Keep squirrels out of your garden this winter with ‘harmless’ kitchen ingredient

Keep squirrels out of your garden this winter with ‘harmless’ kitchen ingredient (Image: Getty)

It's against the law to relocate grey squirrels, but if they're wreaking havoc in your garden, there are several methods to deter them. Laura Bamborough from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk explains: "Squirrels are a naturally curious animal and that does mean that they can unfortunately cause some unwanted damage to your gardens and even your shed."

She warns that "squirrels can chew through wood, aluminium and plastic to create holes in weak parts of a building, which can damage the structure of your shed, as well as the damage they can cause to your plants and lawn".

However, she reassures that "fortunately, there are a number of ways you can discourage them and help to keep damage to a minimum".

Experts at Gardendesign explained that if you've noticed squirrel damage recently it's because "their rummaging is in full swing in fall when they’re prepping for winter".

The gardening guru revealed five top tips for keeping these critters at bay from both your garden and your shed.

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Repellents

The expert points out that one of the "most simple and harmless" methods to deter squirrels is likely already in your kitchen.

Laura added: "Squirrels have strong noses and find things such as cayenne pepper, ground chilli and pepper flakes unpleasant. Pungent smells such as coffee grounds, peppermint and apple cider vinegar are also items squirrels strongly dislike.

"These can be sprinkled around the garden without causing damage to any of your plants or lawn."

The experts at Gardendesigns added: "Applying a mixture of cayenne or other chilli peppers either in a spray or sprinkling around plants can deter squirrels."

Physical barriers

Implementing various barriers in your garden can safeguard it against squirrel invasions. Options include metal or plastic tree guards around tree trunks, or fine wire mesh to shield susceptible plants and bulbs from being unearthed.

Bamborough advises: "You can also protect your shed with sealant to ensure there are no holes or gaps."

She suggests using "steel wool or wire mesh is best to use to cover up any small openings". The expert added: "If you want to keep the heat in and prevent water leaks, you should completely patch any holes that appear."

Other smells squirrels dislike are coffee or mint. The experts explained: "Squirrels are offended by many scents. You can also try a thin layer of coffee grounds or tucking a small amount of dog hair around and under plants.

"You can also discourage squirrels by surrounding or inter-planting with varieties that they turn their noses up to, like mint, marigolds, nasturtiums, or mustard.

"You can also try crown imperial bulbs (Fritillaria), but it is recommended that you plant these far away from inhabited areas such as patios or porches because of their strong skunk-like smell."