by Glynnis Hayward

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 11, 2008

It is an unfortunate coincidence that the time for planting spring bulbs is the same time that squirrels are most active. They are frenetic as they dig, horde and chew to prepare for the coming winter. So, while Beatrix Potter's delight in little rodents and other animals is evident in her charming children's books, my adult sympathies lie with the much maligned Farmer MacGregor.

Little Squirrel Nutkin might look adorable perched up on his hind legs, nibbling something held in his front paws with his bushy tail balancing him so cleverly, but the sight loses its appeal when you know that he is eating your newly-planted spring bulbs. Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny are equally annoying as they plunder the garden. It seems that gardeners are under constant attack from land and air as we cope with onslaughts from moles, voles, gophers, deer, rabbits, birds, bugs and pesky squirrels. I understand the food chain and balance of nature and all that, and I am happy to share the bounty and space, but if the bulbs are eaten before they have a chance to grow, there is no bounty to share.

One lives and learns though. A trip to the local wild bird store was very enlightening when I was bemoaning how the squirrels attacked my bird feeders. The helpful assistant showed me a suet block that was laced with hot red pepper, explaining that birds do not have nerve cells that taste the spice and are immune to the effects of it. Squirrels however, react the same way as we do. This has proven absolutely correct as the rodents avoid that suet very carefully. It is so hot that I wear gloves when placing it in the feeder to prevent it touching my skin. Applying this same principle, I now buy chili pepper flakes in bulk, and when planting bulbs, I sprinkle all around them with the flakes, and then in layers as I place soil on top of them. I finish with a layer of pepper. Of course, rain and wind necessitate constant replenishment of the top layer so a further step is to wear gloves and cut up peppered suet meant for birds, scattering the pieces around the newly planted bulbs.

It is also helpful to place a layer of chicken wire over the area where you have planted bulbs, with a thin layer of soil over it. Add pepper to the soil and I think Squirrel Nutkin will give up in frustration. Despite their persistence, if they constantly meet deterrents they will soon seek easier food sources. It becomes a battle of wills that has to be fought with vigilance, but you will be able to outsmart them with this form of behavior modification, without any traps or poison.

I apologize to all the Miss Potters of the world, but there are other things in the garden for squirrels to eat, like acorns. They need to leave my bulbs (and yours) alone.

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