Discover squirrel habits and tips for protecting your Central Virginia garden from these “neighbors”.
If you live in Central Virginia, including areas like Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Staunton, and Lynchburg, you may have experienced the challenge of dealing with squirrels. While these furry creatures may seem harmless, they can cause serious damage to your garden, lawn, and property. Squirrels are highly resourceful and persistent creatures, making them difficult to keep out once they’ve made their way into your outdoor space. In this article, we will explore how squirrels can harm your garden and provide effective strategies to safeguard your plants and property from squirrel damage.
Understanding the Squirrel Threat in Your Garden
Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, seeds, and even small plants. They are naturally drawn to gardens because they are a reliable source of food, particularly during fall when squirrels are preparing for winter. However, while their activities may seem innocent, squirrels can become a serious problem for homeowners as they damage plants, destroy crops, and leave behind a mess of uneaten food and debris.
Squirrels typically target soft fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, digging up bulbs, stripping bark from trees, and eating or hoarding seeds. They have powerful teeth that allow them to chew through almost anything, including wood, plastic, and garden netting. This behavior can harm the structure of your garden, ruin your hard work, and even result in the destruction of your plants. With the help of professional squirrel removal services like Blue Ridge Wildlife and Fisheries Management, you can better understand how to prevent and address this issue.
How Squirrels Destroy Your Garden
Damage to Plants and Crops
Squirrels are notorious for digging in garden beds to bury their food, causing extensive damage to delicate plants and vegetables. If you’ve ever seen small holes in your soil with uprooted plants, squirrels could be to blame. They also tend to feast on ripe fruits and vegetables, leaving half-eaten crops behind. In larger gardens, this can quickly add up to substantial losses.
Chewing on Tree Bark
Squirrels have an instinctive need to gnaw, as their teeth grow continuously. Trees are an easy target for their chewing habits, which can cause significant harm. They chew on tree bark, which can lead to girdling (the removal of bark around the trunk), weakening the tree and making it more susceptible to disease and pests.
Nesting in Garden Structures
Squirrels will sometimes make their nests in structures like garden sheds, birdhouses, or even in the attic of your home. When squirrels decide to nest in these areas, they may damage the structure itself as they burrow into it. Not only does this cause damage, but it also attracts other pests to your garden area.
Soil Disturbance
One of the most damaging behaviors squirrels exhibit is digging up bulbs and seeds. When they forage for food or bury nuts, they often disturb the soil, leaving a mess of displaced earth and destroyed seeds. This can be especially harmful to newly planted beds or garden areas.
Spread of Disease
While squirrels are generally not dangerous to humans, they can carry diseases that affect plants and animals. For instance, squirrels can transmit parasites like fleas and ticks, which may then spread to your pets or even your family. They can also bring harmful bacteria into your garden through their waste.
How to Safeguard Your Garden from Squirrel Damage
*Please note that squirrels are usually able to find a way around the barriers listed below because of their ability to climb and jump. But these may help so we’ve provided them below.
Use Physical Barriers
One of the most effective ways to protect your garden is by using physical barriers. Fencing can be a simple and practical solution to keep squirrels out. Make sure the fence is at least four feet high and buried a few inches into the ground to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. You can also cover trees or shrubs with mesh netting to protect young plants from squirrels.
Install Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrels often raid bird feeders for seeds and food. To avoid attracting squirrels to your garden, install squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed to be difficult for squirrels to access, but they still provide a feeding source for local birds. By keeping squirrels away from bird feeders, you can reduce the likelihood of them invading your garden.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Squirrels dislike water, and a motion-activated sprinkler system can be an effective way to deter them. When a squirrel approaches, the sprinkler will go off, spraying water and sending the squirrel running. This is a humane method of deterring squirrels without harming them.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Squirrels can easily access your garden by jumping from nearby trees or shrubs. By trimming back any overhanging branches, you make it more difficult for squirrels to reach your garden. This also reduces the risk of squirrels accessing your roof or attic, which may lead to further infestations.
Remove Potential Nesting Sites
Squirrels like to nest in secluded areas like sheds, garages, or attics. If you notice any signs of squirrel activity around these areas, it’s important to seal up any entry points and remove potential nesting materials. A clean and well-maintained garden will be less attractive to squirrels seeking shelter.
Keep Food Sources Away from the Garden
If you’re feeding birds or pets outside, it’s crucial to keep these food sources away from your garden. Squirrels are drawn to easy food, so by placing bird feeders and pet food away from your garden, you reduce the risk of attracting squirrels. Additionally, remove fallen fruit and vegetables from your garden regularly to prevent squirrels from scavenging.
When to Call for Professional Squirrel Removal Services
While the tips above can help deter squirrels, sometimes the problem may be too large to handle on your own. If you are dealing with an active infestation or extensive damage, it’s time to contact a professional squirrel removal service. At Blue Ridge Wildlife and Fisheries Management, we specialize in safe and humane squirrel removal techniques. Our experts understand local squirrel behavior and know how to effectively manage infestations without causing harm to your property or the wildlife. We offer services in Central Virginia, including areas like Ruckersville, Harrisonburg, and Staunton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Removal
How can I tell if squirrels are damaging my garden?
Signs of squirrel damage include chewed or stripped tree bark, dug-up soil, missing fruits or vegetables, and damaged plants. If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action.
Are squirrel repellents effective?
Repellents do not work for squirrels. While squirrel repellants may yield temporary results, squirrels eventually acclimate to such measures.
How do I know if squirrels are living in my attic?
If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds at night, or see droppings near attic entry points, squirrels may have nested there. Professional wildlife removal services can help you safely remove them.
Can squirrels damage my trees permanently?
Yes, squirrels can cause permanent damage by stripping bark or chewing on tree limbs. If the damage is severe enough, it may weaken the tree, leading to disease or death.
What should I do if I catch a squirrel in my trap?
Once caught, do not attempt to release the squirrel yourself. It is recommended to contact a wildlife removal service like Blue Ridge Wildlife and Fisheries Management for safe relocation.
By taking the proper steps to safeguard your garden and property, you can reduce the impact of squirrels and protect your investments. Whether you’re dealing with a minor nuisance or a full-blown infestation, Blue Ridge Wildlife and Fisheries Management can assist you with effective, humane squirrel removal services in Central Virginia. We pride ourselves on keeping both your home and local wildlife safe.
