Using Snow To Deter Squirrels Digging Up Bulbs

Nothing gets me more frustrated than seeing tulips dug up by squirrels.

Grrr....

Tender yellow shoots emerging from the ground must be a thrill for the squirrel after a long harsh winter. Although, once they get the taste of the shoots, they continue to dig down and go for the bulb.

What bothers me more...is finding these half eaten green bits all about. At least eat everything if you're going to destroy the plant. Grrrr....

Even though this process is slightly redundant, that heap of snow you have at the side of the drive or in that shaded corner - well, it can be quite useful.

It will buy you a day or two of time, so that the squirrels become frustrated and move on - elsewhere.

Fill in the dug up areas, add some cayenne pepper or netting if you prefer and then cover the tulips with snow. Will give you a chance to come up with other ideas to ward off those pesky squirrels.

Depending on how warm it gets, you'll have to decide whether this process is worth the effort.  At least the slow melting will give the area adequate moisture to help make the tulips pop up more rapidly.

To us, it was...

Snow on top is like leaving a sign that says - take a hike!

I sure don't want to miss out on this display:

(with a Happy Dance, as spring is 3 days away)

Squirrels and Spice, How Nice!

I give up! Every day, I get this:

I'm getting tired of this. Constant digging up of my planters/hanging planters... Sometimes I see an entire plant popped right out!

Living in a townhouse complex, you get interesting neighbours in the mix. I really can't complain, they are lovely folk, but they LOVE feeding squirrels. The funny element: they each own a cat and guess where the squirrels find freedom away from those clever felines? My garden. Sigh....

I happen to have the 'get-away' tree. At one sitting, I saw about 6 little squirrels to contend with.

In shade, plants take longer to flush out and thicken, and so when the squirrels had their fill of food, they bury the rest. EVERYWHERE. Where ever there is a little soft soil or pocket, they find it.

Weapons of choice:

1. 

Plant netting: purchased at the dollar store. I had to do this, as two of these hanging fence line planters are closest to the 'get-away tree'. Grrrrrr. 


2.

Cayenne pepper: it works!  Testing it now for 4 days, it has kept them at bay.

Sprinkle as close to the soil as possible and don't be stingy. A good covering is essential.

The trick is to apply AFTER watering. Or it's rendered useless.

Don't worry about getting it on leaves. Does nothing (at least I have not noticed any affect).

I bought bulk cayenne at the bulk store, so that it didn't cost a mint.

Just be aware, when placing it in baskets or planters close to eye level: sprinkle down wind. You don't want pepper dust getting into your eyes or nose. AHHHHH-CHEEEEW! :)

Until my plants thicken and spread out to cover the bare soil, I shall be out there sprinkling away: after every watering (2-3 days).