Do you wake up to chewed plants, missing flowers, and dug-up soil? If yes, squirrels and rabbits may be turning your garden into their playground. These two animals may look cute, but they can cause big problems for gardeners. The good news? You can stop them—without hurting them.
In this guide, you’ll learn simple, natural, and smart ways to keep both rabbits and squirrels out of your garden for good.
Double Trouble: Understanding the Habits of Squirrels vs. Rabbits
Before you stop them, it helps to know how these animals behave. Rabbits and squirrels don’t act the same—and that matters when planning your garden defense.
The Climber vs. The Burrower: Key Differences in Behavior
Squirrels are expert climbers. They leap between trees, run across fences, and scale walls with ease. They dig too, but not as much as rabbits. Squirrels mostly go after fruit, seeds, bulbs, and bird feeders.
Rabbits, on the other hand, don’t climb much. They stay close to the ground and dig tunnels. They love soft plants, leaves, and veggies like lettuce, carrots, and beans.
So, to stop both, you need to block above-ground invaders and underground diggers at the same time.
Building the Perfect Fence to Stop Both Pests
Fencing is one of the best ways to protect your garden—but it has to be done right. A fence that works for rabbits might still let squirrels in. Let’s fix that.
The Right Height to Stop a Jumping Rabbit and Climbing Squirrel
Rabbits can jump pretty high—up to 2 feet. Squirrels can climb even higher. So aim for a fence at least 3 to 4 feet tall. For extra squirrel protection, bend the top 6 inches outward, like a floppy “L” shape. This stops squirrels from climbing over the top.
If you want to protect raised beds or pots, try a small cage-style frame with netting or wire mesh around it.
Why Mesh Size and Burying Your Fence Are Critical
Don’t use wide wire gaps—baby rabbits and chipmunks can squeeze through. Use chicken wire or hardware cloth with holes no larger than 1 inch.
Also, bury the bottom of your fence at least 6 to 10 inches deep into the ground. Rabbits love to dig, and this blocks their tunnels. You can also lay wire mesh flat underground, like a garden floor.
This double block—high and deep fencing—keeps both climbers and diggers out.
Repellents That Work on Both Squirrels and Rabbits
Some smells and tastes scare both squirrels and rabbits. These repellents are easy to use, and you probably have the ingredients at home already.
Scent-Based Solutions: Predator Scents and Blood Meal
Animals stay away from places where they think danger is near. That’s where predator scents come in.
You can buy sprays made from fox or coyote urine (don’t worry—they’re safe to use and don’t smell as bad as you think). Spray the border of your garden or near the plants being attacked.
Another option is blood meal. It’s a natural fertilizer made from dried animal blood. It smells like a predator to squirrels and rabbits—and gives your plants a nutrient boost too.
Plant-Based Deterrents They Both Dislike
Some smells drive these animals crazy. Try spraying a mix of:
- Cayenne pepper + garlic + water
- Vinegar + crushed red pepper
- Peppermint oil + water
Spray the mix on plant leaves, pots, and fence posts. Reapply after rain.
You can also grow strong-smelling plants they don’t like, such as:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Onion
- Mint
- Marigold
These can act like a natural barrier when planted around your garden edges.
Habitat Modifications to Make Your Yard Less Appealing
Sometimes, the best way to keep animals out is to make your yard less fun for them.
Here’s how to do it:
- Remove hiding spots: Trim bushes, pick up fallen branches, and keep grass short. Rabbits love to hide, and squirrels love to nest.
- Use raised beds: These make it harder for rabbits to reach the plants.
- Cover the soil: Mulch or stones stop digging.
- Secure trash bins and compost: Squirrels love old food scraps.
- Avoid feeding birds in garden season: Spilled birdseed attracts squirrels and chipmunks.
Clean, open spaces make animals feel unsafe. They’ll look for easier spots to hang out.
Conclusion: An Integrated Strategy for a Pest-Free Garden
To protect your garden, you need to work above and below ground, use natural smells, and keep the space clean. No single method will stop squirrels and rabbits forever—but combining these smart steps will make a big difference.
Here’s Your Simple Action Plan:
✅ Build a tall fence and bury it deep
✅ Spray natural repellents every few days
✅ Plant herbs and flowers that pests hate
✅ Remove hiding spots and extra food
✅ Be consistent and patient
These pests are smart—but you’re smarter. With the tips above, your garden can bloom again without being a buffet for rabbits and squirrels.
For more squirrel-specific tips, don’t miss our full guide: Read: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Garden
