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16 Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels

January 25, 2016

Get those pesky squirrels out of your garden once and for all with these tricks.

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Get a Dog

Fido occasionally comes with his own set of problems in the garden, but pets that spend a lot of time outside may be able to scare squirrels off.

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Photo: Photo by Elizabeth Millard / Courtesy Cool Springs Press

Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper

Some gardeners swear by sprinkling a concoction of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika or other combinations of spicy seasonings around the base of the plants. Trick squirrels into thinking your produce isn't a tasty treat after all by dusting a few of the fruits in the hot mixture, too.

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Don't Feed Them

Cute as they may be, feeding squirrels creates an open invitation for them to come into your yard. 

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Set Up a Buffet

Alternatively, some have had success leaving treats for squirrels in a remote area away from the garden. If you have room, you could also try setting up a "sacrifice garden"—a separate garden where critters are free to munch as they please without damaging your main crops.

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