I live in a garden apartment and my upstairs neighbor feeds the very large squirrel population. I love to grow flowers in planters on the stoop, but the squirrels uproot the flowers and I find them lying dead next to the planters.
Does anyone know any "annual" flowers that they don't like or have any suggestions? I'm so tired of spending money on flowers and it also makes me so sad to see them destroyed. (Forget the neighbor, as no one can make him stop feeding them.) Thanks.
Cedar squares like you hang in closets will help as well. Put them on top of your planters. And rubber snakes, as long as you remember they are there! And fake owls work for a while.
I know exactly what you mean. Unfortunately, in the town where I live it is illegal to shoot them with a pellet gun, the same goes for the people in the complex that feed them. I had ordered something called hot pepper spray that is supposed to repel animals and won't hurt the plants, I just received it, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. There is also something that comes in little cloth bags that is supposed to repel squirrels, I guess you hang that on a twig, in a tree, or whatever. I don't know if that works either.
I used to think squirrels were such cute little things and fed them too.... I've discovered, like you, that they are pests and destructive to my flowers. I don't have an answer to the problem but hope someone else does! I have a cat but he doesn't seem to deter the squirrels... granted, he is only outside occasionally.
This pages has been archived 1 time. You can view older posts and feedback below.
Request: Squirrels Eating Flowers (05/29/2009)
My grandparents have a problem with squirrels. They're always in our yard, and eat my grandmother's tulips by breaking off the center of these flowers and then spit the petals.
Post Feedback:
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Q: My grandparents have a problem with squirrels. They're always in our yard, and eat my grandmother's tulips by breaking off the center of these flowers and then spit the petals. In doing so they destroying my grandparents favorite spot. What can we do to solve this problem?
Matt Santos-Drolet from Bristol, RI
A: Dear Matt:
Unfortunately, Tulips are one of a squirrels favorite garden flowers to snack on-especially it seems, the lighter-colored ones. If your grandmother is currently feeding the squirrels that come into her yard, you might suggest she move the feeder far away from her tulip bed and offer them an appealing alternative (like corn cobs or peanuts) while the tulips are in bloom. If she isn't feeding them, she may want to start. I keep my squirrels very well fed and place chicken wire over my tulip bulbs after planting them in the fall. So far, the squirrels don't seem one bit interested in my flowers.
Next year have your grandmother soak her tulip bulbs in Deer-Off or a similar repellent before she plants them. Most squirrels will also stay away from ammonia, urine or the scent of a predator. Products containing these scents can be purchased at a garden center and sprayed around growing plants. If you or someone you know has a dog, next time the dog gets a hair cut, you might save some of the clippings to spread around the flower bed. You could use your own hair, too. Cats also make good deterrents, but they shouldn't be allowed to run loose in the city where they can easily prey on songbirds. Let your grandmother know that squirrels dislike daffodils, ornamental onions, and hyacinths. Live-trapping and relocating them is kind of a last resort and only works for a short time until new squirrels to move in.
I hope these ideas help. Good luck.
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Feedback:
RE: Squirrels Eating Flowers
Maybe try leaving food out for them. They get into our bird feeders, maybe you can try to leave them some food to keep them out of the flowers. (04/12/2006)
Hubby had this problem with chipmunks getting into the flowers at the country club where he works as grounds keeper. He said one thing is to plant daffodil bulbs they hate them. Another idea is to scatter pieces of Irish Spring soap. To keep some animals out of gardens just sprinkle some human hair around. So next time you get your hair cut remember this tip, and ask for it back.
Brenda-Ohio (04/12/2006)
Before planting bulbs wrap them in a wire type mesh, that the roots can grow through, and then plant them in the ground. The rodents cannot eat them. (04/13/2006)
RE: Squirrels Eating Flowers
Sprinkling moth balls among the tulips also will keep them from eating the flowers or the bulbs. (04/13/2006)
By nancy80501
RE: Squirrels Eating Flowers
Mix hot pepper sauce with water and spray it on the tulips. You will have to reapply after rain. (04/21/2006)
