Found it! Keep Squirrels Out of your Raised Beds by using Squirrel-Proof Force Shields

Greetings, fellow gardeners. Bad Gnome here and I’m extremely perturbed. I’m supposed to be writing blog posts this morning but I had to run outside a few minutes ago to chase a critter out of our raised beds again because they are not squirrel-proof. The dog was late to work again but she took over guard duty and performed her rounds finally. By the way did the title catch your attention? I needed to work Squirrel-Proof into the title because we care about SEO here at BGG. The “force shields” part was my idea.

Talk about one of the biggest pests that plague our beloved raised bed gardens: squirrels. Those bushy-tailed rodents may look cute, but they can wreak havoc on our plants, eat our fruits and vegetables, and dig up our soil.

As a seasoned gardener, I’ve seen my fair share of squirrel mischief, but fear not! I have compiled the ten best ways to keep those pesky critters away from our raised beds. Fortunately, I was able to somewhat fix the turnip seedlings that got disturbed and I’m about to give up on the carrots even seeding now because of the mischief. I digress. Let’s talk about what we can do with these pesky critters other than kill and eat them:

#1 Build a Squirrel-Proof Raised Bed

Let’s start with the most obvious solution: prevent squirrels from getting into your raised bed in the first place. One way to do this is by building a squirrel-proof raised bed. You can either buy one or make your own using chicken wire, hardware cloth, or other sturdy materials that squirrels can’t chew through. This option may require some upfront investment and effort, but it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

For us squirrel-proofing with hardware cloth or tunnels is out of the question because we have already installed our trellises.

Force shields also work very nicely but we keep killing birds accidentally.

#2 Use Squirrel-Proof Netting

If building a squirrel-proof raised bed is not an option, you can cover your raised bed with squirrel-proof netting. The key here is to use a netting with small enough holes that squirrels can’t squeeze through. You can find various types of netting online or at your local garden center. Just make sure to secure the netting tightly around your raised bed, so squirrels can’t sneak underneath.

#2A Use a Hammer

Yes I said it. It works well after catching them in a net. Of course, I am kidding but not really.

#3 Use Spices and Herbs in and around the raised bed

Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, and some spices and herbs can repel them. For example, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper, paprika, or garlic powder around your raised bed to create a scent barrier that squirrels don’t like. You can also plant herbs like mint, chives, or lavender, which have a strong scent that can deter squirrels. Alternatively, you can use essential oils or sprays that contain these scents.

#4 Use Predator Urine

This may sound gross, but using predator urine can be an effective way to keep squirrels away. Considering I’m a gnome, I thought I might try mine. Didn’t work but I had to go anyway. You, however, are welcome to try but should probably buy predator urine online or at a hunting store, which usually comes in a spray bottle. The idea is that the scent of the urine will scare squirrels away, as they will think that a predator is nearby. You can spray the urine around your raised bed or soak some cotton balls and place them strategically.

#5 Use Motion-Activated Water Sprayers near raised beds

If you’re looking for a more high-tech solution, you can use motion-activated water sprayers. These gadgets use infrared sensors to detect when squirrels are approaching your raised bed and then spray a burst of water, scaring them away. Some models also make noise or flash lights, which can enhance their effectiveness. You can find various models online, such as the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler or the Hoont Cobra Yard and Garden Motion Activated Water Blaster.

#6 Use Repellent Sprays around raised beds

There are various types of squirrel repellent sprays that you can use to keep squirrels away from your raised bed. Although these sprays usually contain natural ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic, or vinegar, which squirrels don’t like, it doesn’t always make the bed squirrel-proof. You can spray the repellent around your raised bed or on your plants, but make sure to read the instructions carefully, as some sprays can be harmful to certain types of plants.

#7 Use Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents emit high-pitched sounds that are supposed to scare squirrels away. These devices are usually battery-powered and can be placed near your raised bed or hung on a tree. However, the effectiveness of ultrasonic repellents is debated, as some studies have shown that squirrels can get used to the sounds or simply ignore them. That being said, some gardeners have reported success with ultrasonic repellents, so it might be worth trying out. You can find various models online, such as the Hoont Ultrasonic Pest Repeller or the Bird-X Yard Gard Ultrasonic Animal Repeller.

#8 Use Physical Barriers

Another way to keep squirrels away from your raised bed is by using physical barriers. You can place metal mesh around your raised bed or use PVC pipes or wire mesh to create a dome-like structure over your plants. Just make sure that the barrier is high enough and securely attached, so squirrels can’t climb over or dig underneath. You can also use chicken wire to create a fence around your garden area, which can keep other animals like rabbits or deer away as well. This might be the only way to truly squirrel-proof your raised bed.

#9 Provide Alternative Food Sources

One reason why squirrels may be attracted to your raised bed is that they’re hungry. To mitigate this, you can provide alternative food sources for squirrels, such as a squirrel feeder filled with nuts or seeds. By giving squirrels something else to munch on, they may be less likely to target your plants. Just make sure to place the feeder away from your raised bed, so squirrels don’t see it as a shortcut to your plants.

#10 Use a Combination of Methods

Last but not least, it’s worth noting that no single method may be foolproof when it comes to keeping squirrels away. Squirrels are smart and adaptable creatures, so they may find ways to circumvent your defenses. That’s why it’s often recommended to use a combination of methods to deter squirrels, such as using netting and repellent sprays or motion-activated water sprayers and physical barriers. By using multiple approaches, you increase your chances of success and make it harder for squirrels to invade your raised bed. The more you can do the closer you will get to having a squirrel-proof raised bed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping squirrels away from our raised bed gardens can be a frustrating and ongoing battle. However, with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to minimize the damage and protect our plants. Whether you choose to build a squirrel-proof raised bed, use spices and herbs, or invest in motion-activated water sprayers, there’s no shortage of options to explore. So, don’t let those furry thieves get the best of you – channel your inner grumpy gnome and fight back!

Sources

1. Squirrel Repellent
2. Predator Pee

Keep toiling and stay strong…

Yours occasionally,

B-B-B-B-Bad Gnome