How do I keep squirrels from chewing on my hibiscus tree?
by Jeanette
+6
I have noticed bare branches and leaves around my tropical hibiscus tree. I thought it was just adjustment to be moving outside, but this morning, I found the culprit - a squirrel! How can I discourage this squirrel without damaging the plant or hurting the squirrel? - thanks
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Hi Jeanette. I would make a spray with water and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes and spray it on the plant. I do this to my pots to keep them out. Good Luck!
Great article that may help https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-use-discourage-squirrels-eating-hibiscus-plants-46102.html
I use cayenne pepper powder liberally sprinkled around the plants. Follow that with grated Irish spring bar soap. If that doesn't work, add in the spray on the plants. I have six hibiscus plants in pots that I put out every spring and have never had them eat on the plants, dig in the soil, yes. If the strong scents and taste don't work, try putting a mouse trap baited with peanut butter in the pot. They are too big to get trapped in a mouse trap, but the snap scares them away, sometimes for good. I hope this works for you Jeanette!
You could spray with hot pepper like cayenne, that should discourage the gnawing on your tree, It is a bad taste to them.