One Unexpected Scent Could Be The Key To Keeping Squirrels Out Of Your Garden

Squirrels. Their backyard antics are entertaining — until they start wrecking your garden. These fluffy-tailed rodents are notorious for digging up bulbs, raiding vegetable patches, and stashing nuts in freshly planted flower beds. If you have them living around your home, chances are they're stealing food from your bird feeder, too. Gardeners have resorted to everything from fencing and netting to high-tech motion sensor devices to deter these troublesome critters. While these methods can work, they come at a cost. If you're after a low-effort, chemical-free approach, garlic (Allium sativum) is worth considering. Well-known for its strong, pungent smell, garlic's potent scent is thought to be off-putting to many animals, including squirrels.

While there's no definitive scientific study confirming garlic's effect on squirrels, its overpowering smell can mask other scents, such as food or shelter, making the environment less inviting for them. This can discourage them from digging or foraging near treated areas. Because of this, garlic has become a go-to DIY deterrent among gardeners who want to avoid harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets. It's inexpensive, widely available, and easy to incorporate into your garden routine — with a little planning.

Garlic is among the many plants that ward off garden pests, and there are several straightforward ways to put it to use. You can start by crushing fresh garlic cloves and sprinkling them in areas where squirrels tend to dig or forage, including garden beds or near bulbs. Another idea is to create 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 lasting solution, try planting garlic or other strong-smelling alliums — including scallions, leeks, or onions — throughout your garden to help keep curious critters at bay.

While garlic is widely 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 think twice before digging. Since these methods rely on smell, they'll need to be reapplied regularly, particularly after rain or watering. To boost its effectiveness, garlic can be paired with physical deterrents, such as mesh covers or motion-activated sprinklers. Alternatively, you could try a more hands-off approach and create a DIY squirrel feeder. If they're getting a steady snack elsewhere, your tomatoes might just be safe for another season. Just make sure you position it well away from your plants.