Monday, September 22, 2008

YOUR DINNER IS READY MR SQUIRREL


Do squirrels get your bulbs every year? I have heard that you can take chicken wire and anchor it over your bulbs after you plant them and that will work to keep them out. but you must remember to remove it when they they start to grow.

You could always just plant a double layer too, and hope they won't find the second layer. The bulbs will come up a couple of weeks later but at least some will come up. I don't have a problem with squirrels where I am now, but when we lived in the country, they were a bit of problem. Rodent repellents are useless according to all the information I can find, so don’t waste your money on them. You don't want the squirrels laughing at you behind your back. : )


If you are planting a large area, you could try using an electric fence, but that may only slow them down. The same goes for using ground up oyster shells in the soil where you plant the bulbs. If the squirrels are hungry enough and your neighbors aren't feeding them their bulbs, it won't do much good. You could also try to keep the squirrels away by getting a dog. But again, if the squirrels are hungry and the dog is one of those "could care less" dogs, like my Solo, who makes friends with all wild creatures including the family of rabbits in the woods.....it won’t work. : )

18 comments:

tina said...

They are bad little critters. Right now they have decided they fancy the stuffing on my outside swing. Sigh. What can you do?

walk2write said...

I guess you could put one of those crazy looking squirrel feeders out (the kind that spin around) and have a good laugh at them. It's better than crying!

Nola said...

I think I'll put out a buffet of last years' pecans. Maybe they'll eat those instead of having to dig up bulbs! Or maybe just set out a few extra bulbs for their dining pleasure!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Eve, you are so right about those darn squirrels. But last year I did put the chicken wire down, the larger size and left it in place. The bulbs came up right through it with no problem!
Frances
http://fairegarden.wordpress.com/

Dave said...

I'm just trying to figure out how you got the squirrel all dressed up! ;) I was going to mention Frances' idea but she beat me to it! Instead I'll just say I agree with Frances, that's usually a safe answer!

Susie said...

Those pesky little critters! I'm glad I don't have a problem with them.

That little picture is toooo cute!!!!

cinnamongirl93 said...

Your not going to believe this but I don't have any squirrels. Living out in farm country the squirrels have slim pickings here. They must all be in the wooded areas.

Lib said...

Hi Eve,
I've heard this too ,but never tried it. Right now we're blessed we arn't having problems, but I'd better add Knock On Wood.lol
Hope u have a great wk.
Blessins',Lib

Dawn said...

You should try blood poison. Put it around your blooms or bulbs everytime it rains. Will make the plant grow more think and the colors will be more vibrant. You can get blood poison at your local lawn and garden supply store! Good luck!

*HUGS*

Gail said...

We must face the truth, Eve, some of the critters out there are adapting! They are figuring out our every move.
I am pretty sure the resident possum is smarter then I give him credit for...

Love the photo...where ever did you find it!

gail

Anonymous said...

chicken wire! That's Brilliant!

Forgive me for intruding on your site--me with the blackest thumb in Texas--but I just had to drop in and visit.

Linda

Rose said...

So far I've been lucky. Between our "guard cats" and the Pomeranian, squirrels usually don't venture too near our house. They'd better not--I've got big plans for lots of bulbs this year!

Skeeter said...

That picture tells it all, pure Gangster Squirrels indeed! I counted 9 under the squirrel prove bird feeder this morning so yes, squirrels are an issue in my yard! Since we squirrel prove the feeders, they have not been on the feeders in about 5 years. Now one good jumper has decided to make us move the feeder! He can jump over 9 feet from a tree onto the feeder! I would not believe it had I not seen it with my own eyes! Stinkers.... They dig all over the yard and between them and the moles and voles, I just cannot have bulbs. My squirrels are Georgia Redneck squirrels and they could figure out how to penetrate the wire! LOL…

Meadowview Thymes said...

I tried sprinkling red pepper around, but I think the squirrels thought I was adding seasonings to their bulbs! lol :)

Skeeter said...

Ops, I meant to say the squirrel jumped 7 feet not 9...

Brenda Pruitt said...

I planted tulips last year. If they got any, I didn't know about it. Promptly forgot where I planted them because I was in such a hurry to get it done!
Brenda

DP Nguyen said...

That is the cutest squirrel picture ever. How could anyone be mad at a squirrel? lol. They are just too cute.

We don't have a problem with squirrels because we don't really see them around where I live.

Anonymous said...

That's great that you are paying it forward and to such a great cause!..best wishes...Pam