Squirrels may be a welcome sight in the garden, but their persistent digging and chewing can quickly become a nuisance. From scattering potting soil across patios to gnawing wooden furniture, these cute and clever visitors can cause plenty of damage while searching for food or nesting materials.
‘Squirrels are intelligent and persistent, often digging up bulbs, chewing wood and making themselves at home in outdoor seating areas,’ explains Robert Bowden, garden expert and chairman of Chic Teak.
Below, we explain simple ways to protect your plants and garden furniture without harming squirrels or preventing them from visiting altogether.
1. Cover the soil in plant pots
Loose potting soil can be particularly tempting for squirrels, whether they're looking for buried food or searching for bulbs.
‘Squirrels usually dig in pots because they are hiding food or searching for bulbs,’ explains Loren Taylor, garden expert and owner of Soothing Company.
One of the easiest ways to deter them is to cover the exposed soil with a layer of material that is harder to move. ‘Place a few centimetres of gravel, slate pieces or decorative stones on top of potting soil, as this is too heavy for them to scrape away,’ suggests Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
Small stones or decorative gravel can also help protect the surface without taking away from the appearance of your containers.
2. Protect newly planted bulbs
If you've spent time planting bulbs for autumn, the last thing you want is for squirrels to dig them straight back up. Covering the soil with a physical barrier can make it much harder for squirrels to reach what's underneath.
‘When planting bulbs, place a layer of mesh over them before adding the final layer of soil,’ says Loren. ‘This is one of the simplest ways to stop squirrels from digging them up.’
Chicken wire or bird netting can be cut to fit around individual plants or containers, allowing plants to grow while preventing squirrels from easily disturbing the soil. This can also help to deter foxes.
3. Try used coffee grounds
If you'd rather try a natural deterrent, your morning coffee could come in handy.
‘Sprinkle used coffee grounds across the soil surface, as this acts as a great fertiliser and squirrels also dislike the scent,’ explains Richard.
Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and taste, so using scents they dislike may encourage them to move elsewhere. However, natural repellents aren't always foolproof, so it's worth combining them with a physical barrier such as gravel or mesh for better protection.
4. Keep food away from pots and furniture
Squirrels will naturally investigate gardens where food is readily available, so reducing these temptations can help discourage repeat visits.
‘Position bird feeders away from seating and decorative planting,’ recommends Robert.
It's also worth regularly sweeping away fallen nuts and seeds, particularly beneath bird feeders, where food can quickly accumulate.
5. Store cushions away
Squirrels don't just visit gardens looking for food – soft fabrics can also provide useful nesting material.
‘Squirrels may tear open soft fabric to use the filling as nesting material,’ explains Richard.
To prevent this, store outdoor cushions somewhere secure when they're not being used, or bring them indoors overnight. This is particularly important if you have noticed squirrels repeatedly returning to your seating area.
6. Protect wooden furniture from chewing
Wooden garden furniture can also become a target, with squirrels sometimes chewing exposed edges and corners.
‘Any frequently chewed wooden corners can be covered with metal strips, as squirrels are unable to grip or chew through metal,’ says Richard. ‘Cover furniture with weatherproof, tight canvas furniture covers to stop squirrels from being able to access the exposed edges of wooden furniture,’ he adds.
7. Use motion-activated sprinklers
For particularly persistent squirrels, a motion-activated sprinkler can provide a harmless surprise when they approach the areas you're trying to protect.
‘Place these near to frequently targeted furniture, as this can startle and scare away squirrels,’ recommends Richard.
The same approach can be used around particularly vulnerable pots or planting areas. However, squirrels are intelligent and can become accustomed to repeated deterrents, so it is best to combine this method.
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