Plants That Repel Squirrels: Keep Your Garden Safe and Beautiful

Squirrels can be a real problem for gardeners. They love to dig up bulbs, eat fruit and vegetables, and generally wreak havoc on your carefully tended plants. While there are plenty of solutions out there, from traps to repellents, many gardeners prefer a more natural approach. That's where plants come in - there are several species that have been shown to repel squirrels naturally, without any harmful chemicals. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best plants for keeping squirrels away from your garden.

Plants That Repel Squirrels

Daffodils

Daffodils are not only beautiful spring flowers, but they also have a reputation for repelling squirrels. This is because they contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in animals that ingest it. Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your garden can help keep squirrels at bay.

However, it's important to note that while daffodils are toxic to squirrels, they're also toxic to other animals, including dogs and cats. Make sure to keep pets away from them, and wear gloves when handling the bulbs yourself.

Alliums

Alliums, which include onions, garlic, and chives, are another group of plants that squirrels tend to avoid. This is because they contain compounds that are unappealing to the rodents, such as sulfur and allicin. Planting alliums throughout your garden can help keep squirrels away from your other plants.

In addition to repelling squirrels, alliums also have a number of other benefits for your garden. They're great at deterring other pests like aphids and slugs, and they can even improve the growth of neighboring plants.

Hyacinths

Like daffodils, hyacinths contain toxic alkaloids that can make them unappealing to squirrels. They have a strong, sweet scent that humans love, but that many animals find overpowering. Planting hyacinths around the perimeter of your garden can help repel squirrels and other pests.

Keep in mind that hyacinths are also toxic to dogs and cats, so be sure to keep pets away from them.

Fritillaries

Fritillaries are another type of flower that contains toxic compounds that make them unpalatable to squirrels. They have a distinctive bell shape and come in a range of colors, from purple to yellow. Planting fritillaries around the edges of your garden can help deter squirrels and other rodents.

Datura

Datura, also known as angel's trumpet, is a highly toxic plant that can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death if ingested in large quantities. While it's definitely not a plant you want to keep around if you have small children or pets, it can be an effective way to repel squirrels.

The plant has a pungent odor that most animals find unpleasant, and it's also highly visible thanks to its large, trumpet-shaped flowers. Planting datura around the edges of your garden can help keep squirrels at bay.

Narcissus

Narcissus, also known as paperwhites, are a type of bulb that contains toxic compounds that repel squirrels. They have a sweet, delicate fragrance that humans love, but that many animals find unappealing. Planting narcissus around the perimeter of your garden can help keep squirrels away from your other plants.

Like daffodils and hyacinths, narcissus bulbs are toxic to dogs and cats, so be sure to keep pets away from them.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that's beloved by humans and repuve to many animals, including squirrels. Its scent is thought to interfere with their ability to navigate and communicate, making it an effective way to keep them out of your garden.

In addition to its pest-repellent properties, lavender has a number of other benefits for your garden. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, and it's also known for its relaxing properties - you can even use it to make your own herbal tea!

Mint

Mint is another herb that's highly aromatic and unappealing to many animals. It contains compounds like menthol and pulegone that can irritate squirrels' noses and eyes, making them less likely to stick around.

There are several varieties of mint to choose from, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint. Planting mint around the edges of your garden can help deter squirrels and other pests.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular choice for gardeners looking to repel a variety of pests, including squirrels. They contain compounds like pyrethrin that are toxic to many insects and rodents, while still being safe for humans and pets.

Planting marigolds throughout your garden can help keep squirrels at bay, as well as other pests like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen herb that's native to the Mediterranean region. It has a strong, pungent scent that many animals find unpleasant, including squirrels. Planting rosemary around the edges of your garden can help deter these rodents and other pests.

In addition to its pest-repellent properties, rosemary is also a delicious culinary herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's particularly good with roasted meats and vegetables.

Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions, are another member of the allium family that's unappealing to squirrels. They have a mild, onion-like flavor that humans love, but that many animals find overpowering.

Planting scallions throughout your garden can help keep squirrels away from your other plants, as well as other pests like aphids and thrips.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, or mums for short, are a popular fall flower that's toxic to many insects and rodents, including squirrels. They contain compounds like pyrethrin that can cause paralysis and death in small animals.

Planting chrysanthemums around the perimeter of your garden can help deter squirrels and other pests, while still adding a pop of color to your autumn landscape.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a versatile plant that's easy to grow and care for. They're also unappealing to many animals, including squirrels. Planting geraniums around the edges of your garden can help repel these rodents and other pests.

In addition to their pest-repellent properties, geraniums come in a wide range of colors and styles, from classic red and pink to more unusual shades like blue and black.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a type of mint that's particularly potent when it comes to repelling squirrels and other pests. Its strong, refreshing scent can irritate their eyes and nose, making it difficult for them to stick around.

Planting peppermint around the edges of your garden can help keep squirrels at bay, as well as other pests like mice and rats.

Garlic

Garlic is another member of the allium family that's unappealing to many animals, including squirrels. It contains compounds like allicin that can irritate their senses, making them less likely to hang around.

Planting garlic throughout your garden can help deter squirrels and other rodents, while also adding flavor and nutrition to your meals.

If you're struggling with squirrels in your garden, these plants can be a safe, effective way to keep them away from your crops and flowers. From daffodils to lavender, there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your personal preferences and gardening style.

By planting these natural squirrel repellents, you can enjoy a beautiful, bountiful garden without having to resort to harmful chemicals or traps.

FAQs About Plants That Repel Squirrels

1. Are all of these plants safe for pets?

No, some of the plants on this list, such as daffodils and hyacinths, are toxic to dogs and cats. Make sure to keep pets away from any plants that may be harmful to them.

2. Will these plants repel other pests besides squirrels?

Yes, many of these plants have insect-repelling properties as well, making them a great choice for keeping a variety of pests at bay.

3. Do I need to plant these plants directly in the ground, or can I use containers?

You can use either method - planting directly in the ground or using containers - depending on your personal preferences and gardening style.

4. Do these plants need special care or maintenance?

Most of these plants are relatively easy to care for, but it's always a good idea to research their specific needs before planting them. For example, some may require full sun, while others prefer partial shade.

5. Will these plants completely eliminate squirrels from my garden?

No, no plant is 100% effective at repelling squirrels. However, planting a variety of these natural squirrel repellents can help reduce their presence in your garden and protect your crops and flowers.