AN expert has revealed a simple trick you can use to banish squirrels from your garden, using a cheap item you probably already have in your cupboard.
Squirrels may be cute little creatures, but they can also wreak havoc in the garden.
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The bushy-tailed pests can dig up gardens, damage bird feeders and even chew through wires and rip up insulation in your home.
Since squirrels are attracted to areas where there is food, a simple solution would be to remove any nuts, seeds or insects from the vicinity.
However, this isn’t always practical, so pest control expert Jordan Foster has offered some advice on how to keep them at bay.
The expert revealed that squirrels have a strong sense of smell and “cannot tolerate” certain scents.
One of these scents is coffee grounds, which are known for having a strong odour.
He said: “Spread coffee grounds in your borders as squirrels hate the smell of them and will run away and won’t come back.”
The expert also advised adding water to the grounds, to make sure they stick, and to enhance the odour.
Before applying to the whole of your garden, you should test a small area to ensure it doesn’t harm plants.
Coffee grounds can also be effective at harming other pests, such as cats and rats.
You probably already have some knocking around in your kitchen cupboard, but if not, you can pick them up from your local supermarket for a few pounds.
Another thing squirrels can’t stand is spicy flavours, so you can also use these to keep them away.
“Squirrels can’t stand the hot, spicy flavours of chilli, and so a liberal scattering of these could help deter them from the garden,” experts at Love the Garden said.
And the furry creatures also hate the scent of mint.
“Squirrels find peppermint too strong for their sensitive noses,” the experts said.
Therefore, planting mint in your garden can help make it a squirrel free zone.
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here’s what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.