how to keep squirrels and rabbits out of garden

3 min read 07-02-2025

how to keep squirrels and rabbits out of garden

Squirrels and rabbits: adorable in pictures, destructive in gardens. These furry critters can decimate your carefully planted vegetables, flowers, and prized shrubs in a flash. But don't despair! This guide offers effective strategies to protect your garden from these persistent pests, using a combination of deterrents and barriers. Keeping squirrels and rabbits out is achievable with the right approach.

Understanding the Enemy: Squirrel and Rabbit Behavior

Before diving into solutions, understanding your enemy is crucial. Squirrels are agile climbers and jumpers, while rabbits are primarily ground-dwellers. Knowing their habits helps you choose the most effective deterrents.

Squirrel Habits:

Agile Climbers: They can easily scale fences and trees to reach your garden.
Opportunistic Feeders: They'll go after anything that looks tasty.
Curious Nature: They're easily distracted by new objects.

Rabbit Habits:

Ground-Dwelling: They typically enter gardens from the ground.
Nocturnal Activity: They're most active at dawn and dusk.
Grazing Habits: They prefer low-lying plants and vegetables.

Physical Barriers: Keeping Them Out

Physical barriers are your first line of defense. These methods create a literal blockade, preventing access to your precious plants.

Fencing:

Height Matters: For rabbits, a simple wire mesh fence, buried at least six inches deep and extending at least 3 feet high, is effective. Squirrels need taller fences (4-5 feet) or additional deterrents.
Material Choice: Choose sturdy materials that can withstand chewing. Chicken wire is less effective than heavier gauge wire.
Secure the Base: Rabbits can dig under fences, so burying the bottom is essential. Consider adding hardware cloth around the base for extra security.

Netting:

Row Covers: Protect individual plants or rows with netting. This is especially useful for seedlings and newly planted vegetables.
Cage-like Structures: For smaller plants or delicate seedlings, consider creating individual cages using wire mesh.

Repellents: Making Your Garden Unattractive

Repellents work by making your garden less appealing to squirrels and rabbits. While not foolproof, they can be effective deterrents when used correctly.

Commercial Repellents:

Spray-on Repellents: Many commercial products are available, containing scents or tastes that animals dislike. These often need reapplication after rain.
Granular Repellents: These are sprinkled around plants and slowly release repellent scents. Choose those that are specifically designed for squirrels and/or rabbits.

Natural Repellents:

Strong Scents: Some plants have natural repellent properties. Consider planting strong-smelling herbs like rosemary, lavender, or peppermint around the perimeter of your garden.
Predator Urine: While it might seem unpleasant, predator urine (fox or coyote) can be an effective deterrent for some animals. Follow product instructions carefully.
Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkling cayenne pepper around plants can deter them from nibbling.

Other Deterrent Strategies

Beyond barriers and repellents, other strategies can help keep these pests out of your garden.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers:

These sprinklers detect movement and automatically spray water, startling animals and keeping them away. They're particularly effective for rabbits.

Ultrasonic Devices:

These emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to animals but inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness varies.

Protective Collars:

For individual plants, you can use protective collars made of metal or plastic to safeguard vulnerable stems and seedlings.

Maintaining Your Defenses

Regular maintenance is key to keeping squirrels and rabbits out. Regularly inspect your fences and netting for damage and repair as needed. Reapply repellents as instructed. Consistent effort will yield the best results.

Conclusion

Protecting your garden from squirrels and rabbits requires a multi-pronged approach. Combining physical barriers, repellents, and other deterrents will provide the most comprehensive protection, ensuring you can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the specific animals in your area and the types of plants you’re trying to protect. With persistence, you can win the battle against these garden invaders.