How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden: Smart and Humane Strategies

At first glance, squirrels might seem like charming little acrobats of nature. Watching them dart across branches and perform aerial stunts in your backyard can be delightful. But when these bushy-tailed visitors start treating your garden like their personal pantry—digging up bulbs, snatching bird seed, or planting surprise walnut trees—their appeal fades fast.

Mike McGrath, host of the popular radio show You Bet Your Garden, has a more dramatic take. Half-jokingly, he calls squirrels “the servants of Satan”—a nod to how maddening their antics can become for dedicated gardeners.

“They spend about 90 seconds taking care of their basic needs,” McGrath explains, “and the rest of their time seems devoted to driving gardeners nuts.” One spring, McGrath planted hundreds of tulip bulbs in a carefully prepared flower bed. Everything looked fine at first—he even checked that the bulbs were still in place after noticing some disturbed soil. But by the time spring arrived, instead of a sea of tulips, he was greeted by hundreds of sprouting black walnut trees. The squirrels had stolen the bulbs and replaced them with nuts.

If you’ve had enough of squirrel sabotage, don’t worry—there are plenty of effective and humane ways to reclaim your garden. Here’s how to do it.

1. Let the Dogs Out

One of the most natural squirrel deterrents might already be living in your home: your dog. Especially if you have a larger breed—think Labrador Retriever or Great Pyrenees—your four-legged friend can play a key role in keeping squirrels at bay.

“Dogs and squirrels are natural enemies,” says McGrath. “If you regularly brush your dog, save the fur and use it as mulch around your flower beds.” Not only will the scent of the dog hair discourage squirrels from getting too close, but it can also help keep slugs away. The hair tangles around the slimy pests and deters them from crawling over your plants.

2. Use Squirrel Repellents (Yes, Even the Stinky Ones)

No dog? No problem. You can still make your garden less appealing to furry foragers with a few smart tricks.

Nikki Tilley, senior editor at Gardening Know How, recommends using natural deterrents like predator urine (available at garden stores) or ground chili pepper flakes. These scents signal danger to squirrels and encourage them to keep moving.

When it comes to protecting bird feeders, cayenne pepper is a surprisingly effective option. Birds aren’t bothered by the spice, but squirrels can’t stand it. Simply sprinkle a little into your seed mix, and you’ll likely see a drop in squirrel activity around your feeders.

3. Choose Your Plants Wisely

Not all flowers are equally delicious to squirrels. If you’re tired of losing tulips and crocuses, consider planting squirrel-resistant varieties instead.

“Daffodils, alliums, and fritillarias tend to be unappealing to squirrels,” Tilley explains. These bulbs contain compounds that make them less tasty (or even toxic) to the curious critters. Planting these around more vulnerable flowers can act as a natural barrier.

4. Reinforce with Fencing and Netting

Physical barriers remain one of the most reliable defenses. Installing chicken wire, mesh netting, or small fences around your flower beds or vegetable patches can discourage squirrels from digging.

For bulbs, try placing a piece of hardware cloth (a stiff wire mesh) just below the surface of the soil after planting. Cover it lightly with dirt and mulch. The mesh prevents squirrels from digging up the bulbs, while still allowing the plants to grow through.

5. Keep It Clean

Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense. Be sure not to unintentionally feed your squirrel visitors. Clean up dropped bird seed regularly, avoid leaving pet food outside, and use squirrel-proof feeders whenever possible.

You can also try motion-activated sprinklers, which will startle squirrels (and other pests) with a sudden spray of water—no harm done, just a firm “not welcome” message.

Conclusion: Outsmarting the Fluffy Garden Raiders

There’s no denying that squirrels can be persistent. But with a bit of planning, some strategic planting, and a few clever tricks, you can make your garden far less appealing to them.

Whether you choose to recruit your dog, sprinkle a little cayenne, or wrap your bulbs in wire armor, you’re not powerless against these energetic garden invaders. And once you reclaim your flower beds, you might even find it a little easier to enjoy the sight of a squirrel in a distant tree—far away from your tulips.