How to stop squirrel digging up bulbs?

aderbyshirelad

I eventually got around to planting up some bulbs in pots a couple of weekends ago (late, I know).

Now we appear to have made a haven for squirrels who seem to love the fresh compost so much they spread it all over the patio. They don't appear to be taking the bulbs, nor do they seem to be burying their stash of nuts.

My only conclusions is that they're doing it on purpose to annoy me. Anyone got any ideas / proven methods to discourage the little blighters - no suggestions involving air rifles please as I am already sorely tempted...

Lorian

Maybe you removed their nuts (:mad: ) before you put in the fresh compost?

aderbyshirelad

Lorian wrote:

Maybe you removed their nuts (:mad: ) before you put in the fresh compost?

I'd certainly like to remove their nuts now!!!:mad:

Pots and compost were new.

chatta

Squirrels have stolen all my bulbs over the last 3 years :mad: , I dont know what the answer is but I have tried broken glass, laying branches of prickly bushes on the earth, my sons water pistol,and shouting like a mad witch ...... I am coming to the conclusion that the air rifle option might be the best cure If they had bald tails like rats they wouldnt stand a chance :rolleyes:

jennifernil

Chicken wire secured over the top of the pots. The bulbs will grow through it.

alanobrien

We found.....unfortunately........that a cat is a good squirrel deterrent. Ours seems to like the taste of them :eek:

not nice but they do keep away from our garden these days.

aderbyshirelad

Thanks for the replies all,

Alan, we have cats from neighbours on both sides, maybe I could train them to develop a taste for squirrel - but first have to instruct them on using their owners' gardens as toilets and not ours!!

hollydays

aderbyshirelad wrote:

I eventually got around to planting up some bulbs in pots a couple of weekends ago (late, I know).

Now we appear to have made a haven for squirrels who seem to love the fresh compost so much they spread it all over the patio. They don't appear to be taking the bulbs, nor do they seem to be burying their stash of nuts.

My only conclusions is that they're doing it on purpose to annoy me. Anyone got any ideas / proven methods to discourage the little blighters - no suggestions involving air rifles please as I am already sorely tempted...

Hide its spade.

gingerdad

Shoot it... asuming its a grey one

Andy_L

air rifle? Squirrel pie - yum

aderbyshirelad

gingerdad wrote:

Shoot it... asuming its a grey one

My wife would never forgive me

I'd probably miss and smash the pots anyway!!!