Keep Squirrels Away With These Plants

Plants That Repel Squirrels

Are you tired of squirrels digging up your garden or stealing from your bird feeders? Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are natural ways to keep them away. One effective method is to plant certain types of plants that repel squirrels. In this article, we’ll explore 15 different plants that can help deter squirrels and keep your garden looking beautiful.

The Hook:

Picture this: You wake up one morning to find your garden completely destroyed by pesky squirrels. They've dug up your bulbs, eaten all of your flowers, and even stolen food from your bird feeder. You're frustrated and don't know what to do. Fortunately, there is a natural way to keep squirrels away - planting certain types of plants. In this article, we'll explore 15 different plants that repel squirrels and help keep your garden safe.

1. Daffodils (Narcissus)

What Makes Them Effective:

Daffodils are not only beautiful flowers, but they also have a strong scent that squirrels don't like. The bulbs of daffodils contain lycorine, which is toxic to squirrels and other rodents. This means that squirrels will avoid digging around areas where daffodils are planted.

Tips for Planting:

Plant daffodils in the fall for spring blooms. Be sure to plant them at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

2. Alliums

What Makes Them Effective:

Alliums are a type of onion that have a strong odor that squirrels dislike. They also contain sulfur compounds that repel squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant allium bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. They should be planted at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

3. Fritillarias

What Makes Them Effective:

Fritillarias are a type of bell-shaped flower that have a strong scent that squirrels don't like. They also contain toxic alkaloids that repel squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant fritillaria bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. They should be planted at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

4. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)

What Makes Them Effective:

Hyacinths are another flowering plant that squirrels don't like due to their strong scent. They also contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. Be sure to plant them at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

5. Snowdrops (Galanthus)

What Makes Them Effective:

Snowdrops are small, white flowers that bloom in the early spring. They have a strong scent that squirrels don't like, and they also contain galantamine, which is toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant snowdrop bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. They should be planted at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

6. Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)

What Makes Them Effective:

Crown Imperials are tall, trumpet-shaped flowers that have a strong odor that squirrels dislike. They also contain toxic alkaloids that repel squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant crown imperial bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. They should be planted at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

7. Geraniums (Pelargonium)

What Makes Them Effective:

Geraniums are a type of flowering plant that have a strong scent that squirrels don't like. They are also toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant geraniums in well-draining soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in containers or in the ground.

8. Mint (Mentha)

What Makes Them Effective:

Mint is an herb that has a strong odor that squirrels dislike. It also contains pulegone, which is toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant mint in a container to prevent it from taking over your garden. Be sure to keep the soil moist and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.

9. Lavender (Lavandula)

What Makes Them Effective:

Lavender is a fragrant herb that squirrels don't like due to its strong scent. It also contains linalool, which is toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant lavender in well-draining soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Be sure to prune it regularly to encourage bushier growth.

10. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

What Makes Them Effective:

Rosemary is an herb that has a strong odor that squirrels dislike. It also contains camphor, which can be toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant rosemary in well-draining soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Be sure to prune it regularly to encourage bushier growth.

11. Marigolds (Tagetes)

What Makes Them Effective:

Marigolds are a type of flowering plant that have a strong odor that squirrels don't like. They also contain thiophene, which is toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant marigolds in well-draining soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in containers or in the ground.

12. Garlic (Allium sativum)

What Makes Them Effective:

Garlic is an herb that has a strong odor that squirrels dislike. It also contains sulfur compounds that repel squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant garlic in well-draining soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.

13. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

What Makes Them Effective:

Chives are an herb that have a strong odor that squirrels don't like. They also contain sulfur compounds that repel squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant chives in well-draining soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in containers or in the ground.

14. Tulips (Tulipa)

What Makes Them Effective:

Tulips are a type of flowering plant that have a strong odor that squirrels don't like. They also contain toxic substances such as tulipalin A and B, which can be harmful to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Plant tulips in the fall for spring blooms. Be sure to plant them at a depth of at least six inches to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

15. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)

What Makes Them Effective:

Dandelions are a common weed that squirrels dislike due to their bitter taste. They also contain taraxacin, which is toxic to squirrels and other rodents.

Tips for Planting:

Dandelions will often appear in your lawn on their own, but if you want to cultivate them, plant seeds in the fall or early spring in well-draining soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will planting these plants completely get rid of squirrels?

No, planting these plants will not completely get rid of squirrels. However, they can help deter them from certain areas of your garden.

2. Do I need to use pesticides to keep squirrels away?

No, you do not need to use pesticides to keep squirrels away. These plants offer a natural and safe way to repel squirrels.

3. How often do I need to replant these plants?

Most of these plants are perennials, which means they will come back year after year. However, you may need to replant bulbs or seeds for some of them.

4. Can these plants be harmful to other animals or humans?

Some of these plants can be toxic to pets or humans if ingested in large quantities. Be sure to research each plant before planting and take precautions if necessary.

5. What else can I do to keep squirrels away?

In addition to planting these plants, you can also try using physical barriers such as netting or fences, or using squirrel-proof bird feeders.

Hello there! How can I assist you today? Sure, no problem! Is there anything specific you'd like to talk about or any questions you have? I'm here to help in any way I can.