Check out these expert-approved methods for how to keep squirrels from eating your pumpkins this fall.
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An electric wire along the top of your fencing could act as a deterrent.
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However, Drake explains this isnt the most practical option in urban landscapes.
However, this wont be a suitable solution when you want to displayDIY decorative fall pumpkins.
Drake recommends selecting a small mesh size to prevent squirrels from gnawing or pushing through it.
Youll also need to securely stake down netting to prevent the squirrels from squeezing under it, he says.
Store-Bought or Homemade Repellents
Drake says that squirrel repellents can be hit or miss.
Contact repellents tend to be more effective than odor repellents.
He suggests using capsaicin (chili pepper extract) could work.
If you’re opting for commercial squirrel repellents, look for EPA-approved, labeled-for-use products and follow instructions carefully.
Things that eat squirrels include hawks, owls, foxes and coyotes.
If these animals are around, Drake suggests not scaring them out of the neighborhood.
Noise Makers
Certain sounds might scare squirrels away from your pumpkins.
Drake suggests stringing twisted mylar tape across the top of your pumpkin patch rows.
Motion-Activated Deterrents
Gilbert suggests trying motion-activated squirrel deterrents.
These can include lights, sprinklers or noise-makers.
While it might help for a particular nuisance squirrel, it’s not usually an effective long-term strategy.
Rules on squirrel trapping and relocation vary across states.
Drake explains that relocating outside the squirrel’s original habitat creates welfare issues.
They can conduct an inspection on your home to identify potential entry points and seal them, Ward says.
Dont try the much-touted homemade hack of spraying hairspray to keep squirrels away from your pumpkins.
There isn’t one best squirrel repellent.
Instead, employing an integrated pest management strategy to minimize pumpkin damage is better.
Laying down strongly scented dryer sheets is another hack that’s unlikely to keep squirrels away from pumpkins.
The scent will dissipate quickly, and there’s no guarantee it will deter these critters.
