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Keep Squirrels out of Vegetable Garden #875096

Asked June 28, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT

I have a deer and squirrel problem with my vegetable garden.  I have sprayed Deer Out on the tomato plants and that seems to do a decent job of thwarting the deer.  However, the squirrels are coming into the garden, grabbing the green tomatoes from the vine and scurrying off with them.  Short of fencing in the garden, what can I do to stop this squirrel activity?  Thanks.

Henrico County Virginia

Expert Response



I have a deer and squirrel problem with my vegetable garden. I have sprayed Deer Out on the tomato plants and that seems to do a decent job of thwarting the deer. However, the squirrels are coming into the garden, grabbing the green tomatoes from the vine and scurrying off with them. Short of fencing in the garden, what can I do to stop this squirrel activity? Thanks.

I too, faced the same issues in the past until I did exactly what you are talking about.  I fenced in my garden and I used bird netting over the top.  Yes, the cost of your tomatoes just went up based on the investment of fencing and netting.  I use chicken wire buried into the soil so I take care of vole issues as well.   
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 9:42 PM EDT


I too, faced the same issues in the past until I did exactly what you are talking about. I fenced in my garden and I used bird netting over the top. Yes, the cost of your tomatoes just went up based on the investment of fencing and netting. I use chicken wire buried into the soil so I take care of vole issues as well.  Be sure you roll up your netting and keep it dry through the winter and it will last you several years.  

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 9:46 PM EDT

Thank you for your response.  As noted in my question, I am looking for a solution short of fencing the garden in.  I guess I can infer from your response that there is no other solution.  Is that correct?

 

Thanks,

 

Terrell

 

 

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R. L. Terrell Williams, CIC

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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: July 03, 2024 9:42 PM
To: Williams, Terrell <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Keep Squirrels out of Vegetable Garden (#0145014)

 

The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT

Thank you for your response.  As noted in my question, I am looking for a solution short of fencing the garden in.  I guess I can infer from your response that there is no other solution.  Is that correct?

 

Thanks,

 

Terrell

 

 

image

R. L. Terrell Williams, CIC

Senior Vice President

CA License # 4241234

P:<personal data hidden> | C:<personal data hidden> | E: <personal data hidden>

2200 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 | McGriff.com

McGriff CA License # 0C64544

 

The information in this transmission may contain proprietary and non-public information and may be subject to protection under the law. The message is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, distribution or copying of the message is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please delete the material from your system without reading the content and notify the sender immediately of the inadvertent transmission.

Any information, analyses, opinions and/or recommendations contained herein relating to the impact or the potential impact of coronavirus/COVID-19 on insurance coverage or any insurance policy is not a legal opinion, warranty or guarantee, and should not be relied upon as such. As insurance agents, we do not have the authority to render legal advice or to make coverage decisions, and you should submit all claims to your insurance carrier for evaluation as they will make the final determination. Given the on-going and constantly changing situation with respect to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, this communication does not necessarily reflect the latest information regarding recently-enacted, pending or proposed legislation or guidance that could override, alter or otherwise affect existing insurance coverage. At your discretion, please consult with an attorney at your own expense for specific advice in this regard.

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: July 03, 2024 9:47 PM
To: Williams, Terrell <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Keep Squirrels out of Vegetable Garden (#0145014)

 

The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
I wish I had a better solution, but I do not know of another way to keep the animals out of your garden short of having someone come in and trap them and remove the animals.  We garden in a wildlife environment and that won't change as man continues to remove more habitat. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 04, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
Thanks for responding. I get it. I was just hoping there might be some other remedy. Perhaps next year I'll just try to outnumber them by planting more tomatoes than they can eat. This year I'm afraid my garden is all theirs. 

Terrell 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, July 4, 2024 2:32:11 PM
To: Williams, Terrell <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Keep Squirrels out of Vegetable Garden (#0145014)
 
The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 7:11 PM EDT
I have been gardening for close to 70 years and each year brings new gardening challenges.  I wish there was a easy solution.  Look at gardening as both fun and a challenge to work around mother nature's creatures and other pathogens. 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 04, 2024, 7:53 PM EDT

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