Squirrels might be fun to watch in your garden, but they’re wild animals at heart, and they can ruin the look of your outdoor space. Gardens are a haven for squirrels as they’re full of food sources, from nuts in the bird feeder to insects on the ground.
It’s not possible to eliminate every potential food source, so homeowners must take matters into their own hands. They can also cause chaos to your property, chewing on cables or tearing through insulation and plasterboard. To stop these nuisances from entering your garden and premises, Jordan Foster, a pest control specialist at Fantastic Pest Control, has shared his top recommendations.
Jordan said that squirrels have specific aversions when it comes to scents and “simply cannot tolerate some smells” – coffee grounds being one of them.
He suggested: “Spread coffee grounds in your borders as squirrels hate the smell of them and will run away and won’t come back.”
Gardeners are advised to scatter used coffee grounds along the edge of their garden to protect their plants and flowers. To guarantee the grounds stay in place and intensify the aroma, add a few drops of water.
Before applying it to your entire garden, it’s sensible to trial a small, hidden section to check it doesn’t damage plants.
Coffee grounds may also be effective at repelling pests like cats and rats. The horticultural experts at Love The Garden have also shared a fiery suggestion to ward off those troublesome squirrels.
They said: “Squirrels can’t stand the hot, spicy flavours of chilli, and so a liberal scattering of these could help deter them from the garden.”
The pros also suggested growing mint, since “squirrels find peppermint too strong for their sensitive noses”.
Gardeners should bear in mind that it’s always wise to check their local regulations before applying any pest-deterring solutions in their outdoor areas.
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