How can I keep squirrels from digging up flowers in my outdoor pot?

Question

How do I keep squirrels from digging up the flowers in my outdoor pots? I don't want to hurt them. Thanks

Nancy Turner · Answer

I use shredded Irish Spring soap and cayenne pepper. If that doesn't work, I bait a mouse trap with peanut butter and set it where they like to dig. I have been doing this for years and have never caught a squirrel or chipmunk, just scared the bejesus out of them and they didn't come back for a couple of months.

Cindy · Answer

Try putting some shredded Irish Spring bar soap on top of the soil in your pots. Animals hate the smell and taste. You can shred the bars on a box grater or even in a food processor. Replenish after rain. I use this in my vegetable garden and in my flower beds. Works very well.

Mogie · Answer

Try covering the surface of the pot with attractive rocks and stones. A very economical solution is to stick bamboo skewers in your pots with the pointy ends upwards.

Try laying chicken wire just under the top level of soil when planting bulbs to prevent squirrels from digging them out.

Mix in fresh, strong smelling coffee grounds with the top layer of soil. The odor is repellent to squirrels but does them no harm.

You can make pepper spray by combining a couple of teaspoons of washing up liquid with a small bottle of hot pepper sauce and water. Put it into a plastic spray bottle to apply.

Bone meal is also pretty repulsive to squirrels. Usually made from the blood of pigs and cows it is a natural fertilizer high in nitrogen and ammonia, and has a strong blood like scent that scares off squirrels. The added bonus is that you will be adding nitrogen to your soil at the same time!

Ellis · Answer

I use stones, of the smooth river rock type. I just cover the surface of the soil with stones that are a bit heavy for squirrels to dig in. If you can't find enough stones on your property, you can buy a bag in stores that sell landscape supplies.

Katie · Answer

I've had good luck with nylon net (dressmaker kind) in a dark green or brown. Just make a sort of twisted wreath around the base of the plant, anchor it with a few pebbles. Squirrels don't like it because their tiny claws get caught in it. Doesn't take much net to discourage them

Verna Barkley · Answer

Eucalyptus, thyme, lemongrass, cinnamon and peppermint essential oils are all great for keeping lots of pests away including squirrels. Just put several drops of your favorite in a water/witch hazel or water/vodka mixture in a spray bottle and apply all around on the pots and dirt.

My boss's wife puts wooden kebab skewers down in the dirt with the pointy side sticking up a few inches.