can squirrels chew through bird netting

The holes in the nylon bird netting are roughly the same size as those in chicken wire. I have folded and reused it every year because it is gentle and simple to handle. I covered the area where I plant bulbs with hardware cloth. When the bulbs emerge from the ground in the spring, I simply pull it out, and that solves the problem.

Though I suppose I’ll find out in the spring whether the rodents have been eating my bulbs all winter, I have high hopes for this year. Wish me luck. ( Apparently I spoke too soon. In the front garden, I dug up some bulbs. I assumed squirrels didn’t care about daffodils? Apparently he didn’t read the piece. ).

Those nuts are way out back and not at all close to my garden, so why do those critters haul it all the way up here, climb the steps, climb up on the rail, and destroy the husk around the nut, leaving all the “tailings” scattered around the deck? That’s the big green husk of a black walnut that is constantly being brought up on the deck to chow down! ( Sorry, I have been watching Gold Rush. ).

Neither in the summer nor in the winter, I place a bird seed feeder in the center of the garden. I hang the feeder in a tree that is separate from every garden bed. Additionally, there are a lot of trees in the area that bear berries, nuts, and, I suppose, small mice, animals, and insects. This should draw them to sources that are distant from the house.

I made the decision to try keeping the squirrels out of the garden two years ago by using bird netting. I’m attempting to encircle the planters and troughs that those squirrels seem to be especially interested in. I covered the trough with netting and tucked it underneath.

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Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Safe delivery of fresh plants right to your door—what will you grow?

Protecting Your Garden Against Squirrels

Squirrels are almost as common in the landscape as trees in many places. Thus, even though you can make an effort to keep them out of your yard, it’s usually preferable—and more sensible—to outwit them. To prevent squirrels from ruining your garden, try some of these techniques, but keep in mind that what works for one squirrel might not work for another. Use a combination of tactics for the best results.

FAQ

What material can squirrels not chew through?

Squirrels are known to gnaw on a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and rubber. However, they are not typically known to chew through metal wall vents. Metal is a hard and durable material that may be difficult for a squirrel to gnaw through.

Can squirrels chew through mesh?

Squirrels are inherently resourceful, and you shouldn’t put it past them to find any and all unsecured entries to your home, garden, or shed. Although chicken wire and other lightweight wire mesh materials with large weaves are easy for them to breach, heavy-duty woven mesh with a tight weave should do the trick.

What size mesh to stop squirrels?

It’s generally found that mesh sizes between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch are effective. Squirrels find it impossible to push through these tiny gaps, making such mesh an effective deterrent.