How do I keep squirrels away from tulip bulbs?
Chicken WireCover the newly planted bulbs with chicken wire. The tulip leaves can grow through the wire while preventing the squirrels from digging. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends anchoring the wire with landscape fabric staples or bent sections of wire hangers.RepellentsPurchase a commercial squirrel repellent. Repellents such as Ropel or Hinder cover the area with a scent unpleasant to squirrels. Spray the tulip beds with the repellent according to package instructions. Repellents must be reapplied after rain or watering. Alternatively, plant daffodil bulbs among the tulips. Deer, squirrels and other opportunistic feeders avoid daffodils. Remove tulip bulb husks and other debris from new beds because the scent attracts squirrels.FeedersProvide an alternative source of food for the squirrels. According to the International Bulb Society, the United States White House gardeners set up peanut feeders for invading squirrels and reduced bulb damage by 95 percent.
