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Hardware cloth to keep squirrels from garden #810556

Asked September 13, 2022, 7:39 AM EDT

I built a raised bed, with three bands of barriers, to keep out birds and squirrels. The hardware cloth, with 1/2" grid, has been effective. But the other two barriers have failed to keep out our very industrious squirrels. They can actually eat through chicken wire, and of course the plastic bird netting is no obstacle at all. I would appreciate your guidance for what kind of barriers to use. I am assuming that I will need to replace the plastic barriers with metal. But what GAUGE of metal, and what size OPENING do I need to keep squirrels from either biting or squeezing through? Thank you!

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi Bob!

If the squirrels are numerous and determined, we recommend considering building a walk-in (cage-style) garden. You can cover it with 1/2 inch gauge hardware cloth. 

Additional suggestions here: https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/fact-sheets/wildlife-excluding-repelling-problem-wildlife-from-garden

Jamie

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied September 13, 2022, 10:01 AM EDT

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