anything I can do about the squirrel mafia

Temp108743750006959

that lives in my backyard? What kind of damage should I expect on my veggie garden this year? Anyone recommend a particular product?

It's funny, when I had a community garden, I just didn't really think about what nibbled...but I suspect the animals had so much to chose from (it was a big community) that it wasn't a big deal.

nitaw

Are you gardening with raised beds? If so, you could make a chicken wire cage for the low growing veggies.

And I think someone else (maybe kastle?) mentioned using those clear tomato cages/packages that you get from the store to put around your tomatoes to protect them. 

I'm laughing at your "squirrel mafia." I thought I was the only person who called squirrels gangsters. 

alliapistor

The squirrels only mess with my fruit trees.  Probably because they're too busy destroying my bird feeder. . .

Marigolds in theory deter squirrels, so you might try putting some in among your vegetable garden.  I included them in one of my raised beds last year and didn't have any problems, but in the past I have had squirrels just pop all of the flowers off the top.  So it may or may not work.  At least it looks pretty.

Sprinkling some chili powder or pepper around the bed also helps.  (Although some people think this is cruel to the squirrels.)

FSUalum

Bolt action .22 w/ short shells. We call them yard rats.

Daisy07gray

I hate to say it- but if the flowes and chili don't deter and you can't lure them away- my husband gets rid of them. It works but new squirls will come back if your gardens are tasty or there's no deterant for them.  good luck!

Daisy07gray

Oh, an a squirel feeder far away from your gardens might help