Natural squirrel repellent

Natural Squirrel Repellent Ideas - Keep Squirrels out of The Yard!

Do you have a problem with squirrels?  If so, these natural squirrel repellent ideas may prove useful to you.

Dealing with squirrels has been an ongoing problem for me in one way or another for several years. 

If you read my blog often, you may remember reading about the squirrels in my vegetable garden a few years ago.

Suffice to say, it was a nightmare all around. I was at my wit’s end trying to keep them out of my home grown vegetables.

Problems caused by squirrels in the garden

Animal lovers are charmed by the acrobatic maneuvers of squirrels and find them delightful.

But when a gardener walks out into their vegetable garden to find their corn in a mess and their tomatoes scattered over the ground with exactly one bite out of each, they are anything BUT charmed.

Squirrels are a constant source of frustration for any vegetable gardener and I, for one, am always looking for new, and natural, ways for keeping squirrels out of my garden.

I am an organic gardener by nature, but when my 1000 foot vegetable garden was destroyed by squirrels two years ago, I was prepared to try anything and everything to get rid of them.

I made some squirrel repellents but was never happy with the idea that they contained moth balls, which are quite toxic, so I discontinued the use of them and started looking into other natural squirrel deterrent ideas.

Even if you never see squirrels in your yard, there are lots of signs that they have been visiting your garden.

Look for shallow digging and holes around plants, small bites on vegetables (particularly tomatoes), seed heads that hat been nibbled, whole plants that have disappeared (!) and digging evidence in your plant containers.

These are all signs that Mr. Squirrel has been paying you a visit and that it might be time to take action to control him.

Keep squirrels away naturally with some very creative ideas. Dogs, cats, garlic, peppers and peppermint are all useful tools to rid your yard of squirrels. 🐿🌶😺🐶🐿  Click To Tweet

Let’s look at some Natural Squirrel Repellent Ideas

Keeping squirrels out of the garden is a challenge for sure, but these ideas should help.

Hot Pepper Plants and Cayenne Pepper

Hot peppers are the most often used ingredients in natural squirrel repellent remedies, it seems.  You can use them in a variety of ways:

• Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the ground near the plants that seem to be attracting squirrels.
• Sprinkle a light dusting of cayenne pepper right on the leaves of squirrel tempting plants. Low lying leaves are the most important ones to sprinkle.
• Mix cayenne pepper and petroleum jelly and spread it on the stems of plants at the base. Also spread it on fences, poles and other solid things near plants that squirrels like.
• Make a cayenne pepper spray to spray on the leaves of tempting plants. To do this, mix a small bottle of your favorite hot sauce with a gallon on water. Place in a spray bottle and use it directly on the leaves of the plants that the squirrels are going after.

Note:  all of these remedies will need to be reapplied periodically, especially after it rains.

Garlic Sprays

Squirrels also dislike the smell and taste of garlic.  Make a concoction with chopped up garlic, water and vinegar.

Let the mixture sit for a few days to give the flavors a chance to combine well and spray it on fences, and stakes in your vegetable garden.

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray as a squirrel repellent

The acrid taste and smell of apple cider vinegar is a real turn off to squirrels. Use it as a spray on hard surfaces and fixtures in squirrel infested areas.

Note:  This spray is for use on hard surfaces, and it can be sprayed 100%. Don’t use it on plants since vinegar can kill plants.

How to Keep Squirrels away with Bulbs and Plants

Use bulbs as a way of keeping squirrels out of the garden.  Some plants that repel squirrels are beautiful to see, but many of them are actually unappealing to squirrels.

There are some bulbs and plants that squirrels really avoid due to their taste and smell.  Planting this type of bulb near your vegetable garden can do a good job of keeping the squirrels away.

A few ideas for squirrel repelling bulbs are daffodils, hyacinths, allium, lily of the valley, peppermint and geranium.

Squirrels aren’t the only thing that plants will repel. Lots of plants are great at repelling insects. See my list of mosquito repelling plants here.

Peppermint Essential Oil is a Natural Squirrel Repellent

Squirrels don’t like the strong scent of peppermint. In the same way that a live peppermint plant will deter them, peppermint essential oils also can be used.

Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them here and there on jar lids around plants in your garden that the squirrels like. The baits will need to be re-soaked periodically.

You can also make a peppermint essential oil spray with the ratio of one drop of peppermint essential oil to one ounce of vinegar and use it to spray on hard surfaces in the garden.

Peppermint essential oil can also be combined with other oils to make an effective homemade mosquito repellent spray.

Other Natural Squirrel Repellent Ideas

If the remedies don’t work at keeping squirrels out of the garden, then it might be time for some more drastic measures. Here are some other ideas for what repels squirrels.

How to Get Rid of Squirrels by scaring them

Motion detecting lights, scarecrows, high frequency sound machines, owl decoys, and other tools are used to scare squirrels. Some friends of mine have a huge farm property and Randy has a vegetable garden which gives her prizes every year at the State Fair.

When I visited recently, I asked Randy how she keeps the squirrels away from it and she said it was this amazing sculpture that she had made.

The sculpture is huge, has lights that come on when anything approaches the garden and does a great job of keeping the squirrels away from it.

How to repel squirrels Using Cats and Dogs

The last few dogs that we had love to chase squirrels and this is one behavior that I don’t discourage.  

If you have a dog or cat in your yard that chases the squirrels every time they visit, it is unlikely that you will have much of a squirrel problem.

Not all dogs deter squirrels. When I had my squirrel invasion, the dogs I had then had no interest in the squirrels! Other times (and other dogs) proved just the opposite!

Squirrel Traps

Sometimes the answer to a squirrel problem is simply to trap them and remove them to another location.

Note: Be sure to check the rules about relocating in your area.  Some regions prohibit this action by law.

Place sunflower seeds, small pieces of corn on the cob or other threats that squirrels like in a squirrel trap. Place the trap near the area where you know the squirrels visit.

Once the squirrel gets trapped, release it in some far away place (or they will just return if you release near your home!)

Remove things that attract squirrels

You may be unknowingly attracting squirrels in your attempt to bring other wildlife into the garden. The bird seed that the birds love is also a favorite food of squirrels.

Place bird feeders away from your vegetable garden area if possible, and be sure to clean up around them.  The smell of seeds and bits of fruit can really be attractive to squirrels.

Also, make sure that your garbage bins are closed to keep temptation away.  There is no sense in sending out a welcome mat if you want to keep squirrels at bay!

Give them an alternative food choice

This may seem like an oxymoron, but sometimes giving the squirrels their own food supply can be the answer.

If you have tried everything to keep squirrels away and they still keep returning to your garden, try setting up a distraction station somewhere in your yard that is some distance away from your veggies.

Set up a food station with squirrel tempting treats like sunflower seeds, nuts and other treats. This will attract the squirrels away from your vegetables and to other areas of the yard.

Just be sure the station is positioned well away from your edible vegetables. Don’t forget to keep water here too.  My entire crop of tomatoes each had one bite out of them and I am sure the squirrels were mainly thirsty that day.

Cages for Vegetables are natural squirrel repellents

Squirrels love vegetables, in particular corn. (My squirrel problem was never a problem until I decided to plant corn in the vegetable garden.)

If all else fails, cages may be your only option.

Photo Credit: Flickr: Hardworkinghippy

One of the best natural squirrel repellent ideas is simply to keep them out! The squirrels cannot eat when they can’t get into the vegetable area.  Think about making tall wire cages.

Be sure the garden beds have tops (bird netting works well) as well as sides, or the squirrels will just climb up and in. Row covers also work for smaller veggies.

A note on Predators.

Both hawks and owls love to prey on squirrels.  My husband is convinced that our squirrel population is so much higher because wooded land near by has been built up with houses and the owls are less plentiful.

Find out what you can about attracting owls and hawks to the area to see if this helps.

If you don’t have live owls living nearby, think about investing in some owl decoys. They are designed to scare away squirrels and other rodents.

Have you found other natural methods effective at keeping squirrels out of your garden? Share your natural squirrel repellent in the comments below!

Pin this post on Natural Squirrel Repellent Ideas

Would you like a reminder of this post for keeping squirrels out of your garden?  Just pin this image to one of your gardening boards on Pinterest. You can also watch the video on YouTube later, as well.

Admin Note: This post first appeared on the blog in April of 2017. I have updated the post with additional tips, more photos, a printable check list and a video for you to enjoy.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost $10 - $50

Materials

• Cayenne Pepper
• Peppermint Essential Oils
• Squirrel Cages
• Motion Detectors
• Vegetable Cages

Tools

• Print out the check list below to help plan for dealing with squirrels this year.

Instructions

NATURAL SQUIRREL REPELLENT IDEAS

1. Hot pepper plants
2. Cayenne pepper on the leaves of plants.
3. Peppermint essential oil on cotton balls in the garden
4. Garlic and vinegar spray (hard surfaces)
5. Apple cider vinegar spray (hard surfaces)
6. Motion detector lights
7. Large statues in the garden
8. High Frequency sound machines
9. Cats and Dogs will keep squirrels away
10. Squirrel traps to trap and move squirrels
11. Move bird feeders away from vegetable garden
12. Keep garbage bins away too
13. Set up a squirrel feeding station for their own food supply
14. Grow vegetables in cages.
15. Plant bulbs that deter squirrels such as daffodils, hyacinths, allium, garlic, lily of the valley, peppermint and geraniums.

Notes

Set your printer to "fit to page" and print out this chart on heavy card stock

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Squirrels: How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Home & Garden

How can you keep squirrels out of the garden? Sure, they’re entertaining to watch but if they keep eating your tomatoes and garden plants, it can be very frustrating. So what’s a gardener to do? You can co-exist! Here are natural squirrel repellents.

Why Worry About Squirrels in the Garden?

With a fondness for fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, the common squirrel has long spelled trouble for home gardeners. From Maine to Montana, these wily critters yank geraniums from window boxes, pluck nearly ripe tomatoes from their vines, and strip apple trees like professional pickers. Though their foraging forays can happen at any time of year, a squirrel’s raid in late summer and early autumn can drive a gardener nuts.

Squirrels are especially active in late summer and autumn, when they stock up for winter. They do not hibernate (although they may “lie low” during cold spells), so their underground pantries are vitally important winter warehouses. They have a major instinct for hoarding food, which helps them to survive. Gray squirrels stash food by burying it in a scattered fashion around their territory.

Although North America is home to several species of squirrels, it is the suburb-savvy gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, that gives gardeners (and people who feed birds) the most grief. How did the clever critters find those flower bulbs, anyway? Why do they ransack some borders and leave others alone? 

The average squirrel gathers acorns, pinecones, nuts, bark, fruit, berries, fungi, and insects, but is not above stealing bird eggs and bulbs. Sometimes they will even ruin your flowers just for the fun of it! Keep an eye out for these pesky visitors and try some of our tips below.

Control and Prevention

Preventing Squirrel Damage

• Try to avoid attracting squirrels to your property in the first place. Make sure you have tight-fitting trash cans and never leave food or compost scraps sitting out. Bird seed is a big one, too; keep it indoors or in a chew-proof container in a sheltered location.
• Don’t bother trapping and relocating squirrels. This is a losing battle, since the population of squirrels is extremely high in most areas, and moving one will just make room for another! Also, if the animal is a female, there is a high likelihood that you will remove her from babies that depend on her for survival. Additionally, the relocation of wildlife (yes, even squirrels) may be illegal in your area.
• If the season has been particularly hot and dry, squirrels may steal tomatoes, cucumbers, or other juicy produce from the vine because they’re thirsty. Some readers have reported that placing a dish of water (or bird bath) nearby commonly eaten crops can discourage snacking. 
• Unfortunately, growing extra vegetables to “feed” the squirrels does not usually work; squirrels will simply plow through your produce and bring their friends!
• Is your yard covered in nuts and acorns from trees? If so, your place is squirrel heaven! Just accept that your yard will be party central or you’ll need to pick up and move the nuts to a different part of the yard or grow/select different types of trees.

Cover Your Garden

It’s best to use physical barriers, which can usually get the job done as long as the material is right. Squirrels and other rodents are capable of squeezing through extremely tight spaces, so holes in the fencing or netting must be very small. Look specifically for netting or fencing that’s rated for rats or squirrels.

• Consider protecting your vegetable garden with a wire fence and make sure it is buried about at least 6 inches into the ground, so the squirrels can’t easily dig under it. (Look for wire meant for squirrels or rats; standard chicken wire has holes that a determined squirrel can squeeze through.)
• Or, line the bottom soil with 1/4-inch hardware cloth. Pots are easy to protect with a layer of netting or hardware cloth across the top of the pot, too. A layer of gravel or stones can also discourage digging.
• Another idea is to cover your garden with row covers or bird netting. Row covers made of heavier materials can also be used, depending on the season.
• Or, here’s a more-expensive pantry solution: Lay aluminum foil across the top of vegetable pots, poking holes in it to allow for water exchange. The squirrels do not like the shiny reflection.

Dogs are Natural Squirrel Deterrents!

• A dog is a great squirrel chaser, if that’s an option in your backyard! Squirrels can’t stand those pesky dogs! Save the dog’s hair when you brush or groom it, and use it to mulch around your garden beds. The squirrels won’t go near it! 
• Human hair helps a well, according to one reader who shares, “I used to have a problem with squirrels digging up my bulbs. Now, once in the spring and once in the fall, I ask my hairdresser to save a big bag of hair for me. I lightly dig this into the soil. Squirrels can not stand the smell of humans, so they leave the gardens alone.”

Natural Squirrel Repellents

There are also many natural repellents on the market:

• Spread predator urine around your garden. Garden nurseries will carry repellents that are made with the urine of squirrels’ predators such as foxes or coyotes. These are meant to be sprayed around gardens to keep squirrels away, so will need to be reapplied regularly. 
• Try sprinkling cayenne pepper, ground chili peppers, or pepper flakes around your plants when they are ready to bloom. Peppers have “capsaicin” which squirrels hate, so it’s a natural squirrel deterrent. Or, make a pepper spray; you can mix dried pepper with apple cider vinegar.  Note: Birds can’t taste capsaicin, so add some cayenne pepper to those bird feeders to deter squirrels.
• Another deterrent is peppermint oil, which turns off squirrels. Pour some in a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and spray around your plants.
• One reader claims blood meal sprinkled around the garden soil works against squirrels.
• Plant squirrel-repelling flowers, such as nasturtiums, marigolds, and mustard as a border around your vegetable garden; these plants have a strong aroma. Do not plant bulbs squirrels love such as tulips and crocuses.
• If you’re really going crazy due to squirrels, explore the idea of installing a raptor perch or owl nest box to invite natural predators who will prey on squirrels.
• Get a decoy. A fake owl may also frighten squirrels away, however, you need to move it around the garden on a regular basis so that the squirrels don’t become wise to the trick.

Protecting Bulbs from Squirrels

• Bulbs that squirrels (and other rodents) do not like include daffodils, fritillaria, snowdrops (Galanthus), grape hyacinths (Muscari), and ornamental alliums. These flowers are also disliked by rabbits and deer because of their unpalatable taste and fragrant odor. You can also try these flowers in pots, planters, and containers. Check out our list of rodent-proof bulbs. 
• For more protection, line the planting hole itself with wire mesh (“hardware cloth”). Some gardeners have found that planting the bulbs in a handful of sharp, crushed gravel discourages the squirrels. This might help provide better drainage as well.
• Gardeners lay down chicken wire if they’re planting many bulbs. Look for one-inch mesh and place below and on top of the bulbs. The plants can grow through the wires, but the squirrels can’t get to the bulbs. 
• As an added layer of protection, cover the surface of the bed with black plastic netting, which is invisible and inexpensive. 
• Don’t advertise your newly dug bulbs by leaving papery bits of bulb debris in or on the soil. Clean up your act, or better still, try not to lay your bulbs on the ground while you dig the holes to plant them—squirrels will smell their favorite and scamper over.

Image: Allium. Credit: C. Boeckmann

Keeping Squirrels Off Bird Feeders

• Switch bird feed from sunflower seeds to safflower seeds. Birds are happy to eat these seeds, but squirrels find them bitter.
• Keep the area under your bird feeder as clean as possible.
• Install a squirrel baffle to the feeder pole, which is an inverted cone with at least a 13-inch diameter
• Place birdfeeders on isolated poles (not hanging from eaves or trees) at least 5 to 6 feet off the ground and 8 to 10 feet away from your house, trees, or structures. (Squirrels can leap that far and even farther.) Some folks use a pulley system. 
• Protect feeders suspended from a horizontal wire by threading old records, compact discs, or plastic soda bottles on the wire on each side.
• If squirrels are climbing up your bird feeder poles, try rubbing them with Crisco (the poles—not the squirrels)! It doesn’t hurt the birds, and the squirrels won’t be able to get a grip.
• Also, consider the type of bird feeder. If you have the common tube feeder, metal ports around the seed dispensers will protect the feeder from nibbling squirrels and house sparrows. 
• If you are buying a new feeder, the most successful feeder is an all-metal feeder with adjustable springs that regulate a counter-weighted door. When birds light on the platform, the door remains open, but under the heavier weight of a squirrel, the door drops down to conceal the food supply. These tend to be pricier, but you won’t have to replace them on account of squirrel damage. Just make sure that they are hung securely and can’t be knocked down.

Reader Suggestions

Here are a couple more squirrel repellent suggestions that readers sent in:

• Try motion-activated sprinklers, primarily designed to keep cats and rabbits out of gardens, to help scare away squirrels which are very skittish and will avoid the area. However, the presence of numerous squirrels, stray animals, or children may result in overwatering and high water bills if they continually trigger this device.
• Get some mousetraps. Anchor them solidly to the ground in the area where the squirrels have been digging. Cover them with newspaper, and sprinkle a little dirt on top. When a squirrel comes to dig, it will set off the traps. As the mechanism snaps, it will scare and throw dirt at the squirrel. Once it’s scared enough times, it will find another digging area. Be sure to anchor the traps just in case the wind blows the newspaper off of them. If the trap is anchored, the squirrel will not get hurt.

Dealing with Squirrels Inside the Home

In the autumn, many squirrels try to find shelter and may come inside your home. Make this more difficult for them to do by trimming branches that hang near your roof and placing a mesh guard on your chimney. Close up all holes into your home. 

If a squirrel does become trapped in your chimney or attic, you don’t want it to die inside. Make sure it has a way to get out. Hang a rope down through your chimney so it can climb back up to the roof. Or, buy a live trap to get the squirrel out of your house. 

Call an animal control specialist if you’re desperate. Once a squirrel lives in your house for a few weeks, they and all their relatives will be attracted to your attic for at least a couple of years.

Do you have any tips for keeping squirrels away? Let us know below!

Natural, Homemade, Spray & Ultrasonic Repellers

Author: Michael Potter Updated: April 12, 2022

Let's face it, the gardener's worst pests can be none other than their own pets, and they can also be the biggest offenders harmony even in the most comfortable home. How to resolve this dilemma, when on one side of the scale is the harvest, the fruits of long efforts and invested financial resources, and on the other - cats, these shaggy capricious creatures, which you would not want to harm in the world? There are many ideas on this subject, but we are interested in the most effective ones and those that work not in individual cases, but can become the rule for the vast majority of cats. Therefore, we have prepared an overview of the best cat repellents presented on the American Amazon, and scientists helped us to make a choice, who, based on scientific research, drew the appropriate conclusions. nine0003

In this article, we will look at various preparations, both in granules and cat repellent sprays, the use of technical means, such as ultrasonic cat repellers and sprinklers. Useful ideas can be drawn from the very biology of cats - by understanding what they fear and what they love, you will get your hands on a tool to influence them. And this mainly concerns the features associated with the sense of smell and touch in these animals. We'll take a look at which approaches are best used as an outdoor deterrent, and which are useful indoors to keep furniture from cat scratches. Let's pick the 5 best repellents that you can buy right now online. And for those who are used to doing everything themselves, 12 recipes for homemade products will be interesting. Since a loving owner cares about the health of a cat as much as the well-being of his household, we have considered many natural remedies. nine0007 When choosing the method that works for you, keep in mind that each garden or home is a unique habitat in some way, and what works in one place may not work in another. So feel free to experiment and be creative - this is how you will succeed. So let's move on?

Natural Cat Repellent

Cats have a very developed instinct to protect their territory, they mark it with their urine and feces, sending an unambiguous signal to everyone around that this is the territory of their dominance. In addition, they leave pheromones when they rub their cheeks against an object, and when they sharpen their claws, their paws also leave a smell. All this speaks to how important smell is for cats and, what is important for us, using it, you can manipulate your pets. nine0003

Coyote and fox urine. Jeff Schalau (Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension) lists some of the ways, but reminds that only an integrated approach using multiple methods has a chance of success. Repellents can cause fear, and the best way to do this is to use a scent that is associated with predators. On sale there is such a drug containing coyote and fox urine, it consists of natural products and is safe, including for people and the environment. Some cat owners put it on the roof of their car to keep cats from jumping on it. But there are also disadvantages. First, if coyotes and foxes live in your area, the smell of such urine may attract them to your home. And, secondly, the smell itself is quite unpleasant and the inhabitants of the house themselves may experience discomfort. nine0003

Oil extracts and pepper. Repellents may contain citrus extracts, mustard essential oil, and capsaicin, a substance found in peppers. All of them allow you to keep cats at a distance from the "forbidden zone". Another ingredient, 2-undecanone, also known as methyl nonyl ketone, is an organic liquid made synthetically or extracted from rue oil. However, preparations with this substance are recommended to be used only for ornamental plants. Although EPA has rated it as the lowest toxicity category, methyl nonyl ketone can still cause irritation to the skin and eyes. nine0003

Plant repellant plants. These preparations are available as sprays, powder, granules. So-called “liquid fences” mask the smells that cats leave behind, which confuses them and discourages them from using the treated area for a toilet. Repellents may not be in the form of drugs, you can plant plants in certain areas of the garden that repel cats on their own. For example, the smell of lavender, rue, pennyroyal, marigold and dog coleus causes rejection in cats. nine0003

By the way, just because a drug is “natural” does not mean that it is completely harmless. For example, some plants, which are discussed in more detail below, can harm the health of your pets and even lead to death. Another significant drawback of the use of natural preparations is the fragility of their action. You will have to apply them over and over again to the "no-go areas" - otherwise the smell will soon disappear and the cats will return. So in the end it can cost you a lot of money. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the animal's habits will change during the period of use of the drug and your goal will be achieved. nine0003

How to Make Homemade Cat Repellent: 12 Effective Recipes yourself in the kitchen. So, when starting to make a repellent, remember that not every product used indoors is suitable for use in the garden and vice versa.

Homemade repellents for outdoor use

Let's see what you can make to protect your garden from cats. Here are some recipes and tips for you to choose from:

Mix water and peppermint in a three to one ratio, place the mixture in a spray bottle and apply to desired areas. The spray will have to be applied regularly, because its effect is short-lived.
Essential oils are found in peels of oranges, lemons, grapefruits. Scattering them, you can get the desired result.

Let's see what you can make to protect your garden from cats. We offer you several recipes and tips for your choice:

1. Mix water and peppermint in a ratio of three to one, place the mixture in a spray bottle and apply to desired areas. The spray will have to be applied regularly, because its effect is short-lived.
2. Essential oils are found in peels of oranges, lemons, grapefruits. Scattering them, you can get the desired result.
3. Or squeeze the juice of a lemon or orange, add some water and use as a spray. It should be noted that the effect of this spray will not be strong enough, so it is better to buy citrus oil, add a few drops to a glass of water and spray the liquid in the garden. For especially problematic areas, soak cotton balls in the liquid and place them in the right places. nine0042
4. Scatter red chili flakes in problem areas, and if the cat goes to a particular plant, make a circle around that plant. Pepper causes irritation and provokes sneezing, so there is every chance that your pet will still lag behind the object of his affection. However, experts warn that such a spicy product can harm the cat, so think carefully before using it.
5. Mix two tablespoons of cinnamon, rosemary and lavender in a 500 ml pint of boiling water, then leave the mixture to steep overnight. In the morning, strain through cheesecloth and add half a cup of vinegar and ten drops of mandarin essential oil. Place the finished mixture in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Note that scientists urge to be careful with rosemary, as this plant is toxic to cats. nine0042
6. Squeeze a lemon out of a container with a liter of water and add a dozen drops of eucalyptus oil. Then shake the mixture well. Eucalyptus acts as a deterrent to many animals, including cats.
7. Citronella essential oil is better known as a mosquito repellant, but cats also have an aversion to it. Mix it with water in a ratio of one to four and spray on problem areas.
8. Pull the thread over the fence - this will serve as a good obstacle for the cat. nine0042
9. Attach the aluminum frying pan to any support in the yard. As soon as the wind blows, your structure will make dull sounds, which will make nearby animals feel extremely uncomfortable.

Homemade repellents for home use

Which repellents are best for indoor use? What can be used to prevent cats from scratching furniture?

1. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. As an alternative ingredient, you can use essential oils of citronella, lavender, peppermint and lemongrass, but already in a ratio of one to three. Place in a spray bottle and spray on areas where your pet is giving you trouble. Be sure to test the mixture on a piece of fabric first to make sure it won't stain your furniture. nine0042
2. Use aluminum foil to protect furniture and carpets as cats do not like to walk on this material.
3. Cats don't like being wet with water. So if you don't want any odors in your home, just pour water into a spray bottle and spray these wayward animals as they enter the "no-go areas". Although this method is not a powerful deterrent, it is good for systematic training.

Ultrasonic Cat Repellers & Water Repellers with motion sensor

There are special ultrasound devices that make unpleasant sounds that only cats can hear. As Andrew Bishop of the Rochester Institute of Technology points out, cats and dogs respond differently to behavior modification. This is due to dogs' perception of hierarchy in their relationship with humans, while cats are independent in their behavior.

Therefore, in the case of cats, it is necessary to correct behavior immediately after they have committed an incorrect action. In addition, you need to repeat the correction often - until your pet loses interest and stops trying. But remember, once you allow a cat to commit a forbidden act at least once, all your previous efforts will go down the drain! Another important aspect concerns the infliction of pain. As studies show (and this is confirmed by experienced veterinarians), physical pain instills only fear in cats, but does not correct their behavior. nine0003

There are two main types of technical correction of cat behavior. The first is a system of static impulses (an example is a fence), which allows the cat to walk freely within the established perimeter. As soon as the animal approaches the “forbidden zone”, the collar emits a signal, and if the cat is persistent, a slight discharge of current is supplied. While this system is effective and irritating to cats, it cannot be considered entirely safe as its idea is to inflict physical pain on an animal and thereby make it understand that a wrong action has been committed by it. nine0003

When it comes to ultrasound systems, cats hear a wider range of frequencies than humans. Based on this, a system was developed that generates ultrasonic waves, due to which the cat will avoid the “forbidden zone”. However, Andrew Bishop doubts the effectiveness of such a device, apart from the fact that it causes displeasure of cats. Summing up, the scientist recommends using sound within the frequency range perceived by the human ear, which will allow you to adjust the device so that its effects do not cause physical suffering to the pet. True, another problem arises here - the discomfort of the owner himself. And this can be avoided by using a system operating at a frequency just above 20 KHz. nine0003

If you need to protect your garden not only from your own pets, but also from neighbors or even wild cats, use a motion-sensing water repeller. This tool is based on the natural fear of cats in front of water and, like ultrasonic systems, does not require the direct participation of a person. Scientists at the University of Nebraska say devices that spray animals with water as soon as they get close to the sensor are the most effective scare methods out there. nine0083 "Other methods of intimidation, such as tennis balls, a garden hose, clapping, and yelling, require constant human presence to be effective," says in the article "Wild Cats and Their Control." However, sprinklers have some disadvantages. First, they must be placed in a place that does not affect passers-by or children. Secondly, there is a risk of overspending water, which will result in a rather large amount for the owner of the house when paying bills.

Comparison table 11 methods to scare away cats

9 Methyl nonyl ketone Odor repellent Natural, cat repellent Ornamental plants only; requires repeated applications, short-term effect; may cause skin and eye irritation 7 Repellent herbs Smell repellent Natural, repels cats; additional decoration for the garden; unlike sprays, permanent effect Some plants may harm cats; Additional financial investments 9 Citrus essential oils Scare to smell , naturally scares away cats not on all cats of chill Can be homemade, repels cats; strong remedy May cause harm to cats 8 Vinegar Smell repellent Can be homemade, cat repellent; strong agent Do not apply to plant leaves as it may cause damage 8 Foil Physical barrier Inexpensive; repels cats Ruins the view in the house 7 Water Tactile repellent No cost; harmless; useful in animal training Constant participation of a person is needed 9 System of impulses (current discharges) Technical device Effective; does not require human intervention Causes physical pain to an animal; requires cost 9 Ultrasonic repeller Technical device No human intervention Questionable efficiency 8 Water repeller with motion sensor Technical device Effective; does not require human intervention Water overuse possible; the device can spray not only those who really need to be repelled 10

TOP 5 cat repellents

We have selected five of the most popular products on the American Amazon. These are coyote urine repellants and cat fear-inducing preparations with scents of rosemary, peppermint, thyme and orange. We reviewed products in granules, in the form of a finished spray and concentrate. If you don't believe in the power of smells, read about the popular ultrasound machine and the cat fence that can act as an effective barrier. nine0003

Cat Repellent with Coyote/Fox Urine – Shake Away

20

This repellent is based on cats' natural fear of predators, in this case coyte and fox. Having smelled the urine of these animals, which is contained in the preparation in the form of granules, cats perceive the territory as marked by these predators and leave from there. The manufacturer promises an immediate effect immediately after application, which will last for several weeks.

It is a completely natural and safe preparation, also for plants and trees. Packed in 20 oz. covers an area of ​​600 linear feet, provided that the product has been applied according to the instructions. The action of the drug is long, the substance is not washed off by rain. It should be noted that, in principle, granules are a longer-lasting product, because the smell from them is stronger and does not evaporate as quickly as a liquid. nine0003

However, user ratings are not so optimistic: 48% of consumers gave the product one "star", and five "stars" - only 23% of them. Judging by the reviews, the experience of buyers is the most controversial: some once and for all got rid of the problem of stray cats “marking their territory” at the doorstep of someone else’s house, while others did not achieve a result. One user gives this advice: “I strongly advise you to use this sparingly, stick to tactics. In my case, small particles of granules ended up in the house.” nine0084

Price: ~$16.80 Check current price ingredients that, as we wrote above, cats really dislike. Animals think that the sprayed plants or objects are the same herbs they hate, and pass by. The coverage area of ​​this product is significantly larger than that of the previous product, at 1,000 square meters. ft. nine0003

Another advantage of this spray is that it is suitable for indoor use, such as in basements and attics, as well as in gardens, trees, lawns, plants and fruits, garages and sheds. It is also suitable for applying to furniture. In other words, it is a versatile product, yet safe and chemical-free. After spraying edible plants, you can then eat them safely. And this is not all the advantages - it does not have an unpleasant smell for a person, it exudes aromas of herbs. nine0003

However, user ratings for the effectiveness of the spray were divided: 45% of them awarded it five stars, and 32% felt that the drug did not deserve more than one. This indicator is better than the previous product, but nevertheless, users still have a negative experience. In addition to repelling cats, some users have had positive results with raccoons, squirrels and skunks.

Price: ~$15. 95 Check Current Price

Nature's Wisdom Orange Oil Concentrate

This product has a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com with 60% of its users giving it the highest rating. As we wrote above, cats do not like the smell of citrus fruits, but just squeezed juice mixed with water can be ineffective. Orange oil concentrate, on the other hand, is a very strong remedy, and just a few drops added to the spray are enough to make your cat turn up his nose at the objects treated with it.

The oil was obtained from the peel of citrus fruits. The manufacturer recommends mixing the concentrate at a ratio of 2 ounces per gallon of water for plant applications and increasing the concentration for soil treatment. nine0003

However, it is difficult to judge the effectiveness of this product unambiguously. Each cat has an individual perception of citrus and, as we can see from the comments of Amazon users, someone's cat even liked this smell, while it acts repulsively on other cats. Everyone is different, so you have to try to understand. Since the cost of this product is rather big, try offering your cat an orange peel. Judging by his reaction, you will be able to decide whether to buy the product or not. nine0003

Price: ~$37.97 Check current price

6-in-1 Pest Soldier Sentinel, Outdoor Electronic Pest Animal Ultrasonic Repeller,

Of all the products listed above, the 6-in-1 Pest Soldier Sentinel received the most positive ratings - 76% of users gave it five stars. But, as we said above, scientists advise not to rely heavily on such devices. The device can be configured to scare away not only cats, but also dogs, skunks, deer and rabbits at the same time. A truly versatile tool! nine0003

The claimed coverage area of ​​the device also exceeds that of the previous products - 5,000 square meters. ft. The device emits an ultrasound that scares away animals, as well as an audible signal and flashing lights. At the same time, people do not perceive these sounds, and in general this device is harmless and environmentally friendly. Designed for use in gardens, yard, attic, garage and other places. But keep in mind that ultrasound can't penetrate glass, so don't put it indoors if it needs to reach animals outside. nine0003

A happy customer writes: “Love this thing. I ordered 3 more of these for full coverage of the yard from all sides. It seems to be very effective.”

Price: ~$29.99 Check current price. Cat Repellent Mat is recommended to be laid out in the most problematic places for cats - on the windowsills, under the eaves, in the garden. It is made of plastic, so its spikes cannot cause serious harm to cats. The flooring is convenient to use in that it can be shortened to fit a specific size. nine0003

User ratings are mixed: 38% of them gave the product five "stars", but three and two "stars" gave a total of 46% of buyers. What did they not like? Someone writes that the flooring covers too little territory. And, indeed, for the garden you will need several of these Cat Repellent Mats, and this will already cost a pretty penny.

But in general, a lot of positive feedback. Buyers see the result both after placement in the garden and indoors. nine4 Запах ~$16.80 Repellent Spray for Rodents & Animals Запах ~$15.95 Nature's Wisdom Orange Oil Concentrate Запах ~$37.97 Animal Repeller Ultrasonic Repellent Ultrasonic ~$39.99 Daiso Japan's Cat Repellent Mat Physical Barrier ~$20.01

Wild Cat Repellers

There is one important feature in the genes of any cat that cannot be eliminated by any training or change of conditions - they are predators. And if domestic cats chase birds and lizards from time to time, then wild ones hunt on an ongoing basis and this is the most important part of their life. Living near the territory of human habitation, stray cats pose a threat, first of all, as carriers of diseases. According to scientists from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, these animals can transmit diseases through domestic cats and the list of such diseases is very wide: feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, rabies, cat fever (cat scratch fever), cat distemper and others. Stray cats also cause other harm: they destroy birds and other small animals, get into fights with pets, spoil vegetable gardens and orchards. nine0003

How to deal with stray cats? There are special devices that act on cats through fear, but scientists at the University of Nebraska are skeptical about such a method: “Most commercially available deterrent devices have been ineffective at permanently restraining cats,” they say. The only two scare methods that scientists recognize as effective are water scarers and dogs.

Repellants containing EPA registered substances such as anise oil, methyl nonyl ketone, BMAS can be used. The first three are applied to the ground and repel cats with an unpleasant odor, while BMAS is applied to garbage bags and other objects and repels cats with an unpleasant taste. Remember that the latter substance cannot be used indoors and on edible products. However, scientists from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System claim that repellents have little to no effect on stray cats. If nothing works, then an emotionally difficult decision remains - shooting or euthanasia, which is recommended to be entrusted to professionals. Also remember that you can mistakenly poison a cat that has a rightful owner

We hope this article has helped you make some decisions about wild cats as pests. StopPestInfo is ready to help with any other pest problems.

dangerous and harmful products for cats

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Cats are one of the first domesticated animals and have always eaten food from the table. And they are obligate predators, and in the wild they eat only meat. As the experience of veterinarians and nutritionists shows, the truth is somewhere in between. We tell you which foods are not allowed for cats and cats categorically. And what can you close your eyes to and let the pet feast on. nine0003

Errors in the preparation of the daily diet

The daily diet of felines may consist of dry and wet food or natural food. Proponents of "natural" and industrial feeds also have mistakes, so let's dwell on each option in a more similar way.

Natural nutrition

If we compare cats and dogs with cats, then felines are cut off from the wild nature a little less. Therefore, they need more meat. nine0003

A balanced daily diet for a cat is 70% raw meat and 30% cereals, low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits, where:

• the daily norm is 300 kcal per day;
• proteins - 6.3 g per 1 kg of weight;
• fats - 2.25 g per 1 kg of weight;
• carbohydrates - 3.1 g per 1 kg of weight.

General errors

Mono power. A cat or a cat eats only meat, as in the wild. This usually leads to an excess of protein in the body and the development of a number of diseases. For example, urolithiasis or chronic kidney disease. nine0003

Monotony. An animal is given one kind of meat. For example, only chicken or beef. While meat from different animals makes up for deficiencies much more efficiently.

Poor product quality. Cats should not be fed meat from old animals or meat of dubious quality. This leads to indigestion or poisoning. Especially if the animal has a history of urolithiasis.

Replacement of animal proteins with vegetable ones. By , otas and cats do not absorb valuable organic compounds from plant foods. The body develops a deficiency of vitamins A, B, D and taurine, which leads to problems with the skin, heart, nervous and reproductive systems and a drop in immunity. nine0003

Excess vegetable food . An equal ratio of proteins and carbohydrates in a bowl is fraught with indigestion or inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Excess offal. The predominance of offal over meat leads to protein and fat deficiency. The optimal ratio of meat to offal is 70% to 30% or 75% to 25%.

Excess fish. Don't feed your cat fish more than twice a week. Moreover, fatty varieties (more than 8% fat) are strictly prohibited. The predominance of fish in the diet leads to the deposition of salts and diseases of the urinary system. nine0003

Abuse of vitamin and mineral complexes. If the diet of a cat or cat is balanced, vitamin and mineral supplements should be given with caution and strictly on the advice of a veterinarian.

On a natural diet, this is 1-2 courses per year. If you use supplements more often, you can overload the immune system and cause allergies.

Dry and wet premium and super premium foods do not need to be supplemented. The manufacturer has already taken into account the daily rate per serving. nine0003

Dry food

If a cat or a cat eats dry food, it is not necessary to calculate the KBJU per serving - this was done by the manufacturer.

Major mistakes

Overfeeding. Sometimes owners add more food so that the cat can eat all day long. This usually leads to obesity. Especially if the animal is genetically prone to weight gain.

Mixing dry food and natural food in one bowl . It is impossible to give dry food mixed with porridge, vegetables or pieces of meat. This can lead to a glut of macro- and micronutrients or indigestion. nine0003

Mixing dry food from different manufacturers. Feeds from different manufacturers differ in composition and percentage of fat content. If you mix them in one bowl or give them in turn, cats develop allergies or indigestion.

Leftover food in the bowl . As in the wild, cat food should be fractional. So that the food does not stale and comes in equal portions, an automatic feeder is useful.

Abrupt feed change. nine0015 To digest unfamiliar food, enzymes are needed that have never been produced. Reaction to unfamiliar foods may be accompanied by vomiting and stool disturbance.

Unsuitable feed. The selection of dry food must be made taking into account the age, health status and breed of the animal. For example, kitten food should be more protein. And for castrated or sterilized cats - less fat.

Prohibited List

Whole milk. Most cats are lactose intolerant. Therefore, just like people, they may experience indigestion and stool disorders, which leads to dehydration.

To feed a kitten who is refusing solid food, use artificial formula from a pet store.

Bones. Giving long bones to a cat may cause choking due to airway obstruction or injury to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. nine0003

If the cat vomits undigested food with an admixture of red blood, the walls of the throat or stomach are probably injured. If the blood is brown, the bone has caused internal bleeding.

Chocolate. Chocolate bar contains theobromine, a deadly poison for cats.

Eating chocolate leads to convulsions, tachycardia and liver disease, even death.

Caffeinated coffee and tea. Caffeine causes overexcitation, palpitations up to and including cardiac arrest, and muscle tremors. nine0003

Onion and garlic. These products are fraught with the development of anemia (a decrease in red blood cells (erythrocytes) that saturate the body with oxygen).

Heat treatment is useless. Fried, boiled, baked onions or garlic are equally harmful to the animal.

Grapes and raisins. Grapes lead to kidney problems and vomiting.

Yeast dough. The gastric environment of cats is favorable for yeast growth. Once in the stomach, the dough increases in size and reduces blood flow to the stomach - this is fraught with shortness of breath, vomiting, impaired stools and volvulus. nine0003

Raw eggs. Eating raw eggs increases the risk of developing salmonellosis and E. coli infection not only in humans but also in animals.

In addition, raw egg whites interfere with the absorption of vitamin B, which leads to skin and coat problems.

Alcohol. Alcoholic beverages cause damage to the nervous system, convulsions and loss of motor activity.

Nuts. Due to its high calorie content, the product causes indigestion in cats. And some varieties (walnut, macadamia nut) are completely toxic. nine0003

Canned fish . Canned fish contains preservatives that disrupt liver function.

Freshwater fish . There are many small bones in the meat of river fish. And it also needs to be boiled well to eliminate the risk of parasites.

Sausages. Sausage and frankfurters contain a lot of fat, salt and spices. If you give a cat a slice as a treat, it can lead to indigestion and provoke diseases of the urinary system. nine0003

Fatty meat. Pork and lamb cause indigestion and, if consumed frequently, weight gain. Pork meat can be contaminated with viral infections and helminth eggs.

Sweets. The abuse of sweets increases the risk of developing diabetes and can lead to food poisoning. Giving products with a sweetener is even more dangerous. It is toxic and affects the functioning of the liver.

Mushrooms. Hard to digest and full of toxins. Mushroom poisoning is characterized by impaired stool, vomiting and increased salivation. nine0003

Foods that should not be abused

If you feed your pet with something from this list, there will be no serious problems. However, you still need to limit their consumption.

Potato. Boiled, the product is not dangerous, but is of no value. Raw is toxic. Raw potatoes and their tops contain the alkaloid solanine - they can be poisoned.

Broccoli. In limited quantities - useful. But with frequent use, it heavily loads the liver. nine0003

Whole grain bread and pasta. If you give the cat to eat small pieces, there will be no problems. But with frequent use, the animal may suffer from flatulence and abdominal pain.

Avocado. If a cat likes to eat avocados, no need to ban it. The product is useful for both animals and humans. But the piece should be small and be sure to be cleaned. The avocado skin and pit contains the toxin persin. It causes an eating disorder.

Dairy products. It is possible to allow adult cats and cats sour milk (cottage cheese, curdled milk, sour cream) only in the format of a treat. Products must be fat-free (up to 8% fat).

Apples. Apple pips and skins contain arsenic. Therefore, the fruit can be given little by little, and only carefully peeled.

Boiled eggs . Normally up to 2 eggs per week.

List of poisonous, neutral and useful plants

• Dangerous
• Neutral
• Useful

Azalea
Aloe
Amaryllis
Anthurium
English Ivy
Asparagus
Begonia
Jasmine Gardenia
Geranium
Hyacinth
Gladiolus

Hydrangea
Decembrist
Dieffenbachia
Kalanchoe
Callas
Lilies of the valley
Lilies
Daffodils
Ivy
Spathiphyllum

Lilac
Usambar violet
Philodendron
Ficus
Chlorophytum
Chrysanthemums
Cyclamen
Schefflera
Pike tail
Euphorbia

Begonia
Camellia
Indoor grapes
Violet

Mint
Melissa
Cat grass
Barley

What not to feed a kitten

The list of forbidden foods is relevant for both kittens and adult cats.

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