Squirrels can be a real nuisance in the garden, particularly when it comes to planting bulbs. But there’s one simple solution that will keep the pests at bay
Ellen Jenne U35 Spare Time Writer
11:39, 18 Sep 2025
Squirrels can be a real nuisance in the garden, particularly when it comes to planting bulbs. But there’s one simple solution that will keep the pests at bay(Image: BethAmber via Getty Images)
Squirrels are a frequent problem in gardens and parks nationwide, but they can turn into a real headache when you’re attempting to cultivate a garden full of beautiful flowers. Squirrels are drawn to plant bulbs as they offer a nourishing food supply, especially during the autumn months when alternative sustenance becomes harder to find, reports the Express.
Horticulture specialist Ish shared the annoyance of protecting gardens from these creatures, but disclosed there are straightforward remedies you can implement to maintain distance between squirrels and your space.
This autumn, look no further than your kitchen pantry for the solution, as there’s one specific seasoning that squirrels absolutely despise and will certainly prevent them from devouring your plant bulbs. Here’s the course of action you should take.
Sprinkle a few chilli flakes on the soil around the base of the plant’s stem(Image: Getty)How to stop squirrels eating plant bulbs
For those seeking a stronger repellent against squirrels, Ish suggested utilising chilli flakes for the task. He explained: “The cool thing about chilli flakes is: you sprinkle them every couple of weeks or so, and as a result, the squirrel will go for a little nibble on those first.
“And they’ll get a bit of a hot surprise, so you’ll find they probably won’t come back for a while.”
Chilli flakes function as a repellent due to their capsaicin composition. Capsaicin triggers pain sensors in mammals, producing an uncomfortable burning feeling that encourages squirrels to steer clear of treated zones. When squirrels detect or sample chilli flakes, the capsaicin aggravates their nasal passages and mouth, creating a fiery sensation.
Ideal Home additionally recommended positioning chilli flakes in bird feeders to discourage squirrels from consuming bird seed. However, this won’t harm the birds, as they possess different taste receptors and don’t respond to the heat of capsaicin in the same manner that mammals do.
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Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, also suggested another technique using chilli flakes. She explained: “Another method is making a chilli powder spray by mixing a tablespoon of dish soap (from Walmart) with two teaspoons of chilli powder in water.
“Put your mixture in an empty spray bottle (from Amazon) and spray on ant hills and trails. This spray can also be applied to the lower leaves of plants being attacked by slugs, for example, deterring them from munching on the rest of the plant.”
Ish also recommended protecting your plants with wire mesh or netting. This approach can help safeguard the entire plant pot, as it can be shaped to suit whatever form and dimensions the plant pot has.
Wrapping a plant pot in wire mesh will permit air and water to reach the plant during the winter period. This can be easily taken away when the plants begin to sprout.
To reduce the chances of the squirrels excavating, consider overplanting the bulbs with some winter annuals. Ish explained: “What will happen is that it will create a nice barrier, so they can’t get down there. And the roots will create a nice dense texture, so they can’t dig.
“The really cool thing about planting winter annuals is these will last all the way throughout the year, amazing colour, and the bottoms will actually grow through this in the spring. So you’ll end up with this double layer that looks absolutely stunning, and is cheap as chips.”
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