Keeping Critters Out: A Gardener’s Guide to Deterring Rabbits, Squirrels, and Other Pests

Gardening is a rewarding experience, but it can quickly turn frustrating when rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents start feasting on your vegetables. Protecting your garden requires a multi-layered approach, combining physical barriers, scent-based deterrents, ultrasonic repellents, and decoy strategies. Below, we explore the most effective deterrence methods and highlight available products to help safeguard your plants.

1. Physical Barriers

Best for: Rabbits, squirrels, deer, raccoons, and birds
Physical barriers are the most effective way to prevent animals from reaching your plants.

• Fencing: Installing a fence around your garden is the best long-term solution. A chicken wire fence at least 2 feet high with 6 inches buried underground can keep out rabbits.
• Bird Spikes: These deter squirrels, birds, and raccoons from perching on fences and rooftops.
  • 🛒 Zipcase 36-Pack Clear Transparent PVC Bird Spikes – $21.99
• Cages & Netting: Placing netting around individual plants can keep smaller animals at bay.

Raised beds: Elevating your garden beds makes it more difficult for ground-dwelling pests like rabbits to access your plants. Example: Construct raised beds at least 18 inches high to deter rabbits.

2. Ultrasonic Repellents

Best for: Rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, deer, and stray cats
Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that irritate pests but are undetectable to humans.

• Solar-powered motion detection repellers are great for constant outdoor protection.
  • 🛒 2025 Upgraded Solar Animal Repellent – $39.94 (Limited Time Deal)
  • 🛒 CKUKARM 2 Pack Solar Ultrasonic Animal Repellent – $39.99
  • 🛒 Broox 2025 Upgraded Solar Animal Repellent – $46.98
• Plug-in indoor ultrasonic repellents work for garages, sheds, and attics.
  • 🛒 BORHOOD Mouse Repellent Ultrasonic Plug-in – $45.99 (Save 20% with coupon)
  • 🛒 X-PEST Ultrasonic Mouse Repeller Plug-in – $30.00 (List: $39.99)

3. Scent-Based Repellents

Best for: Rabbits, squirrels, mice, and chipmunks
Certain smells, like peppermint oil and garlic, repel pests naturally.

• Essential oil-based repellents use peppermint, garlic, and other natural scents.
  • 🛒 Mighty Mint 16oz Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray – $19.98
  • 🛒 FEARLEFT Mouse Rodent Repellent (24 Pack, Peppermint Oil) – $29.99
  • 🛒 PEVAFI Squirrel Repellent Outdoor (8 Pack, Peppermint Scented) – $27.99
• Granular repellents can be sprinkled around gardens and flower beds.
  • 🛒 Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent Granules (3 lbs.) – $16.24
  • 🛒 I Must Garden Squirrel Repellent (3 lbs.) – $24.99

Predator urine:

Fox or coyote urine: These scents mimic the presence of predators, scaring away smaller animals. (Available commercially)
Example: Place cotton balls soaked in fox urine around the perimeter of your garden.

Strong smelling plants:
Marigolds: These flowers have a strong scent that repels many pests.
Lavender: This plant also has a strong scent that is disliked by many animals.
Example: Plant marigolds around the border of your garden.

4. Motion-Activated Lights & Decoys

Best for: Squirrels, birds, and nocturnal pests like raccoons and skunks
Fake predators and motion-activated lights create an environment that makes pests uneasy.

• Owl Decoys: Fake owls scare away birds, squirrels, and small rodents.
  • 🛒 Hedoc 2 Pack Fake Owl Decoys – $24.99
  • 🛒 Crobirware 3 Pack Fake Owl Decoys with Rotating Heads – $30.99
  • 🛒 Dalen Fake Owl Decoy (16” Great Horned Owl) – $18.97
• Predator Light Devices: Flashing red lights mimic predator eyes at night, scaring away nocturnal pests.
  • 🛒 CritterTec Solar Nocturnal Animal Repeller (4 Pack) – $42.99 (Save 5% with coupon)

5. Chemical Sprays & Natural Deterrents

Best for: Rabbits, deer, and squirrels
Sprays provide a quick and effective way to make plants taste unpleasant to pests.

• Ready-to-use sprays:
  • 🛒 Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent (32 oz Spray) – $13.47 (List: $16.99)
  • 🛒 Nature’s MACE Squirrel Repellent (40 oz Spray) – $19.97
• Rodent repellent pouches: These small pouches release strong scents to keep pests away.
  • 🛒 Rodent and Insect Repellent Balls (12 Pack, Peppermint Scented) – $28.99
  • 🛒 24 Pack Squirrel Repellent Pouches – $16.99

6. DIY Natural Remedies

If you prefer a homemade approach, here are some easy deterrent solutions:

• Hot Pepper Spray: Mix cayenne pepper, water, and dish soap and spray on plants.
• Coffee Grounds: Sprinkling used coffee grounds around plants repels squirrels and rodents.
• Garlic & Vinegar Solution: A mix of garlic, vinegar, and water can keep rabbits at bay.
• Bone Meal: Sprinkling bone meal around plants can deter some animals.

Other Effective Strategies:

• Cleanliness:
  • Remove fallen fruits, vegetables, and debris from your garden, as these can attract pests.  
• Motion-activated sprinklers:
  • These sprinklers startle animals with a sudden burst of water.  
• Shiny objects:
  • Hanging shiny objects, such as old CDs or aluminum foil, can scare away birds and squirrels.  
• Decoy feeders:
  • Place a feeder with nuts or seeds far away from your garden to draw squirrels away from your plants.
• Companion planting:
  • Planting certain plants together can help deter pests. For example, planting basil near tomatoes can repel some insects.  
• Noise makers:
  • Wind chimes, or other noise making devices can disturb pests.  

Important Considerations:

• Rotation: Rotate your deterrents regularly, as pests can become accustomed to them.
• Safety: When using chemical repellents, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear appropriate safety gear.
• Persistence: Pest control requires persistence. Be prepared to reapply deterrents and adjust your strategies as needed.
• Identify the pest: Knowing what critter is eating your garden allows for better targeted control.  

By combining these methods, you can create a formidable defense against rabbits, squirrels, and other garden pests, ensuring a bountiful harvest for yourself.