I get it – there’s nothing more frustrating than putting in the effort to plant bulbs, knowing that soon you’ll have a beautiful garden, only to have squirrels come in and wreck it all.
Trust me, I’ve been there. It feels like all that hard work is for nothing when you find those bulbs dug up.
But here’s the good news: there’s a simple kitchen ingredient, one you probably already have sitting in your pantry, that can help keep those squirrels from ruining your garden.
Ready to take control and protect your bulbs? Here’s all it takes to achieve it!
Cayenne Pepper Is Your Secret Weapon!
Yes, you read that right! Here’s why it works: squirrels have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, and they absolutely hate the strong, spicy kick of cayenne pepper.
When you sprinkle it around your bulbs, it creates an unpleasant barrier that squirrels will want to avoid. Not only does it deter them, but it won’t harm them – it just makes your garden a lot less appealing to these little troublemakers.
So, instead of letting squirrels dig up your hard work, you can use cayenne pepper to give them the boot and keep your bulbs safe!
This Is How You Use Cayenne Pepper To Deter Squirrels
Start by sprinkling a generous amount of cayenne pepper around the area where your bulbs are planted.
Make sure to focus on the soil and create a nice barrier around the bulbs. If you want to go the extra mile, you can mix the cayenne with a little bit of water to make a paste, then apply it directly to the bulbs themselves.
Don’t forget to reapply after rain or watering, as it can wash away. Trust me, squirrels won’t want to go anywhere near your precious bulbs once they catch a whiff of that spicy scent!
Always Make Sure You Identified The Right Culprit
While cayenne pepper is a great deterrent for squirrels, it won’t do much if you’re dealing with a different kind of critter.
Other pests, like rabbits or chipmunks, aren’t as sensitive to the spicy smell, so cayenne pepper won’t necessarily send them running.
Before you go sprinkling it all over your garden, take a moment to make sure the squirrel is actually the one causing the damage.
Look for signs like dug-up bulbs or chewed-up plant stems. If it’s the squirrel causing the chaos, then cayenne pepper is your best friend. But if it’s another critter, you might need to try a different approach. Identifying the right pest is key to solving the problem!
Here Are Other Ways To Keep Squirrels Away
If you want to deter squirrels from your bulbs for good, you can combine different methods.
Try sprinkling garlic powder or cinnamon around your garden – squirrels hate the smell! You can also use a motion-activated sprinkler or a squirrel-repellent spray for an extra layer of protection.
If you want a more hands-on approach, try placing physical barriers like chicken wire over your bulbs or creating a “squirrel-proof” zone with tall plants.
Keep Your Other Garden Plants Safe, Too!
Cayenne pepper works wonders on bulbs, but it’s just as effective for protecting other plants in your garden.
Sprinkle it around freshly planted seedlings, flower beds, or vegetable patches to keep squirrels from digging and nibbling.
If you’re growing tomatoes, strawberries, or leafy greens, a light dusting around the base can help keep these little thieves at bay. Just remember to reapply after rain or watering, and your garden will stay protected without harming the wildlife around it!
With a little creativity, you can outsmart those pesky squirrels and keep your garden safe!