Potted plants are a great way to add some curb appeal to your patio or porch, but what do you do if those pesky squirrels won’t leave them alone? Squirrels are notorious for digging up potted plants while scouring or hiding food. But not all is lost! There are plenty of easy, non-toxic ways you can protect your plants. Read on to learn how you can keep squirrels out of your flower pots so your potted garden stays nice and tidy.

Things You Should Know

  • Cover the top layer of soil with coffee grounds, rocks, or chicken wire to deter squirrels from digging.
  • Make a DIY squirrel repellent out of mint, cayenne pepper, and garlic.
  • Mix bone meal into your potting soil to keep squirrels from digging around your plants.
2

Sprinkle a natural squirrel repellent on the top layer of soil.

  1. The strong odor of coffee grounds and cayenne pepper repulses squirrels. Simply sprinkle the grounds or spice on or around plants before or after they bloom. This won’t affect your plants but will give the squirrels an awful smell and taste if they try to dig.[2]
    • Garlic powder, ground chili flakes, and pepper flakes also work.
    • Try using a blend of these spices to make a heavy-duty mixture squirrels will absolutely hate.
    • Squirrels also hate the smell of their predators' urine. Both fox and coyote urine will scare away squirrels so you don't have to worry about them.
4

Make a DIY squirrel repellent spray.

  1. A mixture of fresh mint, cayenne pepper, and garlic repels squirrels. Squirrels are sensitive to strong and spicy smells. Making a non-toxic repellent spray out of items you probably have in your pantry can help them from digging while not hurting your plants. Follow these steps to create a DIY squirrel repellent:[5]
    • Muddle a handful of mint leaves into a medium-sized container. Pick fresh leaves from your garden or buy some at the store.
    • Add 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of cayenne pepper.
    • Add 2 tbsp (28.3) of garlic powder or 3 to 4 minced large cloves.
    • Cover the ingredients with about 4 c (512 g) of boiling water or to the top of your container.
    • Mix everything together, cover, and steep for at least 24 hours.
    • Strain the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz onto leaves and soil.
    • Squirrel repellents can also be purchased online or at a gardening store if you don’t have the supplies to make your own.
5

Lay chicken wire over the flower pot.

  1. Adding a metal or plastic layer of protection can stop squirrels from digging. Chicken wire keeps curious squirrel paws out of your soil, as the wire basically locks them out. Simply lay the wire over the top of the pot after you plant. Then, weave the shoots through the wire once they’ve sprouted.[6]
    • Hardware cloth and plastic bird netting also work for this trick.
    • For a heavy-duty solution, make cylinder cages for your potted plants to place over them when you’re not around or cover them with netting. This can hinder the curb appeal but keep your plants happy.[7]
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About This Article

Chikezie Onyianta
Co-authored by:
Pest Control Specialist
This article was co-authored by Chikezie Onyianta and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Chikezie Onyianta is a Pest Control Specialist and the Owner of EcoFusion Pest Control, serving communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. With over 5 years of experience, he specializes in pest control in both residential and commercial spaces. A graduate of Essex County College, Chikezie and EcoFusion assist in rodent, roach, and ant pest control as well as bed bug services. This article has been viewed 4,608 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: October 25, 2022
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