Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Repel with odors and taste
• Method 2 of 3: Ward off with texture and flavor
• Method 3 of 3: Other tactics
• Necessities

Pumpkins are part of autumn decorations, but unfortunately squirrels also find this decorative vegetable very attractive. If you don't take precautions, the pumpkins outside will end up being a tasty snack for these little hungry visitors. Here are some measures you can take to save your pumpkins from this lot.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Repel with odors and taste

1. Spray with commercially available squirrel or rabbit repellent. Spray a generous coat of repellent on all sides of the pumpkin as directed on the label.
   • You may need to reapply this medicine after a few days, especially if it has rained.
   • Many repellants are non-toxic because they are formulated to repel squirrels, not kill them.
   • Many deer repellants will also work because squirrels and deer avoid the same smells.
   • Choose a remedy that smells like rotten eggs. Squirrels find the smell of rotten eggs repellent.
   • Be aware that repellants have a strong odor, especially immediately after application. The smell will usually go away once the spray dries, but in the meantime, you should move the pumpkin a little further away from the house.
2. Place the pumpkin on a dog hair blanket. The animosity between dogs and squirrels is mutual, and many squirrels stay away when they smell a dog.
   • Dog hair is also effective in repelling deer.
   • Cat hair has a similar effect on squirrels, as larger cats pose a threat to squirrels.
   • It's better to use pet hair than pet feces. Cat feces, in particular, are dangerous to use because they are a source of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection dangerous to pregnant women and those with immune disease.
3. Use hot pepper or spicy sauce. A coating of liquid hot pepper or spicy sauce, or ground cayenne pepper dispels nearby squirrels if they smell or gnaw it.
   • Mix the hottest chilies you can find with enough water to form a liquid. Add a drop of dish soap and a drop of vegetable oil so that the solution sticks and pour it over the pumpkin or use a plant sprayer. Treat the pumpkin with this solution every few days to keep squirrels away.
   • Rub a layer of ready spicy sauce on all sides of the pumpkin. You may have to reapply this sauce after a few days or after it rains, but the hot oils can penetrate the pumpkin's skin.
   • Create an odor barrier by sprinkling ground cayenne pepper around the pumpkin. You can also sprinkle pepper on top of the pumpkin for added effect.
   • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling hot peppers. Otherwise, it can irritate your skin or eyes.
4. Drizzle the pumpkin with vinegar. Pour some distilled white vinegar around the pumpkin.
   • The powerful scent of vinegar is very overpowering to squirrels because they have a more sensitive nose than humans.
   • Vinegar is also effective in repelling ants and other insects.
   • You can also rub the rind of the pumpkin with a cloth dampened with vinegar, but you should not leave large amounts of vinegar on the rind of the pumpkin. The acidic properties of vinegar are harmful to the pumpkin if used in large quantities.
5. Try eucalyptus oil. Dab the eucalyptus oil on the skin of the pumpkin with a cotton ball or spray diluted eucalyptus oil over the pumpkin with a spray bottle.
   • Combine ten parts water with one part eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Add a drop of oil and a drop of dish soap to the solution so that it sticks to all sides of the pumpkin.
   • You will need to reapply the eucalyptus oil after a few days.
   • Peppermint oil can also be effective. Both essential oils have strong scents that may be enough to repel squirrels.

Method 2 of 3: Ward off with texture and flavor

1. Coat the pumpkin with petroleum jelly. Spread a thick layer of petroleum jelly all over the pumpkin and especially on the areas that have been cut.
   • A thick coat is better than a thin coat. The theory is that squirrels don't like the sticky texture of petroleum jelly, so the stickier you make the surface, the better.
   • You can also use a medicated petroleum jelly that will open your nose. These have a strong odor that acts as a deterrent to squirrels and other animals.
   • Petroleum jelly sticks well to the pumpkin, even after a rain shower, and may last the entire season. However, check the squash regularly to make sure they don't need to be greased again.
2. Spray with lacquer. Treat all sides of your pumpkin with a lacquer. Let dry until the paint is hard.
   • The lacquer creates a crunchy texture on the surface of the pumpkin. This can be unpleasant for squirrels, but not all.
   • In order to keep out all squirrels, the lacquer must be sprayed on all parts of the pumpkin, especially the cut parts. If the squirrels find a soft spot, they will still nibble the pumpkin.
   • A paint with a strong odor can be more effective one that dries odorless.
3. Spray the pumpkin with hairspray. Spray hairspray on all sides of the pumpkin, especially on areas that have been cut.
   • A thicker layer is better than a thin layer because it will become tackier. The sticky texture of hairspray will repel many squirrels.
   • You will need to reapply the hairspray after a few days, especially after a rain shower. It can come off easily and when it does, there will be nothing left to protect the pumpkin from the unwanted guests.

Method 3 of 3: Other tactics

1. Place an owl statue nearby. Attach an owl statue next to or behind the pumpkin.
   • An owl statue can also be placed along the edges or fence of the yard to keep squirrels away anyway.
   • You can also try to place another statue like a predator, like a dog or a fox. Make sure it is a natural enemy of the squirrel so they recognize it.
2. Scare them off with devices that respond to movement. Place a sprayer or air blower next to the pumpkin that responds to movement.
   • A sprinkler shoots a short jet of water at the squirrel when it is detected by the sensor.
   • An air blower fires a quick blast of air at the squirrel when the unwanted guest approaches the sensor.
   • Both solutions don't have enough power to injure the squirrel, but it will deter most squirrels.
3. Lure the squirrels away with something even more delicious. If all else fails, compromise the enemy and indulge in a delectable snack on the other side of the yard, away from the pumpkin.
   • You can offer the leftovers of the squash or a small sweet squash.
   • You can also put birdseed or nuts on the other side of the garden. Peanut butter on bread crusts, crackers, or apple slices also work well.

Necessities

• Squirrel repellent
• Dog hair
• Hot pepper or spicy sauce
• Vinegar
• Eucalyptus or peppermint oil
• Plant sprayer
• Cotton wool
• Vaseline
• Lacquer
• Hairspray
• Owl figurine
• Repellant with motion sensor
• Nuts, peanut butter, or other treats