When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Squirrels are that rare case of a cute pest. They look cute at first, like moles or chipmunks, but they can do a lot of damage. There are many signs that a squirrel has been there, such as chewed flower bulbs, bark that has been stripped off, and torn grass to get to buried acorns. And don’t get me started on the damage if they decide to take shelter in your home.
That’s why it’s best to keep squirrels out of your yard if you can, especially if the damage is getting worse. You can start by learning how to get rid of squirrels, which can help you solve a problem right away. But, there are ways to prevent these cute critters from returning. One such method is growing the right plants. While squirrels will make a meal of some of your foliage, certain plants will actually repel them. Keen to learn more? Here are 7 plants that repel squirrels.
Before we start, it’s important to note that all of the plants on this list are harmful to cats and dogs. Some are also dangerous to grow around children as well. If you have kids or pets in your yard, get creative with other ways to keep squirrels away.
Squirrels can be one of the most annoying and destructive backyard pests, especially for potted plants. But before you resign yourself to a garden full of ravaged flowers and unearthed bulbs, know there are many strategies to deter these pesky rodents without chemicals or traps.
Certain potted plants naturally repel squirrels with their smell, taste, or appearance. Companion planting these alongside more vulnerable flowers and vegetables creates a squirrel-resistant barrier.
Here are some of the best plants for repelling squirrels from your potted garden
Smelly Squirrel Repellents
Mint
Mint’s strong, refreshing aroma for humans is downright offensive to squirrels. The potent menthol smell overwhelms their sensitive noses, acting as a natural deterrent. Peppermint and spearmint varieties work equally well. Plant mint in pots around the perimeter of your garden beds or mix in with potted vegetables and ornamentals. Cut fresh sprigs to rub on fenceposts or tuck into problem areas.
Lavender
The sweet floral scent of lavender makes it a beloved herb for perfumes, teas, and aromatherapy. For squirrels, however, one whiff of lavender elicits instinctual avoidance. Interplant pots of lavender throughout your garden beds or use cut stems to create mini “security fences” around vulnerable plants. Its purple blooms also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Alliums
This plant genus includes onions, garlic, chives, leeks and shallots. Their pungent flavors come from sulfur compounds that also happen to repel squirrels. Plant allium bulbs throughout your vegetable and flower gardens. Garlic and chives are easy to grow in pots with proper sunlight and drainage.
Marigolds
These bright ornamental flowers have a musky, pungent scent that keeps squirrels at bay. Marigolds also deter other pests like nematodes, aphids, and cabbage worms. For maximum squirrel protection, plant marigolds liberally throughout your potted garden, especially alongside tasty veggies.
Plants With a Spicy Kick
Squirrels dislike spices as much as strong aromas. The irritating sensation overwhelms their senses and deters digging in treated areas. Try these spicy potted plants:
Hot Peppers
Plant hot peppers like cayenne, jalapeño, habanero, or Tabasco varieties to naturally repel squirrels. You’ll reap a bountiful harvest of peppers for your own kitchen too! Grow them in containers for easy mobility to problem areas. Dried, crushed peppers or a hot pepper spray makes an economical repellent.
Rue
This herb has a bitter, spicy flavor reminiscent of black pepper. Rue grows well in pots, making it easy to position near squirrel trouble spots. You can also crush the leaves to release the volatile oils and create a concentrated squirrel deterrent. A little goes a long way due to rue’s potent taste.
Catnip
Yes, the plant that drives cats crazy is conversely repugnant to squirrels! With an odor similar to mint or thyme, the chemical nepetalactone puts squirrels off their appetite. Grow catnip in pots and generously sprinkle crushed leaves around your garden perimeter and over soil surfaces. Itspurple flowers also attract bees.
Physical & Visual Repellents
Sometimes scent and taste aren’t enough. Deploy these plants that physically obstruct squirrels or visually warn them off:
Prickly Plants
Thorny, spiky plants act as a physical barrier against digging paws. Holly, barberry, pyracantha, roses, and yucca are great choices. Plant them strategically in pots near vulnerable gardens or in squirrel “hot spots.” Prune mature plants to maintain their prickly nature.
Ornamental Grasses
Tall, dense ornamental grasses obstruct visibility and physically hinder squirrels. Options like maiden grass, fountain grass, pampas grass, or purple fountain grass make attractive additions to garden beds or decorative pots. Plant grasses in gaps squirrels could squeeze through or use as screening.
Daffodils
These spring bulbs contain toxins that cause vomiting in squirrels. Plant prolific drifts of daffodils around trees, gardens, and pathways. The bright flowers signal danger, while their early emergence prevents squirrels from digging up bulbs. Choose heirloom varieties that return faithfully each year.
Give These Potted Repellents a Try
Now that you know which plants naturally deter those bothersome squirrels, give companion planting a try! Work these squirrel-repelling plants into your potted gardens by:
- Planting marigolds with vegetables like tomatoes or carrots
- Surrounding flower pots with mint or lavender
- Adding hot peppers to container veggie gardens
- Screening off gaps with ornamental grasses
- Lining walkways with potted daffodils or prickly shrubs
Be sure to use enough repellent plants to overwhelm squirrels with scent, irritation, barriers, or warnings. Consistent garden maintenance is also key – prune back mature plants, promptly deadhead faded blooms, and replace elderly specimens.
With some strategic planning and thoughtful plant choices, you can safely and humanely protect your potted plants from squirrel havoc. Your flower pots will overflow with blossoms instead of scattered soil and your veggies will make it to your table, not a squirrel’s stash. Give companion planting and other organic pest deterrents a chance before resorting to chemicals or traps. With the right natural repellents, you can steer squirrels away from your pots and finally achieve garden harmony.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbo
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Get in touch with me about news and deals from other Future brands Get emails from us on behalf of our sponsors or trusted partners
Hyacinths create a vibrant and fragrant display of flowers. The flowers are white, pink, or purple, and they stand straight up. Each bulb gives rise to one set of flowers every year. They’re grown both indoors and outside, often complimenting flower beds. This spring flower has a strong scent that is often described as light and floral at first. As it opens up, the scent gets stronger and more spicy. The good news is that squirrels will run up the nearest tree because this smell is too strong for them. Plus, squirrels can’t handle these bulbs, so they won’t come near.
You can get the most out of this plant by strategically placing it around your yard. You can grow it in the ground or in pots. Hyacinths do best in USDA zones 4–8 and bloom for at least two weeks in the spring. If you take good care of the bulb, it can bloom again next year. Cutting it back after the flowers are gone is all that needs to be done. Then, put it somewhere dark until the next spring. These bulbs are toxic to children though, so avoid growing around young family members. Todays best Watering Cans deals.
Onion and garlic
Alliums, such as onions and garlic, can come in more uses than one. While these plants provide an added ingredient for your meals, they will keep squirrels at a distance too. This is because that intense smell that we love so much is overwhelming for any nearby squirrels. Also, if the skin gets hurt, the sulfurous compounds that come out will be even stronger—they’re strong enough to make you cry.
Alliums like these have a similar effect on all kinds of pests. For example, they are one of the seven plants that keep mice and rats out of your home and one of the nine plants that keep bugs out of your home that keep flies away. So they can be grown both indoors and outside to take advantage of that distinct aroma.
Growing garlic is simple. You just need to plant each clove 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Then apply about ½ to 1 inch of water a week for best growth. For full instructions, see how to grow garlic in 6 simple steps. Onions grow best in USDA zones 5-10, while garlic better suits zones 4-9.
Get Rid of Squirrels in Potted Plants
FAQ
What plants do squirrels hate the most?
Do geraniums keep squirrels away?
Will coffee grounds keep squirrels out of potted plants?
What plants & flowers repel squirrels?
There are various types of squirrels visiting our backyards, but out of the many plants and flowers that squirrels seem to avoid, below are nine of the most effective at repelling most of them. They can be planted around the edges of gardens or near your favorite flowers or produce to keep squirrels away. 1. Allium
Does lavender repel squirrels?
Lavender is commonly cultivated for its rich smell that squirrels cannot tolerate. Natural compounds like linalool can be found in lavender and are highly effective in repelling squirrels. Plant lavender around the garden to prevent squirrels from entering. Repelling Mechanism: Fragrance Best Grown in: Containers or ground Origin: Mediterranean
How to keep squirrels out of flower pots?
You might also consider adding mint, garlic, cinnamon, and even vinegar to your DIY squirrel repellent, since all of these scents will help keep squirrels out of your potted plants. One of the primary reasons squirrels dig in flower pots is because they want to store excess foods like seeds, acorns, and nuts.
Do lilies repel squirrels?
The Lily of the Valley is one of the ideal plants that repel squirrels while also adding some delicate beauty to your garden. These stunning bell-shaped, white spring flowers dangle from delicate stems above lush green leaves. They both smell similarly delicate, something between jasmine and freshly laundered clothes.