Grey squirrels might look charming at first glance, but for gardeners, they can be one of the most frustrating and persistent pests. From stripping bark off young trees to stealing bird food and digging up bulbs, they can cause serious damage.
If you’re looking for humane grey squirrel deterrents in the UK, there are plenty of safe and effective ways to protect your garden.
Why Are Grey Squirrels a Problem?
Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK in the 19th century and have since spread across the country. While they’re energetic and fun to watch, they:
- Compete with native red squirrels for food.
- Strip bark from young trees, often killing them.
- Raid bird feeders and scare off garden birds.
- Dig up bulbs and damage flower beds.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep squirrels out of the garden, the answer usually involves making your space less appealing to them while still supporting wildlife.
Grey Squirrel Deterrents That Work
1. Stop Squirrels Eating Bird Food
Bird feeders are one of the biggest attractions. To prevent raids:
Choose squirrel-proof bird seed such as safflower or nyjer seed, which birds love but squirrels tend to ignore.
Invest in squirrel-proof feeders with metal cages or weight-sensitive perches.
Hang feeders away from fences and branches — remember, squirrels can jump over 1.5 metres.
2. Protect Your Bulbs and Beds
If your bulbs are being dug up, try these tricks:
Sprinkle natural repellents like chilli flakes, garlic spray, or blood meal around vulnerable beds.
Cover bulbs with chicken wire before topping with soil.
Plant squirrel proof plants such as daffodils, alliums, or fritillaries instead of tulips or crocuses.
3. Guard Young Trees
To stop bark stripping and climbing:
Prune branches near feeders, roofs, or fences to reduce access.
Wrap trunks in plastic or mesh guards during the growing season.
4. Repel Squirrels With Scents and Sounds
Grey squirrels dislike certain smells and noises:
Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices can scare them off without harm.
Peppermint oil, vinegar, or predator urine (sold as garden deterrents) can help keep them away.
5. Distract Them Elsewhere
Sometimes the best solution is redirection. Setting up a squirrel feeding station at the far end of your garden can distract them from prized plants and bird food. Stock it with maize, nuts, or sunflower seeds.
What Not to Do
- Never use poisons — they’re illegal and harmful to other wildlife.
- Don’t trap and release — under UK law, grey squirrels caught alive must not be released elsewhere.
If you want to know how to deter grey squirrels in your garden, the key is a mix of prevention, protection, and persistence. By using squirrel-proof feeders, planting wisely, and relying on humane deterrents, you can protect your garden while still supporting local wildlife.
Garden Review UK 
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