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Do squirrels and chipmunks destroy your garden at home? Here are simple tips to keep the pests away using different smells.
Squirrels and Chipmunks in the Garden?
Although attractive, squirrels and chipmunks do a lot of damage to plants. These tiny insects can do a lot of damage because they like to burrow and dig. When one of these little critters undoes all the hours of labor they put into their precious gardens, most gardeners get very irritated. Here are several scent-based techniques to deter them from entering your garden.
Predator Urine
This is a really simple technique to keep these little critters away from your precious garden. Hunter’s urine can be found in garden stores and agricultural cooperatives, and is also quite easy to make. Use scent to trick squirrels and chipmunks into thinking there’s a predator around by keeping squirrels and chipmunks at the edge of your garden. This way, your plants will be protected and they will avoid the garden because they don’t want to face predators.
Peppermint
Anyone familiar with peppermint knows that its smell is strong. As a result, this strong smell can be used to deter pests such as chipmunks and squirrels. To protect the plant, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and sprinkle them in the yard or near the target plant. Additionally, you can spray the garden using a solution of peppermint oil and water.
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Cayenne pepper
Another strategy to deter squirrels and chipmunks from eating your garden plants is to use cayenne pepper. You can use them as crushed chilies or as flakes in your garden. Most animals find the pungent, spicy smell of chili peppers unpleasant. This will significantly deter critters from your garden, whether you sprinkle chili powder on plants or mix it with water to make a spray.
Garlic
The strong aroma of garlic is one of its numerous applications. One of the easiest ways to keep bugs away is to use freshly minced garlic. Garlic cloves, crushed or in oil form, can help scare dogs away. Additionally, you can dilute the oil with water to make a mist that you can direct anywhere in your garden.
Eucalyptus
One of the most powerful aromas found in plants is eucalyptus oil. Squirrels and chipmunks, however, do not like this strong smell. As a result, you can use it to keep plants away from your garden. To make insects aware of your presence, simply dip cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and scatter them around the garden.
Castor Oil
Another powerful scent that can effectively repel kids is castor oil. As with peppermint oil, you can dilute it with water and use a spray bottle to apply it to your plants or throughout your garden. But, you should be very careful not to spray the plants directly as this can damage them.
Lavender
People love lavender oil and everything made from it. However, insects such as chipmunks and squirrels may find this pleasant-smelling oil rather unpleasant. Soak cotton balls in oil and throw them in the garden or near the plants you want to use. It will protect garden plants by warding off most pests.
Rosemary
The smell of the leaves of fennel is quite sharp and quite powerful. That way, if a chipmunk or squirrel breaks out in your garden, you can take advantage of it. Use a solution of water and rosemary oil to spray the garden. The leaves can also be crushed and scattered over selected plants or gardens.
Lemon
Here is another easy to use yet effective hack. You can keep chipmunks and squirrels away from your garden by using lemon juice or oil. All you have to do is combine the oil or sap with water and mist your plants and garden edges. Lemon is a widely available and preferred substitute.
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