Squirrels are undeniably cute, but when they start digging up your precious flower bulbs, that charm quickly wears off. If you’re asking, “How do I keep squirrels from eating my bulbs?” you’re not alone. These clever critters love tulips and crocuses, making springtime a challenge for gardeners. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies to outsmart them and keep your bulbs safe.
Why Do Squirrels Dig Up Bulbs?
Squirrels dig for two main reasons: they either mistake freshly turned soil for a hidden stash of nuts left by other squirrels, or they want to bury their own food in soft, easy-to-dig soil. This means newly planted bulbs are prime targets, especially in fall when the ground is loose.
Choose Bulbs That Squirrels Don’t Like
One simple way to reduce damage is to plant bulbs squirrels tend to avoid. Daffodils, alliums, hyacinths, muscari (grape hyacinths), and snowdrops are generally disliked or even toxic to squirrels. Mixing these with more tempting bulbs like tulips and crocuses can discourage digging.
Physical Barriers: The Most Reliable Protection
Chicken Wire or Wire Mesh
The best defense is a physical barrier. Lay chicken wire or hardware cloth over the planted area immediately after planting. Squirrels hate the feel of metal on their teeth and can’t dig through it. You can cover the wire with a thin layer of soil or mulch to keep it discreet. Bulb shoots will grow right through the mesh, so it won’t harm your plants.
Window Screens or Bulb Guards
Another clever trick is to cover newly planted bulbs with old window screens in frames. These are heavy enough to prevent digging but still allow air and water to reach the soil. Once the soil settles, remove and store the screens for future use.
Prickle Strips
Rubber prickle strips with soft spikes can also deter squirrels. They’re useful if you want to keep other pests like pigeons or cats away from your garden as well.
Natural Deterrents and Repellents
Strong-Smelling Plants and Companion Planting
Planting garlic, onions, mint, marigolds, or nasturtiums around your bulbs can help repel squirrels due to their strong scents. Interplanting these with your bulbs creates a natural barrier squirrels dislike.
Spices and Home Remedies
Sprinkling crushed oyster shells, gravel, or crushed stones around your bulbs makes digging harder and less appealing. Some gardeners use coffee grounds, garlic powder, black pepper, or cinnamon as repellents. However, these need frequent reapplication, especially after rain, and cayenne pepper should be avoided as it can irritate squirrels’ eyes.
Commercial Repellents
There are various squirrel repellent sprays available, but their effectiveness varies and they often require frequent reapplication. Avoid using ground hot pepper powder directly, as it can cause animals severe pain if it gets in their eyes. Hot pepper wax sprays are safer alternatives.
Feeding Squirrels to Distract Them
An unusual but effective method is to provide squirrels with an alternative food source, like peanuts in a designated feeder. This can reduce the likelihood of them raiding your bulbs. The White House gardeners reportedly reduced squirrel damage by 95% using this approach.
Keep Your Garden Tidy
Squirrels are attracted by bulb debris, such as papery tunics or bits of bulb skins. Cleaning up planting debris and covering freshly dug soil with mulch or leaves can reduce their interest in the area.
Timing and Planting Tips
Plant bulbs deeper than usual-about 6 inches or more-to make digging more difficult. Also, plant bulbs in clusters rather than scattered, which makes it harder for squirrels to find them all. Early-season application of deterrents before squirrels start digging can help keep your garden off their radar.
Squirrels can be persistent, but with a combination of barriers, natural repellents, and smart planting strategies, you can protect your bulbs and enjoy a beautiful garden come spring. Ready to try some of these tips? Let me know if you want advice on specific bulbs or squirrel-proof garden designs!