Johann Hunt
Squirrels and chipmunks may add a touch of whimsy to our surroundings with their playful antics. But they can quickly become pesky intruders when they invade our gardens or homes. Fortunately, nature has various scents that these furry critters detest. Read on to learn about 15 of those smells.
Vinegar
The overpowering smell of vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, overwhelms the senses of these creatures. Take equal parts vinegar and water and spray the solution to areas frequented by chipmunks and squirrels. Spraying this solution on plants, decks, and patios forms a barrier and prevents chipmunks from entering.
Coffee
Instead of being delighted by the aroma of a freshly brewed pot, chipmunks get repelled by it. Splash ground coffee liberally around plants that need protection or places frequented by them. This substance is one of the most effective repellents to keep these pests at bay.
Predator Urine
Pepper
Sprinkling pepper around your outdoor surroundings is yet another technique. The smell of this spice is highly unappealing to chipmunks, much like how an excess of pepper can trigger sneezing in humans.
Garlic
Garlic, revered by humans for its delectable taste and odor, holds a starkly different reputation among chipmunks and squirrels. While we savor it in dishes, chipmunks find its stink utterly repulsive. You can cultivate garlic bulbs around your yard to naturally deter chipmunks or create a garlic-based repellent.
Onions
Onions, notorious for their potent odor that can evoke mixed reactions among humans, are universally disliked by chipmunks. While chopping onions may bring tears to our eyes, the scent repels chipmunks with equal intensity.
Cayenne Peppers
The fiery spiciness of cayenne pepper overwhelms the critters, triggering a sense of unfamiliarity and perceived threat that drives them away. To harness its repellent properties, create a spray or sprinkle solution by mixing equal parts cayenne pepper and baking powder and applying this mixture to problem areas.
Peppermint Oil
Utilizing peppermint oil to deter chipmunks and squirrels is straightforward. Begin by soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and water, or apply a few drops directly to a cotton ball. Once saturated, place them beneath bushes or in areas where they are known to frequent.
Citrus
Citrus is light and refreshing but not for chipmunks, deterring them from areas where these fragrances are present. Combine lemon, orange, and lime essential oil, or any other citrusy oils you have to make a repellant spray.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil boasts a multifaceted profile, combining prominent mint notes with hints of citrus and sweetness reminiscent of honey. This layered fragrance makes it a powerful deterrent. Given these rodents’ aversion to strong smells, particularly citrus-based ones, it’s easy to imagine their disdain for eucalyptus oil.
Lavender
Known for its pleasant and stress-relieving aroma; many of us have grown to love Lavender. However, chipmunks hold quite the opposite opinion. You can plant it in the house, alternately dilute the lavender essential oil, and apply it to cotton balls.
Cinnamon
Sprinkle ground cinnamon throughout your garden, especially near bushes, flowers, decks, and foundations. Additionally, you can place cinnamon sticks in the soil, underneath decks, in garbage pails, or at the base of each plant.
Cedar Mulch
Given chipmunks’ and squirrels’ affinity for ground-dwelling habitats and their attraction to piles of wood, shrubbery, and overgrown vegetation, one might assume that a stack of mulch would be highly appealing to them. However, incorporating cedar mulch into your garden serves as an effective against unwanted pests, thanks to its aromatic properties.
Plants like Marigold, Daffodil, and Hyacinths
According to research, Marigold leaves produce an oil called Terpenes, which emits a potent odor disliked by chipmunks. Planting Marigolds around your garden and home creates a natural barrier. Additionally, Daffodils pose a threat to chipmunks as they are poisonous to them.
Dryer Sheet
Dryer sheets, commonly utilized to impart a fresh and clean scent to clothes, serve a dual purpose as effective squirrel repellents. The fragrance emitted by it keeps them at bay.
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