Squirrels....a reprise

Hey everyone!

OK, i have posted before about having a squirrel problem. I have found a couple of things that have worked pretty well. First, we do all of our own haircuts here. I know, it isn't pretty, but for #2 buzz cuts it is OK. I saw a movie about a baseball player where they spread hair on a field to keep deer from eating the new grass. Well after our last round of haircuts I placed the clippings in and around my garden and there has been zero traces of squirrels. I am not sure how long it will last, wind, rain, etc., but so far no squirrels.

Second, I took chicken wire and cut squares just a bit smaller than my squares in the garden. I then placed one in each square in my garden, 44 in all, and planted. I have seen some evidence of squirrels, but nothing nearly as damaging and I have lost zero seedlings or more mature plants. It appears they get frustrated and move on. The openings in the fencing are spaced well for planting and provide ample room for the plants to grow through. I will admit, it isn't the prettiest thing, so next time I replant I am going to try and cover them with a small amount of Mel's Mix.

Lastly, I obtained an electric fence for next to nothing. I am going to see how that works as well.

blessings everyone!

hartge01 wrote:Lastly, I obtained an electric fence for next to nothing. I am going to see how that works as well.

Last year, my first year gardening, was the great War of the Squirrels. I eventually had to trap the colony (they were also eroding the slope next to the property) but haven't seen one since. I think the electric fence is going to be your friend, as it is mine! I have had few problems since installing it.

Are you using a barrier fence too? The trick is to put up a barrier fence (mine's only 18" high) behind the wires, so an animal that gets stopped by the barrier fence will be more likely to touch a wire.

I did have something eat all my honeydew blossoms and leaves last year even after the fence went up, but I will take no prisoners if it comes back this year!

Hey Coelli, unfortunately I have to deal with a rather militant home owners association, so as low key and under the radar as I can be the better. That leaves out a barrier fence. My guess is the electric fence will get a "removal" letter. I am simply hoping they don't push the issue of me even having a garden. (which is technically prohibited) Of course .177 lead pellets from my air gun are forbidden as well

I am going to run a two wire fence. One about three inches above the box and another three to four inches above that. I may even try to run a few wires through the garden, but I am thinking that will constantly ground the system due to the enormous amount of food I will be producing! (hopeful sarcasm?)

Blessings everyone!

My neighbor bought a little squirrel trap at Lowes and catches 1-2 squirrels a day using a few nuts. He then, um, relocates them.....to the tub of water. He then "relocates" them again to a plastic bag and they go out with the garbage. If you were into this type of relocation, the trap is really tiny and it's doubtful anyone from your HOA would notice. Just a thought!

I wish you luck with the squirrels and leniency from your HOA.

I placed lots of rose branches through out my garden and then sprinkled some of my anti-squirrel (and anti-cat) powder on top of everything. The powder is cayenne powder, red pepper, orange peel and garlic powder. I have not had any new holes in the past week or two.

H_TX_2 wrote:I wish you luck with the squirrels and leniency from your HOA.

I placed lots of rose branches through out my garden and then sprinkled some of my anti-squirrel (and anti-cat) powder on top of everything. The powder is cayenne powder, red pepper, orange peel and garlic powder. I have not had any new holes in the past week or two.

Hi H_TX_2,

Forgive me, I know we've communicated about this before. I know you said you put strips of orange rind and all the other ingredients in a plastic bag. I just don't remember the ratios of your anti-squirrel powder. I can't find it in previous posts. Would you mind giving it to me again please? (I want to make some immediately.) Thanks so much!

I used equal parts:
cayenne pepper
red pepper (not the flakes but the red powder)
garlic powder
orange peel

Everything was available in the spice section at the grocery store. I really don't know if the orange peel is effective against cats because it is dried and doesn't seem to have a strong citrus smell to me. This was just something I threw together out of frustration.

*I sprinkled a little on some sausage a few nights ago and it tasted pretty good so if all else fails I have some seasoning to cook with.

I appreciate you telling me again about the ratios for your concoction. Hmm... sausage huh? Grin. I'll have to try that as well.