rockm

Squirrels adapt very quickly to about any kind of deterrent. I have had them for years, along with chipmunks. Both burrow into grow pots, big bonsai pots etc. I learned that big bonsai are less prone to damage. Pots that are deeper than two inches are safer for growing out plants. Sharp soil ingredients, particularly crushed granite and pumice can deter litle paws and tender noses from being poked into the soil.

"Predator" scents like fox, wolf, etc. urine do not help. Neither do the pepper based deterrents. Fake owls and other predator decoys help, but only for a couple of days.

Dogs work, especially if your pooch catches one of the little rodents and gives him what fer ;-)

Cursing loudly in the direction of the offending rodent also helps, although your neighbors may not appreciate it, or just think you're a loon ;-). Aluminum pie tins tied to strings and hung from poles can work. Shiny moving and noisy--but the squirrels will get wise in a week or two.

Shade cloth isn't a squirrel deterrent. It's shade cloth. It may keep the little things away for a few days, but once they learn it won't hurt them, they will be back.

Patience and sturdy wire enclosures are the only real solution though. If you've got the patience to build the big enclosures or make the wire covers for every plant, you're a better person than me. Ultimately, though, it's something you've got to put up with or at least make it as difficult as possible for the critters to get at your trees.

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