• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » My Kitchen & Garden

    Updated: Jul 22, 2024 · Published: Mar 1, 2021 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    How to Protect Your Garden from Squirrels

    How to protect your garden from squirrels can often be a difficult battle. Do you have a hard time keeping them from eating your berries or your prized tomatoes? Hopefully, this article will help you understand what squirrels eat and how you can protect your homegrown food from getting wiped out by the little critters.

    Squirrels eat a lot of garden fruits and nuts

    One of the things that squirrels seem to love to eat from our garden is strawberries. Yes, squirrels love to eat our strawberries and it's a bummer. I want them all to myself for eating or baking a yummy strawberry peach cobbler.

    I am sharing how we save our crops & our favorite garden products that REALLY WORK! Before that, here is everything you need to know about what squirrels eat so you know which plants & trees to save.

    Jump to:
    • What Do Squirrels Eat?
    • Top Ways to Protect Your Plants from Animals

    What Do Squirrels Eat?

    Most types of squirrels are vegetarians. They prefer to consume mostly fruits, nuts, and vegetables. From what I have read, there are a lot of foods that are safe for squirrels that we often grow in our own yards.

    Here is just a few of the most popular ones:

    • Apples
    • Stone fruits
    • Tomatoes
    • Avocados
    • Berries
    • Corn
    • Mushrooms
    • Nuts
    Hand holding a strawberry growing on a plant.

    Top Ways to Protect Your Plants from Animals

    Below are 5 ways to keep them out of your garden to protect your fruits, vegetables, and nuts from squirrels. Some involve building structures around your plants and others are suggestions for not making your yard a 24-hour all you can eat restaurant. 

    Try one or a combo of these tactics to squirrel proof your produce. All of these ideas will help keep animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, and deer, out of your yard. 

    Cover Plants with Mesh or Netting

    If your garden is not fenced in and enclosed with a material like chickenwire, you are welcoming squirrels to snack all day long. If you cannot afford to build or have space for a large enclosure, getting rolls of garden mesh will help. We wrap this around all our fruit trees & it works great.

    AlpineReach Garden Netting 7.5 x 65 ft Heavy Duty Bird Net, Deer, Plant Protection Extra Strong Woven Mesh, Reusable Kit with Zip Ties, Animal Fencing for Fruits Trees, Black
    $29.99
    AlpineReach Garden Netting 7.5 x 65 ft Heavy Duty Bird Net, Deer, Plant Protection Extra Strong Woven Mesh, Reusable Kit with Zip Ties, Animal Fencing for Fruits Trees, Black
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 09:36 am GMT

    Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse 98 x 49 x 53 Inches Pop up Grow House for Outdoor & Indoor Eco-Friendly Fiberglass Poles Overlong Cover 6 Stakes 4 Zipper Doors (Black)
    $74.98
    Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse 98 x 49 x 53 Inches Pop up Grow House for Outdoor & Indoor Eco-Friendly Fiberglass Poles Overlong Cover 6 Stakes 4 Zipper Doors (Black)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 11:26 am GMT

    Alpurple Insect Bird Barrier Netting Mesh with Drawstring - Garden Bug Netting Plant Cover for Protect Plant Fruits Flower from Insect Bird Eating (Large 2 PCS)
    $11.99
    Alpurple Insect Bird Barrier Netting Mesh with Drawstring - Garden Bug Netting Plant Cover for Protect Plant Fruits Flower from Insect Bird Eating (Large 2 PCS)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 11:55 am GMT

    Build Enclosed Containers

    Squirrels will try to get through anything so if you want to completely encage your plants you can do that. Be sure it is surrounded on all sides and from above. They can also dig so if you are planting in a raised bed with a wood plank side they will probably not get in underground.  Pinterest, DIY sites, & even retailers like Home Depot share how to build a garden enclosure yourself.

    Add Plants That Squirrels Do Not Like

    They do not like the smell of these flowers and may keep them away. Try planting one of a few of these flowers; marigolds, daffodils, geraniums, hyacinth, or lily-of-the-valley.  They also do not like strong-smelling plants such as peppermint, garlic, onion, or pepper.

    We always plant marigolds each spring & have a large peppermint plant in a plot that is great year round. Try adding these to your garden for your enjoyment and not theirs.

    Sow Right Seeds - Peppermint Seeds for Planting - Non-GMO Heirloom Packet with Instructions for Easy Planting and Growing an Herbal Tea Garden - Indoors or Outdoor - Medicinal & Culinary (1)
    $4.84
    Sow Right Seeds - Peppermint Seeds for Planting - Non-GMO Heirloom Packet with Instructions for Easy Planting and Growing an Herbal Tea Garden - Indoors or Outdoor - Medicinal & Culinary (1)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 11:36 am GMT

    Organic Onion Seeds - 7 Varieties of Heirloom and Non-GMO Red, Yellow, and Green Onions for Planting
    Organic Onion Seeds - 7 Varieties of Heirloom and Non-GMO Red, Yellow, and Green Onions for Planting
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Sow Right Seeds - Marigold Seed Collection for Planting, Crackerjack, Sparky, Dainty Marietta, and Petite Mix Marigolds to Plant in Your Flower Garden; Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds; Wonderful Gardening Gift
    Sow Right Seeds - Marigold Seed Collection for Planting, Crackerjack, Sparky, Dainty Marietta, and Petite Mix Marigolds to Plant in Your Flower Garden; Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds; Wonderful Gardening Gift
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Mixed Daffodils (25 Bulbs) - Assorted Colors Daffodil Narcissus Bulbs by Willard & May
    Mixed Daffodils (25 Bulbs) - Assorted Colors Daffodil Narcissus Bulbs by Willard & May
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Use Squirrel Repellents or Deterrents

    We have personally tried sprinkling cayenne pepper around and that seemed to only work for a day or so and they figured it out or were over it. Peppermint oil is a better option.

    We have also used faux bird of prey statues too, we have the owl in our yard and move it around every few days. Our dog at first was more scared of it which made us laugh.

    Mighty Mint 16 oz Peppermint Oil Insect & Pest Spray - for Spiders, Ants, and More
    $19.98
    Mighty Mint 16 oz Peppermint Oil Insect & Pest Spray - for Spiders, Ants, and More
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 09:46 am GMT

    Just Scentsational FU-128 Red Fox Urine for Gardens, Hunters, and Trappers, 128 oz (1 Gallon)
    $19.73
    Just Scentsational FU-128 Red Fox Urine for Gardens, Hunters, and Trappers, 128 oz (1 Gallon)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 10:30 pm GMT

    Dalen Fake Owl Decoy to Scare Birds Away from Gardens, Rooftops, and Patios - Scarecrow Provides Chemical-Free Pest Control - Safe and Humane, 18" 360º Rotating Head
    $30.47
    Dalen Fake Owl Decoy to Scare Birds Away from Gardens, Rooftops, and Patios - Scarecrow Provides Chemical-Free Pest Control - Safe and Humane, 18" 360º Rotating Head
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 04:16 pm GMT

    Do Not Attract Them to Your Yard

    Squirrels will stay forever if they find ample food that is easy to access.  Keeping the buffet to a minimum will help.  Keep bird feeders, cat, or dog food out of your yard.  Cover and contain all trash, yard clippings, or compost piles.

    Squirrel holding a nut in its mouth.

    Product Recommendations for this Article:

    AlpineReach Garden Netting 7.5 x 65 ft Heavy Duty Bird Net, Deer, Plant Protection Extra Strong Woven Mesh, Reusable Kit with Zip Ties, Animal Fencing for Fruits Trees, Black
    $29.99
    AlpineReach Garden Netting 7.5 x 65 ft Heavy Duty Bird Net, Deer, Plant Protection Extra Strong Woven Mesh, Reusable Kit with Zip Ties, Animal Fencing for Fruits Trees, Black
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 09:36 am GMT

    Just Scentsational FU-128 Red Fox Urine for Gardens, Hunters, and Trappers, 128 oz (1 Gallon)
    $19.73
    Just Scentsational FU-128 Red Fox Urine for Gardens, Hunters, and Trappers, 128 oz (1 Gallon)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 10:30 pm GMT

    Mighty Mint 16 oz Peppermint Oil Insect & Pest Spray - for Spiders, Ants, and More
    $19.98
    Mighty Mint 16 oz Peppermint Oil Insect & Pest Spray - for Spiders, Ants, and More
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 09:46 am GMT

    Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse 98 x 49 x 53 Inches Pop up Grow House for Outdoor & Indoor Eco-Friendly Fiberglass Poles Overlong Cover 6 Stakes 4 Zipper Doors (Black)
    $74.98
    Quictent Mini Portable Greenhouse 98 x 49 x 53 Inches Pop up Grow House for Outdoor & Indoor Eco-Friendly Fiberglass Poles Overlong Cover 6 Stakes 4 Zipper Doors (Black)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 11:26 am GMT

    Alpurple Insect Bird Barrier Netting Mesh with Drawstring - Garden Bug Netting Plant Cover for Protect Plant Fruits Flower from Insect Bird Eating (Large 2 PCS)
    $11.99
    Alpurple Insect Bird Barrier Netting Mesh with Drawstring - Garden Bug Netting Plant Cover for Protect Plant Fruits Flower from Insect Bird Eating (Large 2 PCS)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 11:55 am GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    « Can You Freeze Tortillas? (How to Store & Thaw)
    Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #419 »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix cut in squares on a counter with white chocolate chips.
      Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix
    • Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured close up with dipping sauces on the bottom
      Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    • 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie in graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
      Easy 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie
    • Naked Chicken Wings on a plate.
      Naked Chicken Wings
    • How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured
      How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    Try Audible Plus
    Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
    Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
    Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Top Categories

    • Main Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Italian
    • Holidays
    • Southern
    • Recipe Roundups

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2019- 2025 The Short Order Cook LLC, All Rights Reserved. All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanying do-follow link to this site. Publishing any item as if it were your own is prohibited & illegal. The Short Order Cook tests every recipe & never uses AI to create recipes or images.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT