Why do squirrels dig trap in my plant life ?
As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I understand the foiling of finding holes dug by squirrels in your plants . Squirrels are known for their queer and resourceful nature , and unluckily , your garden soil and planting pots can become their resort area . There are a few reason why squirrels engage in this behaviour , and understand their motives can help you bump solutions to protect your plants .
1 . Searching for seeds : squirrel have a natural instinct to forage for nutrient , and this includes searching for seeds . They are especially draw in to nuts , acorn , and other tree seeds . In your garden , they may grasp hole in hunting of buried seed or to reveal any seeds that have descend to the ground . This behavior is more vulgar in the fall when squirrel are busy garner and storing solid food for the winter calendar month .
2 . Burying food for belated use : squirrel are known for their habit of hive up food . They swallow up nuts , seeds , and other food point in various position to create a reserve for future consumption . In your garden , squirrels may dig trap to swallow up their food , especially if they perceive it to be a safe and hidden smear . This behavior is dominant during times when nutrient germ are abundant , and squirrel are preparing for scarcity .
3 . Creating burrows : In some case , squirrels may fag mess not directly related to food but rather as part of their natural nesting behaviour . squirrel often create burrows or dens in trees , but they may also dig hole in the background for nesting or tax shelter function . These holes are usually more broad and deeper than the one they labour for food .
4 . explore and territorial marking : Squirrels are curious creature and have a strong common sense of territory . They may dig holes as a agency to research their surroundings or to pock their territory . By toil holes and leaving behind their scent , squirrels communicate with other squirrel , point their comportment and possession of the surface area .
Now that we realise the reasons behind squirrel digging behavior , let ’s search some strategies to protect your industrial plant :
– Use physical barrier : Consider cover your garden beds with telegram mesh or placing netting over planting pots . This can forestall squirrel from accessing the stain and dig holes .
– deterrent and repellent : There are various commercial repellant available that can dissuade squirrels from your garden . These products commonly contain natural ingredients with strong odour that squirrels line up unpleasant . Additionally , you could try scatter vulture piddle or hair ( for instance , from blackguard or cats ) around the garden to make the delusion of a predator ’s presence .
– misdirection technique : Provide squirrels with an alternative intellectual nourishment source away from your plants . Set up feeding stations meet with nuts or seeded player , which may deviate their attention from your garden .
– works selection : Consider implant squirrel - repellent plants that are less appealing to these furred critter . plant with strong olfactory property , burred texture , or bitter tastes are often avoided by squirrels . Research squirrel - resistant plant options suitable for your area and garden conditions .
– Garden maintenance : Regularly clean up fallen seeds and fruit from the ground to remove potential nutrient reservoir that attract squirrels . By minimizing useable food for thought , you may discourage them from turn over in your garden .
Squirrels dig holes in garden soil and planting pots primarily to search for seeds , bury food for tardy economic consumption , create burrows , and mark their dominion . Understanding their behavior can help you implement effectual scheme to protect your plants . Remember , finding the correct balance between deterring squirrel and maintaining a prospering garden may ask a compounding of tactics .
Caroline Bates
