Squirrels may be adorable, but when they start stealing your tomatoes, it’s a whole different story. If you’ve ever found a half-eaten tomato on the ground or watched a squirrel proudly trot away with your hard-earned produce, you know the frustration all too well.
But don’t worry – there’s no need for chemicals or traps to keep these pesky critters away. I struggled with squirrels for years until I found the perfect solution to keep them away! Now, I want to share these amazing sixteen ways with you.
Let’s see what you can do to make sure your delicious tomatoes keep thriving without being bothered by squirrels!
#1 Spicy Solutions: Keep Squirrels Away With Cayenne
Imagine this: a squirrel approaches your tomato plant, ready to take a bite, and suddenly – BAM! – it gets a faceful of spicy heat. That’s exactly what happens when you use cayenne pepper to deter squirrels.
Squirrels hate spicy scents, and cayenne pepper packs a punch with its intense heat. When they sniff it, it irritates their noses and mouths, making them quickly realize your tomatoes aren’t worth the trouble. They’ll steer clear of your plants and move on to easier prey.
#2 The Smelly Secret To Keep Squirrel Away From Your Delicious Tomatoes
Squirrels may be persistent, but they can’t stand the smell of garlic. The powerful odor is enough to send them running far away from your prized tomato plants. It’s one of nature’s most effective squirrel repellents!
Making your own garlic repellent is simple and inexpensive. Just crush a few garlic cloves, mix them with water, and let it sit for a while before straining and spraying it around your tomato plants.
You can also place crushed garlic directly around the base of your plants or along garden paths!
#3 Turn Up The Heat On Squirrels With Pepper Sauce
Want to spice up your squirrel defense? Pepper sauce is your garden’s hot ticket to keeping those critters at bay and your tomatoes on the vine!
To use pepper sauce, mix one tablespoon of hot sauce with a quart of water, and add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick to your tomato plants. Shake the bottle well and spray it generously around your tomato plants and on the soil.
Be sure to cover areas where squirrels are most likely to approach.
#4 Repel Squirrels With The Power Of Onion
If you think squirrels are picky eaters, think again! But one thing they definitely can’t stand is the powerful smell of onions.
To use onions to keep squirrels away, you can create a simple onion spray by blending a few chopped onions with water. Strain the mixture, then pour it into a spray bottle and spritz it around your tomato plants and the surrounding soil.
#5 Citrus Scents Equal Squirrel-Free Gardens
Squirrels may love the taste of ripe tomatoes, but they can’t stand the fresh, zesty scent of citrus. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Stay away!” The strong fragrance of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits is unpleasant to squirrels, making citrus a perfect, all-natural repellent.
To use citrus as a squirrel repellent, simply scatter citrus peels around the base of your tomato plants and garden beds.
#6 Squirrels Can’t Stand The Lavender Scent
The beauty of using lavender as a repellent is that it not only keeps squirrels at bay, but it also adds a touch of color and fragrance to your garden!
Just plant lavender near your tomato plants, and let its pungent scent act as a no-entry sign for squirrels. Trust me, they’ll think twice before getting too close!
#7 Squirrel-Proof Your Tomatoes With Coffee Grounds
Who knew that the secret to keeping squirrels away could be found in your morning cup of coffee? Well, believe it or not, these furry invaders can’t stand the strong smell of coffee grounds!
Simply sprinkle a generous layer of used coffee grounds around the base of your tomato plants. With the strong scent of coffee, your garden will become a no-go zone for squirrels – they’ll run for the hills in no time!
#8 There Won’t Be A Sign Of Squirrels With Your Pets’ Scent Around
Nothing says “danger” to a squirrel like the scent of your dog or cat!
If you let your pets roam around your garden, the strong, familiar smell of them will act like a natural squirrel repellent. It’s a foolproof way to keep them away without lifting a finger – just let your pets do what they do best!
#9 Try Using Epsom Salt, It Will Save Your Tomato Plants
Sprinkle Epsom salt around your tomato plants, and you’ll have a one-two punch: a squirrel deterrent and a nutrient boost for your tomatoes, all in one go!
Using Epsom salt is as easy as dusting a few tablespoons around the base of your tomato plant. There’s no need to go overboard. Just a light coating will keep the squirrels away!
#10 Scare Squirrels Away With A Motion-Activated Sprinkler
You know that feeling when you step into something unexpected and get splashed? That’s what squirrels experience when they come too close to your tomatoes and trigger a motion-activated sprinkler!
Setting up a motion-activated sprinkler is as easy as pie, and it’s totally worth the investment. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your tomato plants from squirrels without any hassle!
#11 Create A Physical Shield Around Your Tomato Plants
Creating a physical shield around your tomato plants is like putting up a ‘no entry’ sign for squirrels.
Setting up a physical shield around your tomato plants is a simple, low-maintenance solution. With just a few basic materials, like garden wire or netting, you can keep your tomatoes safe and sound.
It’s a great option for those of you looking to protect your garden without constant upkeep or monitoring.
#12 Bring Some Companions To Your Tomatoes
Your tomatoes might be the star of your garden, but even the stars need a good supporting cast! Companion plants, like basil, marigolds, or even nasturtiums, can help protect your tomatoes from squirrels while improving their overall health.
Start by planting these companions around your tomato plants or even in between rows. Your garden will look great, and your tomatoes will get extra protection and care.
#13 Keep Your Garden Clean And Tidy
If you want to keep squirrels out of your tomatoes, the first step is cleaning up your garden! Squirrels love to hide in piles of leaves, twigs, or garden waste, but when you keep your space neat, there’s nowhere for them to nest.
Regularly clear away fallen fruit, leaves, and any debris around your tomato plants, and you’ll make your garden less attractive to these pesky critters.
#14 Place A Water Bowl Far Away From Your Tomatoes
Squirrels are drawn to water, especially on hot days, so placing a water bowl near your garden can make them take a detour from your tomatoes.
Set up a water bowl away from your plants to keep the squirrels hydrated and happy without risking your tomato crop!
#15 There’s One Kitchen Ingredient That Will Help With The Squirrel Problem
If you’ve been struggling to keep squirrels out of your garden, the answer might be sitting right in your kitchen: apple cider vinegar!
Squirrels can’t handle the strong smell of vinegar, making it a great way to deter them from digging or nibbling on your plants.
Mix vinegar with water and spray it around your tomato plants to create an invisible fence that keeps the squirrels away.
#16 Squirrel Hates Aluminum Foil, And Here’s The Best Way To Use It
Did you know that squirrels can’t stand shiny surfaces? That’s where aluminum foil comes in! Squirrels are naturally wary of shiny, reflective surfaces, and when you add foil to your garden, you create a barrier they’ll hesitate to cross.
The easiest way to use aluminum foil is to lace it around your plants or hang strips nearby. The reflective surface confuses them and keeps them away from your tomatoes.
These simple solutions are all you need to keep squirrels at bay and watch your tomatoes thrive like never before!