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Squirrels , with their playful antics , are charming to watch but can become a serious nuisance in your garden . They not only nibble on plants and uproot lawns while search for acorns , but they also have an affinity for ripe tomatoes . Yes , that ’s right , squirrels love tomatoes as much as we do .
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
So , if you ’ve ever observe a tiny snack deal out of your homegrown tomatoes , chance are a squirrel is to pick . Squirrels have no scruple about obtrude upon your garden and digging up fresh embed seedlings . This can , however , be quite frustrating to home gardeners .
To help you handle squirrels and protect yourtomatoplants thisgrowing season , here are 16 room to outfox and deter them .
Why Do Squirrels Eat Tomatoes?
squirrel often nibble on tomatoes , but their reasons might surprise you . Here ’s what drives them to aim your garden ’s tomatoes :
Companion Planting
Incorporating certain plants into yourtomatogarden can facilitate repel squirrels due to their strong aroma and taste . effectual squirrel - deter fellow traveler includeNasturtiums , geraniums , mint , marigold , andgarlic .
For garden near woodland surface area or known squirrel habitats , it ’s beneficial toplant these companionsalong the borders to make a rude barrier . If you ’re mature tomato in pots , merge these repellent plants into the same container . To ensure the effectiveness of these industrial plant , maintain them with regular pruning and watering , which helps intensify their scents and protect your love apple .
17 Plants That Will Keep Squirrels From Eating Your Garden
Eliminate Food Sources and Shelter
Eliminating nearby food seed and shelter will minimize squirrel attraction to yourtomato plant . Clean up fallen tomatoes , rotting vegetable , and loco day by day . Also , prune crotch hair , trim overhang branches , and clear out likely hiding spots to expose squirrels .
To further deter squirrels from your tomatoes , extend alternate intellectual nourishment origin they prefer , such as edible corn cobnut , sunflower seminal fluid , or dried corn capitulum . rank these decoy away from your garden to divert their attention . Regularly check and refresh these alternate nutrient site to maintain their potency .
Coffee Ground Barriers
Used coffee bean curtilage service as an eco - well-disposed squirrel repellent . circulate the grounds around the perimeter of your garden to create a scent barrier that squirrels get hold unpleasant . Reapply after rainfall to maintain effectualness . The caffeine and acidulousness in the grounds may also enrich the soil as they decay .
For a more long-wearing solution , fill tumid mesh bags withused coffee groundsand place them around your plants . These suitcase last longer , resist washout from sullen rains and act as a strong-arm barrier . Squirrels are often confused by the mien of these unfamiliar pocket . Replace the bags every few hebdomad as they begin to demean .
Dogs and Cats
Use dogs as natural squirrel deterrents . hotdog actively chase away squirrel , while cats restrain them with their presence and odor . Regular patrol by your PET can instill care in local squirrels and alert you to their presence through bark or hiss .
Alternative Food Sources
if a squirrel see a bird self-feeder with its favorite treats — orchis and seed — it might go for that or else of your love apple . you may grease one’s palms a squirrel - specific feeder or set up your own DIY decoy nutrient post or else . squirrel - well-disposed snacks include unseasoned freak , chopped orchard apple tree , carrot , spinach , dome sprout , and Apium graveolens dulce .
Install Motion Sensor Lights
Motion - activated lights are an good way to discourage squirrels , as they typically obviate well - lit areas due to increase exposure to piranha . instal movement sensor spotlights around your garden , targeting the areas near your tomato plant .
Unique Sounds
Squirrels are tender to noise , making startling voice a practical deterrent . Install battery - power ultrasonic repellers around your garden , which give off high - frequency sounds detectable only by squirrel when motion is observe . These sounds are irritating to them , although unhearable to humans .
Additionally , loud alarms or radiocommunication can also keep squirrels at bay . Configure motility detectors to trigger a brassy motor horn , siren , or verbalise radio upon detect a squirrel . modify the strait sporadically to forestall the squirrels from getting used to them . posture speakers so they direct speech sound towards the industrial plant , ensuring that sudden noises efficaciously scare away potential garden intruders .
A Sprinkler System
Motion - activated sprinklers are a good way to keep squirrels away from gardens . When squirrels get skinny to tomato plant plants , the system sprays a quick burst of water , which deter them from returning . The surprise of being sprayed with water supply is effective at keep squirrels from try out to snack on the tomatoes .
Provide a Water Bowl
It is potential that some squirrels nibble on tomatoes not out of hungriness but because they ’re hungry . Seeing only small bites on your love apple could point that the squirrels are looking for moisture . Placing asmall water bowlnear your garden can keep them hydrated and dissuade them from biting into your Lycopersicon esculentum .
Owl Decoy
Just as gardeners use scarecrows to discourage birds , owl decoys can be efficacious for keeping squirrels forth . Squirrels are naturally afraid of owls , which are natural predators of gnawer .
Applying Predator Urine
squirrel have a cracking sense of olfaction that they use to discover predators . you could use this to your reward by applying predator urine , such as from coyotes or foxes , around your garden . The scent touch off a concern response in squirrels , deterring them from the area .
Predator urine is available at many garden center specifically for this purpose . For best results , spray the urine around your garden weekly and reapply after rainfall .
Using Fences and Cages as Barriers
Physical barriers such as fence and Cage are good in protect tomato flora from squirrels . These barriers keep squirrels from get at advanced tomatoes and discourage their attempt to bust . There are various fencing material and caging options available that practice simple , toll - effective material .
you may also build custom solutions tailored to your garden ’s specific layout and the behaviors of local squirrel . set these barrier to amply enfold the plants while still providing sufficient space for vine maturation and yield development .
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Chilli Pepper Sprays
Chili pepper spray , crafted from hot chili pepper , is an effectual hinderance against squirrels point tomato plant plants . Squirrels are sensitive to capsaicin , the active ingredient in chili white pepper , which they feel unpleasant in both tasting and feel . To make the spray , blend or process the chili peppers , meld with water , and then strain out the pulp before applying .
Apple Cider Vinegar Solutions
orchard apple tree cider vinegar , due to its pungent olfactory property and tartness , is effective at deterring squirrels from tomato plant plant . To use this method acting , soak cotton balls inapple cidervinegar and secure them to plant stems with twist ties . The acetum will disseminate through the aviation , repelling squirrels as they approach . commend to replace the cotton plant Ball sporadically as the scent fades .
Additionally , you’re able to place shallow dish filled with cider vinegar around the perimeter of your garden . The strong odor of the acetum behave as a handicap , indicate to squirrels that the domain is off - demarcation line . Be sure to refill these dishes on a regular basis , as their strength can decrease with picture to sunshine and moisture .
relate : Homemade Fruit Fly Trap with Apple Cider acetum
Plant More Tomatoes
It might be dissatisfactory to hear , but it ’s nearly insufferable to completely stop squirrels from occasionally biting into your tomatoes . One pragmatic approaching is to plant a bit more than you need and swallow portion out some of your garden ’s bounteousness with them .
How to Identify if Squirrels Are Damaging Your Tomato Plants
square off if squirrel are eating your tomato plant postulate bet for specific signs . Here ’s how you could tell :
