The Bathroom Staple That Keeps Squirrels Out Of The Garden

Squirrels can be really cute with their bushy tails and playful antics. Their climbing skills can be quite the marvel, too. That is, unless what they're climbing a tree or stalk in your garden in an attempt to pilfer nuts intended for baking or veggies growing to nourish your family. That spectacle's not so awesome. They can also completely ruin any cushions or pillows you have nearby on your garden furniture plucking out stuffing to build their nests. What's the solution? Something you might have right in your bathroom linen cabinet could provide an answer to your squirrel woes: Irish Spring soap.

That's right. A single bar of Irish Spring can get you on your way when it comes to deterring squirrels that have worn out their welcome in your yard. All you need to do is shave or grate off some of the soap around the area where squirrels are wreaking havoc. If that's not feasible, you can try drilling a hole in a bar, inserting some twine, and hanging it in a bush or tree. A squirrel's sensitive olfactory system will find the fragrance of the soap to be off-putting. Another side benefit is that Irish Spring works to keep deer out of your garden, too. This solution for repelling animals comes with a few other points to consider, however.

According to University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension), using soaps with strong fragrances (like Irish Spring) are only partially effective in keeping animals out of gardens. So, if you're looking for an end-all solution, this might not be it. Nevertheless, trying Irish Spring won't cost you much since you can pick up a multipack holding several bars at your local discount store for less than $5.

Also, placing soap in areas squirrels frequent requires ardent maintenance after rain showers to keep on working. Gardeners who use it have reported it to be very effective with some diligence, though, whether sprinkling grated soap or hanging it in trees. "It doesn't hurt the environment. It doesn't hurt the animals," says gardener Pat Lunders in an "Omaha World-Herald" interview, "And it's cheap, and it smells good."

If you find Irish Spring isn't as effective or as low-maintenance as you'd hoped it would be for keeping squirrels out of your garden, you can look at other solutions. Netting or cages to protect your plants can keep them from eating fruits and veggies, or you can follow further advice from MU Extension and let your dog help you keep squirrels out of your yard with a frisky game of chase.