How to Keep Rabbits and Squirrels Out of Garden: Effective and Humane Strategies for Protecting Your Plants
How to Keep Rabbits and Squirrels Out of Garden?
To keep rabbits and squirrels out of your garden, there are several effective methods you can employ.
Fencing is a reliable option, although it can be costly.
Another option is tying a 30lb fishing line at two different levels around the garden, which can startle and deter deer.
Adding bells and aluminum pie pans on strings can further enhance deterrence.
Hot pepper spray is an effective method to keep rabbits away, but it needs to be reapplied after rain.
Bar soap, like Irish Spring, and human hair sprinkled around plants can also deter rabbits.
For squirrels, natural repellents like flower borders of nasturtiums, marigolds, and mustard can be helpful.
Additionally, dog or human hair can serve as effective squirrel repellents.
Hot pepper spray can work for both rabbits and squirrels, but it too needs to be reapplied after rain showers.
Key Points:
- Fencing is effective but expensive for keeping rabbits and squirrels out of the garden.
- Tying fishing line at two levels around the garden can startle and deter deer.
- Using bells and aluminum pie pans on strings can enhance deterrence.
- Hot pepper spray keeps rabbits away, but requires reapplication after rain.
- Bar soap and human hair can also deter rabbits.
- Flower borders and natural repellents like nasturtiums and marigolds can help deter squirrels.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that rabbits have a high preference for vegetables in the Brassica family? So, if you’re wondering which crops to protect the most, make sure to safeguard your kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts!
2. Squirrels are notorious for digging up newly planted bulbs in gardens. An effective way to deter them is to mix some crushed oyster shells or gravel into the soil, making it uncomfortable for these furry critters to dig.
3. Believe it or not, rabbits have a sweet tooth! They are particularly fond of gnawing on the bark of fruit trees, which can cause serious damage. To protect your precious orchard, create a physical barrier around the tree trunk using spiral plastic tree guards.
4. Squirrels are known for their agility and jumping abilities. To keep them from accessing your garden, try adding a slinky toy on top of your fence. When the squirrels try to climb over, the slinky will bounce them right back down!
5. Did you know that some plants have a natural repellent effect on rabbits and squirrels? For instance, marigolds, garlic, and certain types of herbs like lavender and rosemary have scents that these critters find unpleasant. Consider planting these around your garden as a natural deterrent.
Fencing: Effective But Expensive Option
Keeping pests out of your garden can be a constant battle, especially when dealing with hungry animals like deer, rabbits, and squirrels. While fencing is undoubtedly an effective method to protect your plants, it can also be an expensive option. Solid fences, such as chain-link or wooden structures, can create an impenetrable barrier. However, they require a significant upfront investment and may not be aesthetically pleasing.
For those on a budget or seeking more flexible solutions, there are alternative methods that can also be effective in deterring garden intruders. Consider using lightweight materials, like plastic mesh or chicken wire, stretched across stakes placed around the perimeter of your garden. This method provides a visible barrier that can discourage rabbits and squirrels from entering while still allowing for air circulation and sunlight. However, keep in mind that these types of fences may not be as effective against deer, as they are capable of jumping over or knocking them down.
Fishing Line And Bells: Startling Deer
If you’re looking for a less costly option, tying a 30lb fishing line at two different levels around the garden can startle deer and deter them from crossing further. The fishing line acts as an invisible barrier, causing deer to sense a physical obstruction and preventing them from venturing into your precious plants.
Additionally, adding bells and aluminum pie pans on strings can provide additional deterrence by creating noise and movement that further startles and scares off intruders.
Hot Pepper Spray: A Rabbit Repellent
When dealing specifically with rabbits, hot pepper spray has proven to be a reliable method to keep them away from your garden. The fiery heat of the peppers irritates the sensitive noses and taste buds of these furry critters, making them think twice before nibbling on your plants.
To make your own hot pepper spray, combine one tablespoon of hot pepper flakes with one quart of water. Let the mixture sit overnight, strain it, and then transfer it into a spray bottle.
Reapply the spray after rain showers, as it can wash away the deterrent.
Bar Soap And Human Hair: Rabbit Deterrents
For those who prefer a more natural approach, bar soap, such as Irish Spring, can be used as a deterrent for rabbits. The strong scent of the soap confuses and repels these curious creatures. Simply shave or chop the soap into small pieces and place them around your garden, focusing on areas where rabbits are likely to enter.
Another unconventional method to keep rabbits at bay is by sprinkling human hair around your plants. As strange as it may sound, the scent of human hair can act as a deterrent, making the rabbits think that a predator is nearby. Gather hair clippings from your local hair salon or simply collect your own hair from hairbrushes. Scatter the hair around your garden, paying particular attention to the perimeter and areas where rabbits frequently enter.
Natural Repellents And Flower Borders: Squirrel Prevention
To deter rabbits, hot pepper spray and scented deterrents can be effective. However, when it comes to squirrels, they can be more persistent. To prevent squirrels from causing damage in your garden, natural repellents and flower borders can be useful.
Certain flowers like nasturtiums, marigolds, and mustard are known for their strong scents and unappetizing properties for squirrels. Planting these flowers around the perimeter of your garden creates a natural barrier that repels squirrels and prevents them from entering and damaging your plants.
Another method is to incorporate flower borders in your garden. This not only distracts squirrels but also provides them an alternative food source. By creating an enticing display of flowers, squirrels may be more interested in foraging on these plants instead of feasting on your fruits and vegetables. The bright colors and aromas of the flowers act as visual and olfactory distractions, effectively deterring squirrels from going further into your garden.
Hot Pepper Spray: Deterrent For Rabbits And Squirrels
Hot pepper spray proves to be a versatile and effective deterrent for both rabbits and squirrels. The spray’s strong irritation keeps these animals at a distance, protecting your garden from their destructive munching. By combining hot pepper flakes with water, you can create a spray that serves as a dual-purpose repellent.
Remember to reapply the spray after rain showers, as it can be easily washed away. The spicy nature of the hot pepper spray acts as a strong deterrent, effectively preventing rabbits and squirrels from nibbling on your garden’s bounty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do rabbits and squirrels hate?
Rabbits and squirrels have a strong aversion to certain plants. For instance, they despise the pungent smell emitted by alliums, such as garlic, scallions, and onions. This strong odor often acts as a deterrent, causing these critters to steer clear of areas where these plants are present. Similarly, daffodils are unattractive to rabbits and squirrels due to their unappetizing flavor and pleasant fragrance. These vibrant flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve as a natural repellent against these pesky creatures.
What will keep rabbits away from my garden?
One effective way to keep rabbits away from your garden is by utilizing natural repellents. Rabbits have a strong dislike for onions, so planting onion bulbs or scattering cut onions around your garden can help repel them. Additionally, you can try using other common household items such as Irish Spring soap, hot peppers, garlic, or talcum powder, as rabbits tend to have an aversion to these as well. Although this method is not guaranteed to be foolproof, many gardeners have reported success with these natural deterrents.
What smell do squirrels hate the most?
Squirrels have a deep aversion to certain smells, and one scent that they particularly despise is cinnamon. The strong and pungent aroma of cinnamon acts as a powerful deterrent, making squirrels steer clear of areas where it is present. Another smell that squirrels loathe is that of vinegar. By using a mixture of vinegar and water, you can create a natural squirrel repellent that will keep these critters away from your plants and flowers. The combination of these repellent scents is not only effective but also environmentally friendly, providing an efficient way to protect your garden without causing harm to the animals.
What is the best homemade rabbit repellent?
One effective homemade rabbit repellent option is a mixture of vinegar and water. The strong smell of vinegar can be quite repelling to rabbits and deter them from your garden. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where rabbits are prone to visit. Another option is using cayenne pepper. The spicy and pungent smell can be unpleasant for rabbits and discourage them from nibbling on your plants. Mix a tablespoon of cayenne pepper with a quart of water and spray it on the desired areas for effective repellency.