Tips on Protecting Potted Plants From Squirrels

Are your potted plants becoming unpotted? Squirrels and other local wildlife aren’t respecters of planted items, so they may see your beautiful pot of soil as a great place to stash their nuts and spare food. Find out how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Durham, as your leading squirrel removal team, can guard your plants and help you restore your landscaping to its beautiful, squirrel-free look.

Protect Your Potting Soil

Most squirrels are more concerned with your soil than your plants. While you may love the look and smell of your vegetables and flowers, the local squirrel population is busy finding great hiding spots for food caches. The first few holes may be subtle, but over time squirrels can devastate potted plants. Small holes turn into large ones, which can affect the health and visual appeal of your plants. A yard or patio planter is a great place to dig a small hole and hide a few nuts. As they dig, some squirrels also take a little time to nibble on several leaves, buds or bulbs. The three basic ways to help protect your plants from these intruders include guarding the soil, adding deterrents and working with professionals. Try using chicken wire or landscaping stakes buried in your pot. These minor inconveniences may be enough to deter a squirrel from digging around them. Other protective options include mulch and stones. Stones are durable enough to preserve your potted plant all season. Unfortunately, they can also retain enough heat to affect the plants in the summer. Mulch is a safer option, but it requires a little more maintenance. Some particularly persistent squirrels may still dig up your mulch and potting soil. These features can affect the look of your potted plants. If mulch or stones don’t add to the overall ambience of your plants, it can be an unsatisfying solution. Some homeowners give up altogether and simply remove their plant containers. Don’t give up on your outdoor garden or elegant landscaping theme but try squirrel deterrents instead or work with the professionals to protect your flowers, herbs and potted vegetables.

Add Squirrel Deterrents

Another option is to add ingredients to your soil that squirrels dislike. Here are some items that homeowners have had varying success using to deter squirrels from digging in their potted plants:

• Human hair
• Pet hair
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic
• Peppermint oil
• Vinegar

These items may have an unpleasant odour or taste to squirrels. One whiff or lick of a paw may be all you need to tell squirrels to scram. You shouldn’t have to overload your potted plants, but small amounts of one or more of these items should leave enough unappealing tastes in the soil to discourage furry intruders from setting up a pantry in your pot. Unfortunately, many homeowners have had less-than-successful experiences. While squirrels may find these items unpleasant, a desperate squirrel may still forge ahead and dig in your planter. Odours such as vinegar and peppermint oil may be unpleasant to you and your guests as well and mask the natural aroma of the flower itself.

Work With the Pros

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’re pros at telling squirrels to scamper. Whether they’re living in your attic, bothering your pets or digging in your potted plants, we have the skills and resources you need to safely remove them. Contact us today to learn more about our professional squirrel removal services. We use humane tactics to discourage squirrels from continuing to call your property their home. After removing them, we’ll carefully clean and disinfect your home, deck and plant pots to reduce the health risks associated with squirrels. Enjoy vibrant potted plants as a great way to spruce up your landscaping without worrying about squirrel intruders.