It took you hours to create a perfect landscape of hay bales, mums, scarecrows, and pumpkins. Your house looks like a fall wonderland, it belongs in a magazine photo. Maybe instead, you spent hours tracing the perfect stencil onto your meticulously chosen pumpkin, carved it with precision, and proudly set it on your porch. It is a work of art.
Then it happened. A chunk of your pumpkin, strategically placed front and center in your fall display, is missing. So, you begrudgingly rotate the gaping hole to the back. The next day, you notice your jack-o-lantern’s carefully whittled pattern has all but disappeared. You feel defeated. Who is responsible for this?! Squirrels... Those sneaky, hungry, annoying squirrels. But, feel defeated no more! We have compiled a list of the five best ways to keep the squirrels away from your pumpkins, so you can enjoy your display through Thanksgiving.
Easy ways to keep squirrels away from your pumpkins:
- Hairspray! Squirrels do not like sticky textures. It is also unappetizing if the squirrel decides to ignore the stickiness. We recommend using an aerosol hairspray to maximize your coverage. Besides keeping the squirrels away, it will also make your pumpkins shine. Be sure to reapply every few days and after rain.
- Repellent Spray! You can either purchase a squirrel repellant from a local hardware store OR use our simple and easy recipe to achieve the same result. Mix peppermint and crushed garlic (both ingredients proven to not be enjoyed by squirrels) in a spray bottle with water. Let that sit overnight and spray your decor in the morning! This method also should be reapplied every few days, or after rain.
- Pepper Sauce! Squirrels do not like spicy things. You can mix tabasco sauce with water and spray that on your pumpkin. Or, cutting open a spicy pepper (chipotle or cayenne) and rubbing it on the surface of your pumpkins will have the same effect. Be mindful to wash your hands after application, as you definitely do not want to accidentally touch your eyes! You guessed it, this method should be repeated every few days or after rain.
- Dog Fur! Squirrels and dogs are notorious for not getting along. This extends so far as a squirrel avoiding an area that has the scent of a canine. If you have a dog, likely you're able to materialize some shed fur. Next time you sweep up your floor, gather the unwanted hair and spread it under your pumpkins, letting it serve as a bed of sorts.
- Petroleum Jelly! Rub a generous amount of petroleum jelly over the surface of your pumpkin. In this case, the thicker the coating the better. If you’re using this on a jack-o-lantern, pay special attention to areas of your pumpkin that are exposed without skin. The texture and taste will deter squirrels from feasting on your masterpiece.
Good luck! We hope you’re able to utilize this tips to enjoy your perfect landscaping or award-worthy carvings a little bit longer. If you have a problem with squirrels at your home (beyond their pumpkin feasting) contact us for a free estimate, we’re here to help!
