Grey Squirrel
Squirrels are cute little creatures, but they can also be a big problem. If you find that they are eating more of your garden than you are, are chewing up your trees, or worse yet, getting into your house and garage, it's time to take action. There are some simple natural squirrel repellents that you can prepare in your own home. Some may work better than others for your particular squirrels, so don't be discouraged if one type of repellent doesn't work. Feel free to try more than one at a time or mix them together. Does this Spark an idea?
Coffee Grounds
Sprinkle coffee grounds around garden areas and the edges of potted plants. The grounds will usually deter any unwanted creatures from getting close to your plants. If you aren't a coffee drinker, ask around at local coffee shops and see if they will give you their grounds. Some shops will give away grounds in five to ten pound bags.
Cayenne Pepper
Put cayenne pepper in the plants and around the perimeter of the garden. Most rodents do not like the smell or the hot spiciness it adds to their food of choice. Be sure pepper is not in an area where pets might get it on their paws or in their eyes. Reapply after it has rained.
Vinegar
Hang rags soaked in vinegar around your garden. Squirrels hate the smell, even after the rags have dried. Resoak the rags about once a week.
Soap
Mix one-quarter cup of Murphy's Oil soap with one gallon of water. Spray directly onto plants and around garden. Pests don't like the smell, and it shouldn't harm the plants. If needed, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the soap mixture. Squirrels will steer far away from this concoction.
Garlic
Hang a bag or sock full of minced garlic near where the squirrels seem to be. Minced works best because it unleashes more of the garlic odor. The strong smell should deter them. This works both inside buildings and out.
Tags: around garden, like smell, plants around, will give, your garden