Natural Pest Control: Squirrels & Raccoons

Squirrels and raccoons can be a nuisance in your garden or your yard. Here are a few tips for convincing them into skulk elsewhere using items from around the house:

Castor Oil -- to repel squirrels from your vegetable garden, mix a solution of one half cup castor oil and two gallons of water. Use this to water your garden. Castor oil drives away rodents, but it also enriches the soil.

Peanut Butter -- If you want to get rid of squirrels or raccoons in a humane way, pick up a humane box trap from your local Animal Control Center. Use peanut butter to bait the trap. Ask the Animal Control Center where to release the animals.

Cayenne Pepper -- To keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, dust the bird seed with Cayenne Pepper. The birds can taste it, but the squirrels will be repulsed by the strong flavor.

Salt -- Raccoons hate the taste of salt so sprinkle salt around your garden and garbage cans. Repeat any time it rains. Salt is also good for your plants.

Cat Litter -- Cats are natural enemies to squirrels and chipmunks, so sprinkling used cat litter around flower beds will keep your unwelcome visitors out. (Don't use cat litter in vegetable or herb gardens.)

Interesting Facts about Squirrels and Raccoons:

Prairie dogs, woodchucks, chipmunks, and marmots are all part of the squirrel family.

Raccoons are smarter than cats and respond well to training.

The smallest squirrel in the world is the African pygmy squirrel. It is less than 3 in. long and has no tail.

Squirrels can be found in most parts of the world, but they do not live in Madagascar, Australia, or Greenland.

Source: Gardening Magic

Natural Pest Control: Squirrels & Raccoons

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