Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your garden and shed, but there are a number of ways to discourage them.
Sophie Harris Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Natalie King
07:21, 22 Sep 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
While squirrels are cute they can cause issues for gardeners(Image: JasonOndreicka via Getty Images)
While it is against the law to relocate grey squirrels, homeowners can take steps to discourage them if they are wreaking havoc in the garden. These tips come as gardeners were given an exact date to stop mowing their lawn for lush grass next year.
Laura Bamborough from GardenBuildingsDirect explained: “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. 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.
“Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can discourage them and help to keep damage to a minimum.”
The gardening specialist has revealed five methods to prevent these creatures from invading your outdoor space and outbuildings.
1. Physical barriers
Various protective measures can be put in place around your garden to shield it from squirrel intrusion, reports the Express.
Options include metal or plastic guards positioned around tree trunks, or fine wire netting to safeguard delicate plants and bulbs from being excavated.
The specialist noted: “You can also protect your shed with sealant to ensure there are no holes or gaps.
“Steel wool or wire mesh is best to use to cover up any small openings. If you want to keep the heat in and prevent water leaks, you should completely patch any holes that appear.”
Squirrels can sneak into small gaps(Image: Getty)2. Repellents
The professional suggests that one of the “most simple and harmless” methods to keep these creatures away from your garden can be found right in your kitchen cupboard. Laura stated: “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.”
In addition to these natural deterrents, there are a variety of commercial repellents available from garden centres.
3. Garden maintenance
Reducing the amount of food sources in your garden is one of the most effective ways to deter squirrels.
Gardening expert insists people don’t delay these essential jobs this month
Gardeners told to do one key task now to ensure lush, green lawns next spring
The gardening expert continued: “Squirrels enjoy a variety of food, so removing nuts, fruits, vegetables and fungi will go a long way towards discouraging them from your garden.
“Squirrel-resistant bird feeders can also be used, rather than putting out loose food.
“As well as removing food sources, try to keep any branches trimmed, and keep them away from your shed or home to prevent squirrels from using them as access points.”
Comments are closed.