Very few gardeners and enthusiasts around the globe have not seen half-eaten tomatoes scattered on the ground because of a squirrel invasion. The squirrels are our uninvited guests, and to our surprise, tomatoes are their favorite snacks. They can turn a healthy crop into a frustrating mess overnight.

However, if you are thinking of eliminating them from your garden, forget about it. They are just cute little animals. We need to keep them away from our garden using simple, natural, and humane methods, and we must avoid using harsh or harmful techniques.

 

Here’s how to protect your garden with easy-to-use methods that work!

  1. Use Garlic and Chili Pepper Spray

I guarantee that squirrels dislike strong smells like garlic and chili. Hence, you can use these.

how-to-stop-squirrels-from-ruining-your-tomatoes

DIY Squirrel Repellent Spray:

  • Mix water with crushed garlic and chili flakes or powder.
  • Spray this mixture around your tomato plants.
  • It won’t harm your plants and works as a natural pest repellent too.

 

  1. Sprinkle Coffee Grounds Around Your Plants

Coffee grounds work well as a squirrel repellent because squirrels hate the smell of coffee.

  • After your morning brew, save the used coffee grounds.
  • Spread them around the base of your tomato plants.
  • Plus, coffee grounds enrich the soil with nutrients—double win!

 

  1. Install Physical Barriers with Garden Netting

Physical Barriers with Garden Netting

Although squirrels are smart, they are not invincible. Therefore,

  • Use a lightweight, durable netting kit like Alpine Reach to create a physical shield.
  • It’s easy to set up and keeps squirrels from getting anywhere near your plants.
  • This method is ideal for raised beds or container gardens.

 

  1. Motion-Activated Repellent Systems

Luckily, at present, we have high-tech gadgets that we can use to keep away squirrels. I use Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler: It:

  • Detects movement and sprays water to scare squirrels off—harmless but effective.
  • Covers a large area and runs automatically.
  • Install it once, and let it do the work 24/7.

 

  1. Use Humane Live Traps

Humane Live Traps

If I see squirrels keep coming back, I use catch-and-release traps

  • The Schluck Rodent Trap safely captures squirrels without hurting them.
  • Once caught, you can release them far from your garden.
  • A safe and eco-friendly way to protect your harvest.

Don’t let squirrels steal the fruits of your labor. With these safe, simple, and proven methods, your tomatoes will stay untouched and your garden will thrive.