Squirrels can be adorable to watch, but when they start digging up and munching on your precious flower bulbs, the charm quickly fades. If you’ve ever planted tulips, crocuses, or other spring bulbs only to find them gone or damaged, you’re not alone. These furry little bandits have a keen nose for bulbs, and their digging can ruin your garden plans. So, how do you stop squirrels from eating your bulbs? Let’s explore some practical, easy-to-implement strategies to keep your bulbs safe and your garden blooming beautifully.
Why Do Squirrels Eat Bulbs?
Understanding why squirrels target bulbs helps us figure out how to protect them. Squirrels rely heavily on high-protein and high-fat foods to survive, especially as colder weather approaches and nuts become scarce. Bulbs are a rich source of starch and nutrients, making them a tempting snack for squirrels preparing for winter. Unlike many green plants, squirrels cannot digest cellulose, so bulbs become a vital food source.
How to Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Bulbs
1. Use Physical Barriers
One of the most straightforward and effective ways to protect your bulbs is to physically block squirrels from digging them up.
– Chicken Wire or Wire Mesh: Lay a piece of chicken wire or wire mesh over your bulb planting area immediately after planting. Secure it firmly to the ground so squirrels can’t slip underneath or get tangled. This mesh prevents squirrels from digging but still allows your flowers to grow through the holes in spring.
– Bulb Cages: For individual bulbs or small groups, create cages from chicken wire shaped like a bowl. Place the bulb inside, cover it with soil, and secure the cage with a wire lid. This keeps squirrels from reaching the bulbs while allowing normal growth.
– Old Window Screens: Some gardeners use old window screens framed and laid over freshly planted beds. These provide a sturdy, breathable barrier until the soil settles, after which the screens can be removed.
2. Plant Squirrel-Resistant Bulbs
Not all bulbs are equally attractive to squirrels. Some species have tastes or odors that squirrels dislike:
– Squirrels tend to avoid: daffodils, narcissi, alliums (ornamental onions), anemones, snowdrops, fritillarias, grape hyacinths, and snowflakes.
Planting these bulbs can reduce the chance of squirrel damage, especially if combined with other protective measures.
3. Use Natural Repellents
Squirrels have sensitive noses and taste buds, so certain substances can deter them:
– Bittersweet Sprays: Products like Ro-Pel contain Bitrex, a bitter compound that squirrels find unpleasant. Spraying bulbs before planting can teach squirrels to avoid them after a bad taste experience.
– Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: Sprinkling chili powder or cayenne on and around bulbs can irritate squirrels’ noses and mouths, discouraging them from digging.
– Coffee Grounds: Some gardeners scatter used coffee grounds around bulbs as a mild deterrent.
– Plant Companion Plants: Certain plants like Fritillaria imperialis emit odors that squirrels dislike, helping to protect nearby bulbs.
4. Modify the Environment
Making your garden less attractive or accessible to squirrels can also help:
– Remove Food Sources: Squirrels are less likely to dig for bulbs if they have easy access to other food. Remove fallen nuts, acorns, and secure bird feeders with squirrel-proof designs.
– Mulch and Gravel: Covering bulb beds with mulch or gravel can make digging more difficult and less appealing for squirrels.
– Crushed Oyster Shells: Sprinkling these on the soil surface can deter digging due to their sharp texture.
5. Feed Squirrels Elsewhere
Providing squirrels with alternative food sources during fall and winter may reduce their interest in your bulbs. Some gardeners have had success placing peanut feeders away from their gardens, which can decrease bulb damage significantly.
Tips for Planting to Avoid Squirrel Damage
– Plant Bulbs Deeply: Squirrels are less likely to dig deep, so planting bulbs at recommended or slightly deeper depths can protect them.
– Clean Up Planting Debris: Bits of bulb skins or tunics left on the soil surface can attract squirrels. Clean up thoroughly after planting to avoid advertising your bulbs.
– Time Your Planting: Plant bulbs when the ground is less soft and easy to dig, if possible, to reduce vulnerability.
Squirrels may be persistent, but with a combination of physical barriers, smart planting choices, repellents, and environmental tweaks, you can keep your bulbs safe and enjoy a vibrant spring garden.
Protect your bulbs today and watch your garden flourish without unwanted nibblers!