As autumn arrives, garden pests become more active
As autumn sets in, squirrels and mice can become more active as they prepare for colder conditions. This can turn them into a greater problem in gardens, where they might dig up lawns and flower beds while searching for food or shelter.
However, there could be a straightforward method to discourage them from lingering. According to experts at Pest Defence, the answer might be found in your kitchen cupboard.
One common household item can be sprayed across the grass to make your garden less inviting to these unwelcome guests.
The experts explained: “If you’ve ever watched squirrels closely, you’ll notice their little noses twitching. That’s because they have a keen sense of smell, something that is crucial for them in finding food and avoiding potential dangers.
“Any strong, unfamiliar or even irritating odour will disrupt their behaviour, sometimes even driving them away. That’s why natural repellents are a smart move as your first step in preventing an infestation.”
The same principle works for mice. These creatures also possess a highly developed sense of smell, which they rely on to locate food and navigate. Yet this can equally be exploited to repel them.
What to use to deter squirrels and mice?
Pest Defence recommends using peppermint oil, as the minty aroma is exceptionally powerful to squirrels and can irritate their noses. Unlike vinegar, which can be unpleasant to humans and damage your lawns and plants, peppermint has a bearable scent yet proves effective when applied properly.
Rather than buying a peppermint deterrent online, you can create your own mixture by diluting pure peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. To apply the spray properly, “coat the perimeters of raised beds, the rims of containers, and the poles or bases of bird feeders”.
However, gardeners should avoid spraying bird food or feeding ports directly, as strong essential oils can irritate the birds they welcome.
To stop squirrels from becoming accustomed to the mint, apply the spray at least two to three times weekly. It is also recommended to alternate with cayenne pepper for a week before switching back to peppermint.
A writer at Homes and Garden also suggested: “Soak cotton balls in pure peppermint essential oil and tuck them directly into the soil of vulnerable containers, raised beds, or near the base of prized plants.
“Because the oil is shielded slightly by the cotton, it holds its scent longer outdoors than a topical spray.”
Does it actually work?
Peppermint oil has limitations. It may deter squirrels, but it does not form a complete barrier.
Hungry or territorial squirrels may disregard the scent if they have a compelling reason to remain, reported the West Side Journal. Properties with settled squirrel populations are more difficult to safeguard than those with only sporadic visits.
Squirrels may continue returning to dependable food sources, nesting spots, or well-known pathways despite the scent.
Ultimately, peppermint oil creates discomfort rather than rendering an area completely inaccessible, particularly when food is scarce.
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