Squirrels can be charming little creatures, but when they start digging up your lawn, it can become a problem. These furry pests, especially the grey squirrel, often invade your garden looking for a place to bury food. To stop squirrels from digging up your lawn in the UK, you can use a combination of deterrents and protective measures.
One effective way to keep these animals away is by covering vulnerable areas, like bulbs, with wire mesh. This allows your plants to grow while preventing squirrels from reaching them. You should also consider limiting the food sources in your garden. Avoid leaving out birdseed or nuts that attract these animals.
By understanding their behavior, you can protect your lawn and maintain a beautiful garden. Implementing these simple steps will not only help keep squirrels at bay but also promote the health of your outdoor space.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Squirrels are active and curious creatures. To manage their digging in your lawn, it helps to know why they do it. Understanding their habits and needs can aid you in finding effective solutions.
Identifying the Culprit
When you notice holes in your lawn, it’s important to confirm if squirrels are to blame. Look for specific signs like the size and shape of the holes. Grey squirrels typically create larger holes, about 2-4 inches wide, while red squirrels make smaller ones.
Observe for signs of activity, such as chewed nuts or seeds around the area. Check bird feeders for signs of squirrel invasion. If they are raiding feeders, they’re likely foraging nearby.
Squirrel Feeding Habits
Squirrels are busy foragers. They eat a variety of foods, but their favorites include nuts, seeds, and fruits. If you have bird feeders, these can attract squirrels since they’re drawn to the seeds.
During autumn, squirrels gather and cache food for winter. They dig holes in your lawn to store their finds, leaving behind unsightly holes. This caching behavior is instinctual and helps them survive during food scarcity.
You might also find remnants of their meals, like nut shells, which indicate they’ve been looking for food in your yard.
Nesting and Shelter
Squirrels need a safe place to nest and shelter. Grey squirrels often choose trees, while red squirrels prefer coniferous trees for their nests. They might also build nests in attics or sheds.
Consider the trees in your yard. If you have branches within jumping distance of your roof, squirrels may use them to access your attic. Nesting sites close to your home can lead to more activity in your garden, including digging.
Identifying these nesting habits can help you limit their activity by making your property less appealing.
Effective Deterrents and Repellents
To keep squirrels from digging up your lawn, you can use several effective methods. These include creating physical barriers, using natural repellents, and implementing squirrel-proofing strategies. Each approach offers a unique way to discourage these pesky visitors.
Creating Physical Barriers
One of the simplest ways to deter squirrels is by putting up physical barriers. You can use chicken wire or wire mesh around your garden beds. Ensure that the mesh is buried a few inches into the ground to prevent squirrels from digging underneath.
Additionally, consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders have designs that allow birds to feed while keeping squirrels at bay. Installing these feeders can help reduce food sources available to squirrels, making your yard less appealing to them.
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents can effectively keep squirrels away without harming them. Try using substances like garlic, coffee grounds, and mint. These ingredients have strong odors that squirrels dislike. You can scatter coffee grounds around your garden or mix garlic and mint with water to create a spray.
Using predator scents is another option. Products like fox urine or predator urine can signal a threat, causing squirrels to steer clear of your lawn. You can find these scents at garden supply stores or online.
Squirrel-Proofing Strategies
To further protect your lawn, consider installing motion-activated devices. These can startle squirrels and discourage them from returning. You can also install fake predators like owl statues or rubber snakes to create an illusion of danger.
Additionally, blood meal sprinkled around your lawn can act as a deterrent because many animals find it unpleasant. Combine these strategies with regular maintenance to minimize food sources in your yard, which will make your property less inviting to squirrels.
