Also, the tender vegetation in the container is a tempting food source.
Encourage these active rodents to play in the dirt elsewhere with these simple tactics for protecting your potted plants.
Make a Barrier
Disrupt a squirrels container feast or digging habit with the help of a barrier.
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Extend the cylinder at least 2 feet above the rim of the pot.
Mold the wire to the shape of the container as needed.
Leave the barrier in place for at least two weeks to interrupt the squirrels habit.
Apply Repellents
A host of commercial rodent repellents are on the market.
If it isnt effective, try a different product.
Interrupt Squirrels' Habits
Squirrels are creatures of habit.
When they find a food source they love, they return to it repeatedly.
If possible, try moving a squirrel’s favorite container for digging elsewhere.
Simply moving the container from the known location can reset a squirrel’s feeding and digging patterns.
Return your container garden to its original location after 5 to 7 days.
If squirrels are relentless in your area, consider moving your prized plants into hanging containers.
All kinds offlowering annuals bloomwith gusto in hanging pots.
you’re able to evengrow tomatoes up high.
For example, ‘Tumbling Tom’ cascades over the edge of a pot, producing easy-to-pick sweet cherry tomatoes.
Barriers are generally the best at keeping squirrels out of pots, but not always the most aesthetic choice.
Repellents can also have good success but require diligent applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tree and ground squirrels are tough to control in an open garden bed.
Fences are rarely effective, as the animals will find a way into the garden.
Repellents may be your best option.
A predator, such as a large dog or active cat, can be an effective deterrent, too.
The damage likely looks worse than it is; bark stripping by squirrels is usually a superficial wound.
Use tree wrap to dissuade the rodents.
Repellents are sometimes effective, too.
Squirrels are active during daylight.
After dark, a raccoon is likely digging in your pot.
Move the pot to a different location for a few days todeter the raccoon.
When the pot is no longer available, it will likely move on to other food sources.
