal isn’t to harm them, but to gently persuade them that your garden isn’t the ideal playground. And with these tips, you’ll be well on your way.