How to Keep Squirrels Out of Tomato Plants

Planting tomatoes in your backyard garden is a joyous experience, but it’s never fun to find out that squirrels have been eating your ripe and juicy tomatoes. Squirrels not only eat the fruits, but they also dig up the plants, causing damage to your garden. Here are some effective ways to keep squirrels out of your tomato plants.

Use Fencing

The easiest way to keep squirrels out of your tomato plants is to use a fence. Squirrels can climb trees and jump from branch to branch, but they have trouble climbing up smooth surfaces. Installing a 2-foot tall fence around your tomato plants can keep squirrels out. You can use chicken wire or hardware cloth with mesh openings of less than 1 inch. Surround the fence with a skirt buried 6 inches deep to prevent squirrels from digging under it.

Netting

Another effective way to protect your tomato plants from squirrels is by covering them with netting. Netting is a fine mesh material that provides a physical barrier between your plants and animals. You can suspend the netting over the plants with pipes, stakes, or bamboo poles. Make sure you secure the edges of the netting to prevent squirrels from sneaking underneath.

Cayenne Pepper

Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, and they can recognize the scent of their favorite food from afar. You can use their sense of smell against them by using cayenne pepper. Squirrels hate the smell of cayenne pepper, and sprinkling it around your tomato plants can repel them. Remember to reapply after rainfall or when the pepper has blown away.

Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be heard by animals such as squirrels. These devices can be a great tool to deter squirrels from entering your garden. You can install them near your tomato plants, and they will emit a sound when they detect movement. However, it’s important to note that some squirrels may become familiar with the sound and ignore it over time.

Conclusion

Keeping squirrels out of your tomato plants may seem like a daunting task, but it’s possible with the right strategies. Using fencing, netting, cayenne pepper, and ultrasonic repellents can go a long way in protecting your plants. By implementing these methods, you can enjoy ripe and juicy tomatoes without any interruption from pesky squirrels.