Watch out for Squirrels and Chipmunks

Squirrels and chipmunks are cute animals.  However, it is best for you to keep them off your property since they may cause various problems.  They are really a problem for gardeners since they are attracted to certain plants and will even burrow in flower beds.  You can keep these cute creatures at bay by using the following tips.

The type of plants you plant in the ground may attract squirrels and chipmunks.  You can avoid this problem by planting daffodils in the spring since most wildlife will not bother to touch them.  If you are planting other types of plants, then you may want to soak the bulbs in a thiram-based repellent before you plant it.

Plenty of homeowners erect a bird feeder to attract winged friends.  Unfortunately, squirrels and chipmunks will also be attracted to the bird feeder.  You will need to make sure there have been no seeds spilled on the ground.  It is also important to try to place the bird feeder in a location they cannot reach.

Ideally, there will not be any branches near the bird feeder they can use to access it.  You may even need to buy a special bird feeder which is designed to deter squirrels and chipmunks.

There are also commercial repellents you can buy to keep squirrels away.  Although there are not any designed especially for chipmunks, the ones manufactured for their furry cousins will also work to keep them at bay.

Homeowners will also need to pay attention to the state of their yard.  You will need to make sure there is no debris in your yard since it will provide the furry creatures with shelter.  Make sure to get rid of piles of brush, firewood, and rocks.

You will also want to make sure the grass near the edge of your home is cut short.  If it is not, they will go there to burrow and you likely will not be able to see their activity easily.  Using a trimmer is the best way to keep the grass near the buildings on your property short.

Another great idea for gardeners is to use hardware cloth to protect their garden.  You can bury it in the soil to keep them from burrowing.  When planting bulbs, you can simply put the cloth on top of them to keep chipmunks and squirrels from reaching them.

Although they are quite cute, chipmunks and squirrels may cause various landscaping problems.  You can keep them at bay using a variety of methods which were just discussed.