## How to Control Squirrels in Vegetable Garden
Squirrels can be a real nuisance in vegetable gardens, as they love to dig up and eat seeds, seedlings, and even ripe produce. If you’re having problems with squirrels in your garden, there are a few things you can do to control them.
### Exclusion
One of the most effective ways to control squirrels is to exclude them from your garden. This can be done with a variety of methods, including:
Fencing: A fence is the most effective way to keep squirrels out of your garden. The fence should be at least 6 feet tall and buried at least 6 inches deep in the ground. It should also have a mesh size of no more than 1 inch.
Netting: Netting can also be used to exclude squirrels from your garden. The netting should be placed over the top of your plants and secured to the ground with stakes or weights.
Row covers: Row covers are a good way to protect individual plants or rows of plants from squirrels. The covers are made of a lightweight fabric that allows sunlight and water to reach the plants, but prevents squirrels from getting to them.
### Repellents
There are a number of repellents that can be used to deter squirrels from your garden. These repellents can be applied to plants, fences, or other objects around your garden. Some common repellents include:
Capsaicin: Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It is a natural irritant that can deter squirrels from eating plants.
Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is another natural repellent that can deter squirrels. It can be applied to plants or sprayed around the perimeter of your garden.
Predator urine: Predator urine is a natural deterrent that can scare away squirrels. It can be purchased at most hardware stores.
### Trapping
If other methods of control have failed, you may need to resort to trapping. There are a variety of traps that can be used to catch squirrels, including:
Live traps: Live traps are the most humane way to catch squirrels. They are baited with food and then closed when the squirrel enters.
Snap traps: Snap traps are a more lethal way to catch squirrels. They are baited with food and then snap shut when the squirrel steps on the trigger.
Cage traps: Cage traps are a good option for catching multiple squirrels at once. They are baited with food and then closed when the squirrels enter.
Once you have caught a squirrel, you should release it at least 5 miles away from your home. This will help to prevent it from returning to your garden.
### Other Methods
There are a number of other methods that can be used to control squirrels in vegetable garden, including:
Planting squirrel-resistant plants: There are a number of plants that squirrels do not like to eat. These plants include:
Alliums (onions, garlic, chives)
Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)
Cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, pumpkins)
Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
Scare tactics: Scare tactics can be used to deter squirrels from your garden. These tactics include:
Placing owl decoys in your garden
Playing loud music
Throwing water at squirrels
Hunting: Hunting is a legal and effective way to control squirrels. However, it is important to check the local laws before hunting squirrels.
## Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for controlling squirrels in vegetable garden:
Keep your garden clean: Remove any fallen fruit or vegetables from your garden. This will help to reduce the amount of food available to squirrels.
Do not feed squirrels: Feeding squirrels will only encourage them to come back for more.
Be patient: It may take some time to control squirrels in your vegetable garden. Be patient and consistent with your efforts.
By following these tips, you can help to keep squirrels out of your vegetable garden and protect your crops.