If you’ve ever woken up to find small, messy holes scattered across your lawn, chances are, squirrels are the culprits. These little creatures may look cute, but their digging habits can be frustrating, leaving behind damaged turf, uprooted plants, and ruined flower beds.

As someone who has dealt with persistent squirrel activity in my garden, I know how annoying it can be. Fortunately, there are effective, humane ways on how to stop squirrels digging up lawn without harming them. In this guide, I’ll explain why squirrels dig holes, how to prevent them, and the best deterrents to keep your garden safe.

Why Are Squirrels Digging Up Your Lawn?

What Attracts Squirrels to Your Lawn?

Squirrels are resourceful creatures, and if they’re frequently visiting your garden, there’s usually a reason. The most common reasons include:

• Burying food: Squirrels stash acorns, nuts, and seeds in the soil for winter.
• Hunting for insects: They dig up lawns looking for grubs, worms, and insects.
• Soft soil: Loose, freshly watered soil is easy for them to dig into.
• Unprotected bulbs: Squirrels love to dig up and eat certain flower bulbs, such as tulips.

How Do You Know If Squirrels Are the Problem?

Before jumping to solutions, it’s important to confirm that squirrels are responsible for the damage. Look for these telltale signs:

• Small, shallow holes scattered throughout the lawn.
• Missing flower bulbs or uprooted plants.
• Soil or mulch pushed aside in garden beds.
• Squirrels seen frequently digging or foraging in your garden.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action.

How to Stop Squirrels Digging Up Lawn – Effective Prevention Methods

1. Use Natural Squirrel Deterrents

One of the easiest ways to keep squirrels away is by using natural repellents. Some scents and tastes are highly unpleasant to them:

• Cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or garlic: Sprinkle these spices around your lawn to deter squirrels.
• Predator urine: Fox or wolf urine granules can trick squirrels into thinking a predator is nearby.
• DIY repellent spray: Mix water with vinegar, peppermint oil, or onion water and spray affected areas.

2. Protect Your Lawn with Physical Barriers

If squirrels continue to dig, placing barriers can make your lawn less inviting:

Barrier Type	How It Works
Wire mesh or chicken wire	Place under the soil to stop squirrels from digging.
Mulch and gravel	Creates a rough surface that squirrels dislike.
Netting or row covers	Protects freshly seeded areas and flower beds.

3. Remove Attractants from Your Garden

The less inviting your garden is, the less likely squirrels will return. Here’s what you can do:

• Use squirrel-proof bird feeders to stop them from stealing bird food.
• Rake up fallen nuts, seeds, and fruits to remove food sources.
• Trim trees and branches to reduce access points.

4. Use Motion-Activated Devices to Scare Squirrels

Squirrels are easily startled, so using motion-triggered deterrents can be highly effective:

• Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that squirrels dislike.
• Motion-activated sprinklers startle at squirrels with a sudden bursts of water.
• Flashlights or reflective objects (such as CDs or aluminium foil) can deter them.

5. Train Pets to Keep Squirrels Away

If you have a dog or cat, they can help keep squirrels at bay. Encourage them to roam the garden, as their presence alone can be an effective deterrent.

How to Stop Squirrels from Digging Up Plants and Pots

Squirrels don’t just dig in lawns; they also target potted plants and flower beds.

Protecting Flower Beds & Pots from Squirrels

• Place mesh covers over plant beds to block digging.
• Scatter coffee grounds or citrus peels—squirrels hate the smell.
• Use blood meal fertiliser—not only does it enrich the soil, but it also repels squirrels.

Keeping Bulbs Safe from Squirrels

Squirrels love certain bulbs, but you can keep them safe by:

• Planting bulbs deeper and covering them with gravel or mesh.
• Soaking bulbs in repellent solutions before planting.
• Choosing bulbs that squirrels dislike, such as daffodils and alliums.

Humane Ways to Deter & Relocate Squirrels

Can You Legally Remove Squirrels in the UK?

In the UK, grey squirrels are considered an invasive species, and it’s illegal to release them once captured. However, red squirrels are protected. Before attempting any removal methods, check local wildlife laws.

Should You Use Squirrel Repellent Products?

There are many commercial squirrel repellents available, but not all are safe for pets and other wildlife. Instead, opt for:

• Non-toxic sprays with natural ingredients.
• Pepper-based granules to keep them away from specific areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Deter Squirrels

If you’re struggling to keep squirrels away, you might be making one of these common mistakes:

• Using toxic chemicals or illegal traps—this can harm wildlife and is not a humane solution.
• Leaving food sources available—birdseed, fallen nuts, and unprotected bulbs will keep attracting them.
• Being inconsistent with deterrents—squirrels are persistent, so it’s important to use multiple methods consistently.

Conclusion – Keep Your Lawn Squirrel-Free!

Squirrels can be a nuisance, but with the right strategies, you can protect your lawn and garden from their digging habits.

• Use natural deterrents like spices and predator scents.
• Install physical barriers such as wire mesh and netting.
• Eliminate food sources and maintain a tidy garden.
• Scare squirrels away with motion-activated devices.
• Protect plants and bulbs using mesh, coffee grounds, and repellent sprays.

By following these humane, effective methods on how to stop squirrels digging up lawn, you can enjoy a beautiful, squirrel-free garden without causing harm to these playful creatures.

Related Article: What Keeps Rats Away Naturally? & Best 10 DIY Ideas

What’s Next?

Have you tried any of these methods? Share your experience in the comments.