Squirrels are medium-sized rodents that are from the family Sciuridae. These have several species that include ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and even tree squirrels. The animals are indigenous to Eurasia, Africa, and America but they have also been introduced to other regions by humans. The rodents are either found roaming around in the wildlife or some users keep them as pets.
Why Do Squirrels Dig In Flowerpots?
These are friendly creatures that are accustomed to living near humans. Though, there are also some issues that you can run into with these animals. Recently, some people have been asking the question “Why do squirrels dig in flowerpots?”. If you have the same query in mind, then going through this article should help you in finding some reasons behind it. We will also be providing you with steps that can be used to deal with the issues.
- Squirrels Trying To Bury Their Food
Squirrels usually collect food by roaming around different gardens. These will then most likely find a spot where they can hide all of their stashes. When it comes to this, flowerpots are the best option that these rodents decide to go for.
There are several reasons behind it but the main one includes the soil being soft. The animals can easily dig holes that are a few inches under and then keep their food inside the soil. You will notice that the squirrels will continue to move around in the same spot as they continuously collect food in the same spot. They might also try to take out some of the food if they are hungry.
While ignoring the animals is the best option in this case. You should understand that there are also some problems that you can run into with these squirrels. In some cases, the rodents digging holes might attack your plants and eat their bulbs. If this happens then your entire harvest can get ruined which is why taking steps to prevent this can be important.
Talking about this, one of the best ways to deal with a problem like this can be that you cover your plants with barb wires. These have pointy thorns on them that can repel animals like squirrels and deer.
- Using Repellants To Keep Squirrels Away
If installing barb wires in your garden is not possible then another way to keep these animals away from your plants is by using some type of repellant. When it comes to this, there are tons of brands that manufacture special chemicals that can be used to keep these rodents away.
There can either be bought in form of sprays or you can find the chemicals mixed with fertilizers. Using them along with fertilizers is mostly a better option as this way you can also keep your flowers healthy. Keep in mind that these have to be added after every 3 to 4 weeks for consistent results.
This is because most of the nutrients inside the fertilizers are absorbed by the plants surrounding them within a month. Aside from this, the brand that you decide to purchase the product from should also be reliable to avoid further problems.
- Planting Companion Flowers
Instead of trying to keep squirrels away using fertilizers, another thing that can be done is planting companion flowers along your pots. There are tons of varieties that people can select from and each of them is known for its strong odor. Planting any of these flowers in your garden can help repel squirrels away and ensure that these stay away.
Though you have to understand that the companion plants should be close to the pots, these rodents dig in. You can also install a sprinkler system in your house to scare the squirrels away but keep in mind that all of this is not necessary. The rodents usually leave your plants as long as they are getting enough food.
Considering this, if the animals don’t attack your plants, then you should leave them as they are. They should roam around your garden without causing any problems for you. With that being said, the steps required to deal with these animals usually depend on what they are doing.