50 Ways to Outsmart a Squirrel and Other Garden Pests

Synopsis

'Discover clever methods for protecting your plants and crops without harming wildlife in this engaging and humorous compendium... If, in despair and dejection, you've been tempted to reach for a bottle of insecticide or order an animal trap, then think again; here's a whole book of handy tips and tricks.' Gardens Illustrated


From the green-thumbed optimist who views their garden as a calming getaway to those that see backyard life as more of a struggle against weeds and pests, almost all gardeners will meet a creature or two who will drive them to despair.

Plenty of gardeners are ready to swear off nasty chemical deterrents and bloodthirsty solutions. But how can you save your squash and uphold your hostas at the same time?

50 Ways to Outsmart a Squirrel serves up a smorgasbord of eco-friendly ideas and solutions. They're legal, humane and - best of all - effective. Cut through the old wives tales, save your salt for seasoning, and discover gold-standard, sustainable planting solutions and crop-saving tips from gardeners who know exactly how you feel.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Squirrel's Secret Weapon

* Reveals the surprising ability of squirrels to detect ripe produce from a distance.
* Example: Squirrels can see the infrared light emitted by ripening fruit, giving them an advantage in finding the juiciest treats.

Chapter 2: Diverting the Squirrel's Attention

* Introduces strategies for distracting squirrels away from your plants.
* Example: Place bird feeders or other food sources in a designated area to draw squirrels away from your garden.

Chapter 3: Making Your Garden a Squirrel Obstacle Course

* Discusses physical barriers and deterrents to keep squirrels out.
* Example: Install squirrel-proof fencing or use slippery materials around the base of trees to make it difficult for squirrels to climb.

Chapter 4: The Scent of Disapproval

* Explores the use of scents to repel squirrels.
* Example: Plant marigolds or mint around your garden. The strong scents of these plants are unpleasant to squirrels.

Chapter 5: The Sound of Silence

* Explains how to use noise to scare away squirrels.
* Example: Install a motion-activated sprinkler that sprays a burst of water when squirrels approach.

Chapter 6: The Taste of Disappointment

* Examines the role of taste aversion in deterring squirrels.
* Example: Sprinkle capsaicin (pepper powder) on your plants. Squirrels find the taste unbearable and will avoid them.

Chapter 7: The Art of Deception

* Exploits squirrels' reliance on visual cues to create illusions.
* Example: Use fake owls or eyespots to make squirrels believe there is a predator present.

Chapter 8: The Power of Prevention

* Emphasizes the importance of choosing squirrel-resistant plants and proper storage techniques.
* Example: Plant trees with smaller fruits that are less appealing to squirrels. Store birdseed in airtight containers to prevent squirrels from accessing it.

Chapter 9: The Battle of the Backyard

* Provides tips for managing the squirrel population in your yard.
* Example: Use live traps to humanely remove problem squirrels. Relocate them to a safe distance away from your garden.

Chapter 10: The Ultimate Squirrel-Proof Plan

* Outlines a comprehensive strategy for creating a squirrel-unfriendly garden.
* Example: Combine multiple methods, such as physical barriers, scent deterrents, and taste aversion, to create an effective defense system.