Do you have a pesky squirrel problem in your yard? Are you looking for an organic and natural solution to deter these rodents?
Look no further than plants that repel squirrels! Planting certain types of plants can act as a natural barrier to keep squirrels away.
This post discusses 14 plants that naturally repel squirrels. Keep reading to discover which plants will help you rid your yard of those pesky critters!
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the many plants that repel squirrels from your garden or outdoor space. Squirrels do not like the scent of peppermint and will stay away from it.
By planting peppermint, you repel squirrels and have a fresh and fragrant addition to your garden.
Peppermint is easy to grow and care for, making it an excellent option for beginner and seasoned gardeners.
Peppermint is also great for teas, desserts, and homemade cleaning products. So, if you want to keep squirrels away, plant some peppermint today!
2. Goldenrods
Goldenrods are beautiful, vibrant yellow plants that can brighten up any garden. Not only that, but they’re also great plants that repel squirrels.
These plants emit a scent that squirrels can’t stand, so they’ll be sure to stay away from your garden when you have goldenrods planted.
Plus, they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which will help to pollinate your garden and keep it healthy.
Goldenrods are easy to care for and can thrive in many different types of soil and conditions, so they’re a great addition to any garden looking to repel squirrels naturally.
Give them plenty of sunlight and water; they’ll do the rest!
3. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a sweet-scented perennial native to Europe and Asia.
Its fragrant white or pink bell-shaped flowers bloom in the spring, making it a popular addition to gardens and yards. But did you know it is also an effective plant for repelling squirrels?
Squirrels are known for their love of bulbs and digging up freshly planted gardens.
Lily of the Valley bulbs have a strong fragrance that is unpleasant to squirrels, making them less likely to dig them up or munch on the surrounding plants.
In addition to its squirrel-repelling qualities, the lily of the valley is also a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in partial shade or full sun.
It can grow up to a foot tall and prefers well-drained soil. Lily of the Valley can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so it should be planted in areas where children or animals won’t access it.
Handling the plant with gloves and washing your hands after working with it is also essential to avoid skin irritation.
Lily of the Valley is a beautiful and practical plant that repels squirrels and adds fragrance to your garden or yard.
4. Lavender
NoL lavender has a calming scent for humans but is also a natural squirrel repellent.
Squirrels tend to avoid plants with strong odors, and they don’t like the smell of lavender.
Lavender is easy to grow and maintain, making it a great addition to any garden or outdoor space.
While lavender may repel squirrels, it is essential to note that it may also attract other beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Consider planting lavender near other plants that could benefit from pollination.
Additionally, dried lavender can be used in sachets around the home to keep squirrels and other rodents away.
5. Daffodils
Daffodils are a beautiful addition to any garden and have the added benefit of being plants that repel squirrels.
These vibrant yellow flowers are not a favorite of squirrels due to their toxic bulbs. While they may nibble on the foliage, they avoid the bulbs altogether.
In addition to their squirrel-repelling qualities, daffodils are low-maintenance and easy to grow.
They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant them in the fall for beautiful blooms in the spring.
Daffodils can also deter other pests, such as deer and rabbits. This makes them a great addition to gardens that struggle with multiple animal intruders.
When planting daffodils, it’s important to note that they are also toxic to other animals.
Keep them away from pets and children who might be tempted to ingest them.
Adding daffodils to your garden allows you to enjoy their beauty while benefiting from their natural squirrel-repelling properties.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also effective plants that repel squirrels.
These bright, colorful flowers emit a scent that squirrels find repulsive, making them less likely to dig up your garden or munch your vegetables.
In addition, marigolds are low-maintenance and easy to grow, making them a popular choice for many gardeners.
Several varieties of marigolds are available, including French and African marigolds. Both types have been known to repel squirrels, so choose whichever variety you prefer.
You can plant marigolds in pots or directly in your garden bed. They will thrive in full sun or partial shade.
In addition to repelling squirrels, marigolds are also great for attracting beneficial insects to your garden.
Marigolds are known to attract ladybugs, which eat aphids and other pests that can damage plants. They are also believed to help repel other problems, such as mosquitoes and whiteflies.
To get the most out of your marigolds, plant them around the perimeter of your garden or vegetable patch.
This will create a natural barrier that squirrels will be less likely to cross.
You can also plant them near your fruit trees or berry bushes to deter squirrels from climbing up and stealing your fruit.
7. Alliums
Alliums are a family of plants that includes onions, garlic, and chives. These plants are known for their pungent odor, which is believed to repel squirrels.
Alliums are also known for their attractive flowers, which come in purple, pink, and white shades.
Plant alliums to repel squirrels around your garden or in pots near your outdoor living areas.
You can chop and scatter the bulbs around your garden or hang them from strings to deter squirrels.
It’s important to note that alliums can be toxic to dogs and cats, so be sure to keep your pets away from these plants.
If you have pets, you may want to avoid planting alliums altogether and choose another squirrel-repelling plant instead.
8. Fritillaries
Fritillaries are stunning flowers that gardeners often overlook. However, these beautiful blooms are also effective plants that repel squirrels from your garden.
Fritillaries are part of the lily family known for their unique bell-shaped flowers in various colors.
These flowers contain alkaloids that produce a scent that squirrels find unappealing.
Squirrels are known for digging up bulbs and damaging plants, making them a frustrating pest for many gardeners.
Planting fritillaries can naturally deter squirrels from your garden while adding a pop of color.
Fritillaries grow best in well-draining soil and require a sunny spot in your garden. They also require minimal maintenance, making them an easy addition to your garden.
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep squirrels at bay, fritillaries are an excellent choice.
In addition to repelling squirrels, fritillaries are known for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
These pollinators are crucial for the health of your garden and will help keep your plants thriving.
Overall, fritillaries are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden.
Not only do they add color and interest, but they also act as plants that repel squirrels.
If you’re struggling with squirrels damaging your garden, consider planting fritillaries to keep them at bay.
9. Geraniums
Geraniums are another beautiful flowering plant that also can repel squirrels. They emit a strong odor that squirrels do not like, making them an effective natural repellent.
Geraniums come in various colors, such as pink, white, red, and purple, and are great for outdoor and indoor gardens.
Geraniums require well-drained soil and thrive in sunny locations. They are also low-maintenance plants that do not need much watering, making them an easy choice for any gardener.
Their beautiful blooms will add color to your garden while keeping squirrels away.
Geraniums can be planted in pots or directly in the ground, and they are also great for borders and window boxes.
Just make sure to plant them away from other plants that squirrels love to eat, such as fruits and vegetables.
10. Mint
Mint is not only a refreshing herb used in a variety of culinary dishes and teas, but it’s also a natural squirrel repellent.
Squirrels find the scent of mint overpowering and sickening, making it an excellent option for deterring them from your garden.
To make the most of mint as a squirrel repellent, plant it in pots and place them near the entrance points of your garden or wherever squirrels tend to frequent.
Alternatively, you can also use fresh mint leaves or essential oil and scatter them around your garden beds to repel squirrels.
Another added benefit of mint is that it can deter other unwanted pests, such as mice and ants, making it a versatile and valuable plant for any garden.
Its beautiful green foliage and delicate purple flowers appeal to any garden bed or container.
Mint is an easy and effective natural squirrel repellent worth considering if you want to protect your garden and keep squirrels at bay.
11. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another plant that’s great at deterring squirrels.
This perennial plant produces oil that is highly effective at repelling these furry creatures.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic addition to your garden due to its delicious fragrance and attractive appearance.
Lemongrass is relatively low maintenance and can grow up to six feet tall, making it a great choice for landscaping.
Its long, slender leaves are an excellent visual complement to other plants that repel squirrels. Moreover, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in various natural remedies.
One of the best things about lemongrass is that it’s a natural mosquito repellent, too.
Planting it in your yard will keep squirrels and mosquitoes away, making your garden peaceful and pest-free. It’s easy to care for and will thrive in various soils and temperatures.
Consider planting some lemongrass if you’re looking for a versatile plant that repels squirrels and mosquitoes while enhancing your garden’s aesthetics and adding medicinal benefits.
It’s a win-win situation that your family and visitors will undoubtedly appreciate.
12. Elephant Ears
Elephant ears, also known as colocasia, are tropical plants that can grow up to 9 feet tall. Their large, heart-shaped leaves are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden.
But did you know that elephant ears can also help keep squirrels away? Squirrels don’t like the leaves’ texture and taste, making them a natural repellent.
Choose a spot with partial shade and well-draining soil to plant elephant ears.
Plant the bulbs about 2-3 inches deep and 1-2 feet apart. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist.
Elephant ears can also be grown in containers, which makes them perfect for balconies and small gardens.
Choose a container big enough for the plant to develop and use well-draining soil.
While elephant ears can be a great addition to your garden, they are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling them. Elephant ears are a beautiful and effective way to repel squirrels from your garden.
Give them a try and see for yourself how well they work!
13. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent plants for repelling squirrels. It’s an excellent option for growing in your garden, as it has various uses.
Add it to your meals to improve your health and boost your immune system. But did you know garlic also has properties that make it an excellent squirrel repellent?
The pungent odor of garlic keeps squirrels at bay. Its intense and unpleasant smell deters them from coming near your garden.
To use garlic as a squirrel repellent, plant it around your garden’s perimeter or add it to your vegetable beds.
This way, squirrels will think twice before coming near your garden and ruining your hard work.
Moreover, garlic is easy to grow and maintain, making it an ideal plant for your garden.
It requires well-drained soil and regular watering. You can plant garlic in the fall, and it will be ready for harvesting in the summer.
14. Catmint
Catmint is another widespread plant known for its ability to repel squirrels.
This plant is part of the mint family, and like many other plants that repel squirrels, it contains aromatic oils that are unappealing to these critters.
Catmint has a distinct smell that squirrels don’t like, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to protect their garden.
Catmint is also known for its beautiful purple flowers, which can add color to any garden or outdoor space.
Plus, it’s straightforward to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
To use catmint as a natural squirrel repellent, plant it throughout your garden or near any areas where you’ve noticed squirrel activity.
The plant will release its scent naturally, creating a barrier these animals want to avoid.
In addition to repelling squirrels, catmint is also known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden.
Catmint is an effective and easy-to-grow plant that will help keep squirrels at bay. Try it in your garden today and see your results!
Thanks for this information. Very useful. I have most of the plants you mention.. but not in that area of my garden.. Yet. So, young squirrels have just made off with my entire (netted against the birds) redcurrant and blackcurrent crops for this year. I am just off to transplant mint, gatlic onions.. Etc Thanks again.