Your summer garden should be a place of beauty and relaxation, not an unwanted buffet for neighbourhood squirrels. If you’ve noticed your vibrant flowers or freshly planted veggies being disturbed, you’re not alone. Squirrels are known for their digging habits, especially during the warmer months. The big question is, how do you stop them? With the right squirrel-proof garden tips and effective summer garden pest control strategies, you can enjoy a healthy garden without digging damage.

To top squirrels digging garden beds and ruining all your hard work, it’s about creating a space that squirrels find less appealing. From physical barriers to smarter planting choices, these methods can help protect your garden while maintaining its charm. And when squirrels become more stubborn than your tactics, the experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oshawa are here to help.

Why Do Squirrels Dig Up Gardens?

Understanding what drives squirrels to dig is the first step to addressing the problem. Squirrels often dig for two main reasons:

• Food storage: Squirrels bury seeds and nuts in gardens, planning to return to them later.
• Foraging: They dig to hunt for insects, bulbs, or to unearth whatever piques their curiosity beneath the soil.

This behaviour can leave your garden in disarray, but fortunately, there are tried and tested steps to help deter these little animals.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Garden from Squirrels

To keep squirrels from making your garden their personal playground, you’ll need a mix of prevention strategies and deterrents. Here’s what works best:

Add Physical Barriers

One of the most effective ways to protect your garden is by physically blocking access for squirrels. These clever creatures might be persistent, but a strong barrier can stop them in their tracks. Adding physical barriers to your garden not only helps keep squirrels away but also protects your plants from other small animals that may be lurking.

• Fencing: Enclose your garden with mesh or wire fencing to create a reliable shield against unwanted visitors. Be sure to choose a material with small openings that squirrels can’t squeeze through or climb. To enhance its effectiveness, bury the edges of the fence a few inches into the ground to prevent squirrels from digging underneath.
• Netting for Individual Plants: Lightweight netting is a great option to protect specific plants that squirrels find most tempting, such as tulip bulbs or tender greens. You can drape the netting directly over the plants, ensuring it’s snug enough to stop squirrels from getting through. This method also works well for seasonal gardens, as the netting is easy to remove once the problem is resolved.
• Cages for Vulnerable Areas: For vegetable patches or delicate flower beds, consider using cloches or wire cages. These structures provide a sturdy shield for your plants while still allowing sunlight and water to pass through. Cages work particularly well for younger plants that haven’t had a chance to fully develop, giving them time to grow in peace.

Barriers like these are an efficient and fast way to incorporate summer garden pest control measures. While simple to set up, they provide a lasting solution that helps you keep your garden safe and squirrel-free.

Mulch with Materials They Hate

Squirrels don’t like digging into certain surfaces, so adding the right mulch to your garden can work to your advantage. Materials like crushed gravel, commercial animal-deterrent mulch, or even pinecones can make it harder and less appealing for squirrels to dig.

Tip: Avoid mulches that contain nuts or seeds, as these can attract, rather than deter, squirrels.

Use Repellents

Creating an unappealing environment for squirrels is a simple way to keep them out of your garden. Both natural and store-bought repellents can be very effective. For a natural approach, try sprinkling cayenne pepper, paprika, or crushed garlic around your plants. These strong smells and tastes work to discourage squirrels without harming them. 

If you prefer a store-bought option, there are sprays specifically made to deter animals that are safe for the environment. Just remember to reapply them regularly, especially after it rains. Additionally, planting herbs like mint or lavender can help. Squirrels dislike their strong scents, which makes these plants a great natural barrier and a beautiful addition to your garden.

Plant Squirrel-Resistant Vegetation

Choosing the right plants can make a big difference. Squirrels tend to avoid plants with strong scents or prickly textures. Consider adding some of these to your garden:

• Daffodils
• Alliums
• Marigolds
• Geraniums

Adding these plants alongside your regular selections can help top squirrels digging garden areas.

Cover Soil and Bulbs

Newly planted bulbs or fresh soil often tempt squirrels. Protect these areas with simple coverings:

• Lay chicken wire over freshly planted beds. It’s easy to cut holes for your plants to grow through while keeping squirrels out.
• Use heavy-duty garden fabric to protect seeds and bulbs until they’re rooted.

This extra layer of protection can make all the difference.

Keep Your Garden Clean

Squirrels are opportunists, and any food source or debris can quickly invite them in. Stay on top of maintenance with these steps:

• Clean up fallen nuts, seeds, or fruit quickly.
• Remove any birdseed spills from feeders. Better yet, opt for bird feeders designed to deter squirrels.
• Install bins with secure lids or store compost away from your garden to avoid attracting curious animals.

The cleaner you keep your garden, the less likely squirrels are to dig around.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Even with the best squirrel-proof garden tips, squirrels can be persistent, especially during the busy summer months. When your prevention strategies aren’t working, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oshawa, we specialize in humane methods for resolving wildlife issues. Our one-way doors allow animals to leave your property safely, but stop them from coming back. No need for harmful trapping or relocation.

While our primary focus is on ensuring animals don’t damage your home or property, our expertise in squirrel behaviour means we’re equipped to handle even your garden concerns.

Why Choose Skedaddle for a Squirrel-Free Summer?

Even the most determined gardener can find battling squirrels a challenge. When DIY fixes fall short, it’s important to call in professionals who know how to handle these persistent animals safely and effectively. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we combine years of expertise with humane strategies to protect your property and your peace of mind. Here’s why you can count on us to help reclaim your garden.

What makes Skedaddle the go-to solution? 

• We have extensive experience with wildlife and garden protection in Oshawa and surrounding areas.
• We prioritize the safety of both humans and animals by using humane techniques that make a lasting impact.
• Our team offers long-term solutions, preventing squirrels from becoming repeat visitors.

If you’re tired of watching squirrels treat your garden like their personal playground, we can help. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oshawa provides professional support to keep your garden safe, beautiful, and free from damage. Request an estimate today, and together we’ll ensure your summer garden pest control works for you.