Squirrels. Their backyard antics are entertaining — until they start wreaking havoc in your garden. These fluffy-tailed rodents are infamous for digging up bulbs, raiding vegetable patches, and hiding nuts in newly planted flower beds. If they reside around your home, they’re likely pilfering food from your bird feeder, too. Gardeners have tried everything from fencing and netting to high-tech motion sensor devices to fend off these pesky critters. While these methods can be effective, they can also be costly. If you’re looking for a low-effort, chemical-free solution, garlic (Allium sativum) might be worth exploring. Known for its strong, pungent aroma, garlic’s powerful scent is believed to be off-putting to many animals, including squirrels.
Although there’s no conclusive scientific study proving garlic’s effect on squirrels, its overpowering smell can mask other scents, such as food or shelter, making the environment less appealing to them. This can discourage them from digging or foraging near treated areas. Because of this, garlic has become a popular DIY deterrent among gardeners who wish to avoid harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets. It’s affordable, readily available, and easy to integrate into your gardening routine — with a little planning.
How to use garlic to keep squirrels away from your plants
Garlic is among several plants that deter garden pests, and there are a few simple ways to utilize it. You can begin by crushing fresh garlic cloves and sprinkling them in areas where squirrels tend to dig or forage, such as garden beds or near bulbs. Another option is to make a homemade garlic spray by blending the cloves with water and adding a few drops of dish soap. After straining the mixture, spray it along the edges of your garden or around plants that need protection. For a more enduring solution, consider planting garlic or other strong-smelling alliums — such as scallions, leeks, or onions — throughout your garden to help keep curious critters away.
While garlic is commonly used by gardeners, it’s not the only strong-smelling substance that may help. White pepper and black pepper have also been shown to make squirrels reconsider before digging. Since these methods rely on smell, they require regular reapplication, especially after rain or watering. To enhance its effectiveness, garlic can be combined with physical deterrents, such as mesh covers or motion-activated sprinklers. Alternatively, you could try a more hands-off approach by creating a DIY squirrel feeder. If they’re receiving a steady snack elsewhere, your tomatoes might just be safe for another season. Just ensure you place it well away from your plants.
