Introduction

Tomatoes are a favorite food of squirrels, and too often these pesky creatures take more than their fair share from a garden. If you’re looking to protect your tomato plants from squirrel damage, you’ll need to find the right materials to wrap them with. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best options to keep squirrels from snacking on your tomatoes.

Chicken Wire

One of the most effective materials for squirrel-proofing tomato plants is chicken wire. By wrapping the plants in this durable wire mesh, you can create a physical barrier that squirrels will have a hard time penetrating. To use chicken wire, wrap it around the base of the plant, making sure to cover any exposed fruit. You can also create a cage around the entire tomato plant if necessary, to keep squirrels from climbing up the stem.

Netting

If you’re looking for a more flexible option, netting can be a good choice for protecting your tomato plants. This material is typically made from polypropylene and is lightweight and easy to handle. To use netting, drape it over the top of your tomato plants and secure it in place with stakes or clips. This will keep squirrels from climbing up and gnawing on any exposed fruits. Be sure to choose a mesh size that’s small enough to keep the squirrels out, but large enough to allow pollinators to reach the plants.

Cayenne Pepper

If you’d prefer not to wrap your tomato plants with physical materials, you can try using cayenne pepper to deter squirrels from snacking on your produce. Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and the spicy aroma of cayenne pepper can be enough to keep them at bay. Simply sprinkle some cayenne pepper around the base of your tomato plants, being careful not to get any on the leaves or fruit. The scent of the pepper should be enough to deter squirrels from coming too close.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

For those who want a high-tech solution to their squirrel problem, motion-activated sprinklers can be a good option. These devices detect when a squirrel approaches and then release a burst of water that scares the animals away. You can set up these sprinklers around your tomato plants and adjust the sensitivity to make sure they only activate when necessary. While this is a more expensive option, it can be very effective in deterring squirrels and other critters from your garden.

Conclusion

Squirrels can be a real nuisance when it comes to protecting your tomato plants. However, with the right materials and strategies, you can keep these critters at bay and enjoy a healthy harvest. Whether you choose to use chicken wire, netting, cayenne pepper, or motion-activated sprinklers, be sure to take action early on to prevent squirrels from damaging your plants.