How can I stop squirrels from digging in my flower pots?

I have a large deck on my 3rd floor apartment (accessible by stairs and a large tree that hangs over from the neighbors yard) and I have a problem with squirrels digging up the roots of my herbs, flowers and vegetable plants. I have tried sprinkling the soil with chili peppers and flakes but that does not deter them.


We have a dog and a cat (indoor) who travel on the deck frequently so nothing toxic to them or to humans as I eat the herbs and veggies that I am able to grow!





Thanks!

How can I stop squirrels from digging in my flower pots?
Blend 40 fresh chilli peppers in 1 L of water. Add 5 g of pure soap flakes to the blended chilli mixture. Apply as required undiluted.
Reply:The best way to deter them may be to put out a seed mix that will keep them occupied; most places that sell wild bird feed will also sell a "squirrel and jay" mix made of nuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc. It can be worth it to keep squirrels out of your flowers :-)





You might also try putting predator-scent in the area; I use bobcat-urine spray in storage areas to dissuade mice and chipmunks from hanging around. You can get it at most places that sell hunting supplies (hunters use it to ATTRACT bobcats). It smells REALLY rank at first, so be ready to leave immediately after spraying it. After it dries, you won't be able to smell it, but your little unwelcome visitors will.





Good luck :-)
Reply:Place large rocks heavy enough to keep the squirrels from pushing to easily around the pot if their is room.


If they are eating your herbs that is what their after. Tie old screens together around each plant.


Another suggestion is to purchase a live trap at your local feed store. Bait the trap with peanut butter on bread. Check with your local extension service for disposal. It's not always legal to just take them out to the woods and let them go.


Also a noisy clapper style water feature works sometimes.


Or try a motion detector attached to a sprinkler available at hardware stores.


We have battled squirrels for years and the live trap works the best.


Good Luck
Reply:They hate dog hair. Save it from the dog brush or have a local groomer save a bag when they clip dogs. Spread the hair on top of the soil and the squirrels should avoid your plants. I try to be nice to the squirrels even though they are rodents and put some food out for them (well away from my plants) for a few days until they have adjusted to NOT going near my plants.
Reply:get some of that finely ground caspian pepper and sprinkle it around the pots when the dirt is dry on top. Once squirrely gets a noseful of that he will stay away. You can add it to wild bird food too. Does not affect birds at all.
Reply:You could try cutting up Habanero peppers (damn, they are HOT).http://phoenix.about.com/od/foodanddrink... We get them at Safeway. When cutting them up wear rubber gloves and a paint mask. You could try Chinese hot oil, It's quite hot, but not as hot as the habaneros.
Reply:Wrap it in chicken wire.


Answers here with peppers and whatnot are funny !!! Dog hair ? LOL Chili flakes ????? Rocks ??? You people crack me up....................
Reply:Cayenne pepper, works for me it bothers their eyes.
Reply:try planting marigolds as a deturant...it works for rabbits...
Reply:There is an ad on TV for True Value Hardware, the lady in the add has the same problem...check there or home depot maybe.