How to Stop Squirrels From Digging Up Bulbs Once and for All

Squirrels are curious animals that are always on the hunt for nutrient-dense foods to snack on or save for winter. While they prefer nuts and seeds, your garden can become a target for these hungry animals. Flowering bulbs, such as tulips and crocuses, emit a smell that signals to squirrels that there is food nearby. Once they locate the source of the smell, they will dig up your bulbs and eat or store them. If you're tired of these animals disrupting your gardening plans, we consulted experts who shared their tips for deterring squirrels from digging up bulbs.

Why Squirrels Are Attracted to Bulbs

Squirrels are food-caching animals, meaning their strategy is to find and store high-calorie foods to sustain them through winter. "Bulbs are especially energy-dense, just below the soil, so they're easy to dig up and smell," says Braelei Hardt, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. "Flower bulbs produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be strongly scented and essentially advertise their location."

In addition to the strong scent of bulbs, disturbed soil can also draw squirrels to your garden, as it signals to them that something has just been buried there. "Once they investigate, they are more likely to dig up bulbs that are soft, mild, and easy to eat," says Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension.

The Most and Least Attractive Bulbs to Squirrels

Squirrels are most attracted to bulbs that are starchy and highly nutritious, such as tulips and crocuses, Hardt says. "In contrast, bulbs such as daffodils, alliums, fritillaria, snowdrops, and grape hyacinths are much less attractive because they are toxic, bitter, or have strong smells that squirrels do not like," Singh adds.

How to Stop Squirrels From Digging Up Bulbs

If you're tired of squirrels digging up your bulbs and thwarting your gardening efforts, consider implementing the following effective strategies.

Install a Physical Barrier

One of the most effective ways to protect bulbs from squirrels is to install a physical barrier, especially right after planting, when squirrels are most likely to dig, says Singh.

• Hardware cloth: This is Singh's preferred physical barrier. "After planting your bulbs, lay a piece of hardware cloth flat over the planting area and pin it down with landscape staples," he says. "Then cover it lightly with soil or mulch. The bulbs can still send shoots up through the openings, but squirrels cannot easily dig through them." The same technique can be accomplished with chicken wire.
• Gravel or sharp grit layer: After placing bulbs in the hole, add a 1-inch layer of coarse gravel or sharp grit on top, then fill it in with soil. "The rough texture makes digging uncomfortable for animals," says PeggyAnne Montgomery, horticulturist and bulb expert for Flowerbulb.eu.
• Bulb cages: Plant nurseries and big-box stores typically sell pre-made plastic or metal bulb baskets to protect bulbs. "Dig your planting hole and place the basket with bulbs inside, then cover with soil. The cage protects bulbs underground while allowing roots and shoots to grow through," says Montgomery.
• Wire mesh: This works well for potted bulbs. After planting the bulbs in your container, cover the soil with wire mesh, then add a thin layer of soil, as this stops squirrels from digging into the pot, Singh says.
• Branches or thorny trimmings: Use what you already have around your garden to temporarily protect your bulbs. "Lay them over the bed after planting to make digging awkward and unpleasant," Singh says. "This is not as reliable as wire, but it can help in the first few weeks."

Grow Squirrel-Repelling Plants

There are plants that squirrels tend to leave alone and may provide some deterrence. Grow them next to freshly planted flower bulbs to prevent squirrels from digging them up.

• Alliums: Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and chives, have a strong odor that squirrels don't like. Planting them can be easier than using a scent-based spray because the plant will continue to produce the offensive scent throughout the growing season, says Hardt.
• Daffodils: Daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids that are toxic to most mammals, including squirrels, Hardt explains. Planting daffodil bulbs as a ring around more vulnerable bulbs can create a living border that squirrels know to avoid.
• Mint: Squirrels typically dislike the strong-smelling volatile oils in plants in the mint family, Hardt says. While it won't create an impenetrable barrier, it adds another aromatic layer of deterrence. However, gardeners should always plant mint in containers, as this aggressive plant can take over when planted in the ground.
• Rosemary: While its smell is appealing to humans and delicious in cooking, Singh says rosemary has a sharp, resinous scent that may help discourage squirrels in some gardens.
• Fritillaria: A genus of spring-flowering bulbs, fritillaria plants have a strong, musky odor that many animals find unpleasant, including squirrels, Singh says.

Use Natural Repellents

When combined with a physical barrier, natural repellents can help keep squirrels from digging up bulbs. Ensure you reapply these remedies every five to seven days and after rainfall to make them more effective.

• Cayenne pepper: Squirrels dislike capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers spicy. "Sprinkle cayenne pepper directly into the planting hole before covering bulbs," says Montgomery. "Lightly dust the soil surface after planting."
• Cinnamon: Although it's less irritating than cayenne pepper, Hardt says cinnamon can serve as a mild deterrent, especially when combined with other approaches.
• Garlic spray: Garlic has a pungent smell that can help deter squirrels. "Blend a few garlic cloves with water, strain. Spray over the planting area and surrounding soil," says Montgomery.
• Predator urine: The urine of foxes and coyotes may scare squirrels into staying away from bulbs. "The scent mimics the presence of predators by using their urine," says Montgomery. "It is available for purchase in spray or granular form. Follow label directions for application and reapply after rain or as recommended."

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Mistakes That Leave Bulbs Vulnerable to Squirrels

There are some common pitfalls gardeners fall into that make it easier for squirrels to locate and access bulbs. Here's what to avoid to ensure your bulbs thrive and eventually flower.

• Shallow planting: Not planting bulbs deep enough makes it easier for squirrels to dig them up. "A good rule is to plant bulbs at a depth of about two to three times their height," says Singh.
• Leaving the soil disturbed: Disturbed soil is a sign to squirrels that something was recently planted in your garden. "Tamp down the soil and cover it with mulch right after planting to cover your tracks," says Hardt.
• Feeding nearby squirrels: Providing seeds and nuts for local squirrels encourages them to become regular visitors. "Chances are they will quickly learn that your garden is a good place to find food," says Hardt. "Make sure your bird feeders are squirrel-proof, too."
• Skipping physical barriers: Repellents aren't enough to deter squirrels from digging up bulbs. You must also use physical barriers, such as hardware cloth or chicken wire, to protect your plantings. "Depending on your squirrel population, you may need to try a mixture of scent repellents and defensive garden architecture," says Hardt.
• Spacing: Squirrels are clever animals, and sometimes how you plant your bulbs can clue them in to where they are in the ground. "Bulbs planted in a rigid, obvious pattern can be easier for squirrels to locate repeatedly," says Singh. "A more natural spacing may make the area less predictable."