"Squirrel Wars"
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
Canada
June 2, 2009 10:22am CST
OK, first off, I don't hate squirrels LOL I accept that they are part of the "nature" of my environment and they're pretty cute... from a distance. However, this year, I have some that are bold as brass. I try to chase them away and they turn around and chase ME! One likes to sit on the wires and "yell" at me while I hang out my laundry. This morning, I saw one on the front lawn. I went out for the mail and discovered it had dug through all five of my planters of tuberous begonias, leaving dirt all over the front porch too. I worry for those flowers because they are sensitive to grow and they are among my favorites so I'd hate to lose them.
I've been told sprinkling bloodmeal on the top of the soil might deter them but I was wondering if anyone knows for sure? Or would you know of any other "household" remedies for keeping them from digging in containers? It's bad enough when they dig in the lawn but that isn't so noticeable - in the containers, it's really making a mess.
Now if I could just find out which neighbor is encouraging them by feeding them the peanuts they are bringing by to bury at my house.... ugh.... Any feedback will be appreciated, thanks! :D
2 people like this
5 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
3 Jun 09
I have trouble with squirrels, too, but have never had one chase me. I think I'd take after him with a stick or a rock if he did! LOL They do sit on a tree limb or highwire and fuss at me after I've chased them out of the yard, though.
They kept raiding my bird feeder, so I got one that was supposed to be squirrel proof, with a metal cage around it and weighted so that the squirrel's weight closes the feeding ports. The first time a squirrel got on it I was watching. It was funny to see him keep trying to stick his paws into the closed ports. He started trying to gnaw through the metal. I chased him away and haven't seen any on it since.
2 people like this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
4 Jun 09
My "weapon" of choice is currently a push broom... 
LOL! I swear I must look like a real goofball running around with it but I just grab it and go hehe
I had trouble with a bird feeder last year too... it wasn't a squirrel proof one though so that was my own fault. If it wasn't squirrels in it, there were huge black birds instead. The poor little sparrows and finches didn't have a chance :( You should have a look on youtube for squirrel/bird feeder videos... they actually have quite a lot and they're hilarious. I saw one where a chipmunk managed to get all the way inside one supposedly squirrel proof feeder. He filled up his cheeks to nearly exploding with food and then he couldn't fit back out through the hole LOL! Stubborn little things they are... evidently not the brightest crayons in the box though 
LOL! I swear I must look like a real goofball running around with it but I just grab it and go hehe
I had trouble with a bird feeder last year too... it wasn't a squirrel proof one though so that was my own fault. If it wasn't squirrels in it, there were huge black birds instead. The poor little sparrows and finches didn't have a chance :( You should have a look on youtube for squirrel/bird feeder videos... they actually have quite a lot and they're hilarious. I saw one where a chipmunk managed to get all the way inside one supposedly squirrel proof feeder. He filled up his cheeks to nearly exploding with food and then he couldn't fit back out through the hole LOL! Stubborn little things they are... evidently not the brightest crayons in the box though 1 person likes this
@Tiamjr (435)
•
2 Jun 09
That is really funny that the squirrels chase you:)! If they are doing this they will have no regard for your garden, they will just see it as their garden. To stop them digging in your tubs some people recommend using fox urine. You are suppose to be able to buy it at some garden centres. Other people use cat urine from a male cat. The smell is suppose to scare squirrels away as it makes them think that they are intruding on a natural predators territory.
Putting wire mesh across the top of your garden tubs is probably the most effective solution. Bloodmeal is suppose to work, but it needs replenishing all the time. Also you could try putting big pebbles on the top of the soil.
2 people like this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
3 Jun 09
Thanks so much! These are some great suggestions you've given me. I did put down some bloodmeal today (it was mixed with bonemeal so I hope it will still work!) just to see what happens ... but you're right -- it would have to be replenished and that's time and money I'm not sure I want to spend. I already have a thick layer of bark chips for my flower beds and they just shove all those out of the way and dig in the dirt.
I've had success using cayenne pepper to keep the raccoons out of the trash. I did some research today and it might also work with squirrels - and I can get that at the dollar store. I also found out I can make a "squirrel repellent" in a spray bottle by using a small bottle of hot sauce (like Tobasco, I guess), 1 gallon of water and a tsp of dish detergent. You spray this right on the plants or other things the squirrels chew. So, I think that will be my next project LOL Something tells me it's going to be a long summer ;)
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
3 Jun 09
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha! The thought of a squirrel chasing you around is heeeelaaaariuosssssss! That is just too friggin' funny! You need to video tape these suckers and make you some money! You really need to catch that neighbor on camera also!
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
3 Jun 09
OMG I KNOW! 
I need to get a camera that shoots video and capture just how bold these things really are LOL I chased them with a broom today... in my socks... across the grass... 
I'm really glad I have a 6-foot fence and no one ELSE is filming me LOL!!!
I need to get a camera that shoots video and capture just how bold these things really are LOL I chased them with a broom today... in my socks... across the grass... I'm really glad I have a 6-foot fence and no one ELSE is filming me LOL!!!1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
3 Jun 09
You don't have any friends with cameras? Does your cell phone do video? I wish I could be there with my new camera!
1 person likes this
@Beenice (237)
• Canada
2 Jun 09
Oh! boy! you are not lucky! Around I my house I never see any squirrels, I don't know if its because we have chickens and ducks, but we never see one, which I find strange. I do like squirrels, but, if they would come and cause damages on my flower bed I would not be to thrill. I would try to get rid of them like trap them.You can buy traps for there size.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
2 Jun 09
Well, I used to have a dog... he had to be put down a couple of winter's ago. However, when I had him, he HATED squirrels. He never paid any attention to other dogs, cats, etc., but if a squirrel came anywhere near the yard or fence, he'd chase them away. Something tells me they've finally noticed he's gone and it's like party time in my yard LOL! Thanks very much for your advice!
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
3 Jun 09
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha! Sounds like you need a new dog!
1 person likes this
@Guitarpunk (738)
• United States
2 Jun 09
Sorry, but your story is really funny. I guess you should catch them and drop them off somewhere far away. Try setting a trap or something
2 people like this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
2 Jun 09
Oh don't be sorry ROFL It was meant to be funny. As much as they annoy the heck outta me, I do try to keep a sense of humor about it... sometimes, that's all you can do, right? *grin* Thanks for your suggestion!
1 person likes this
