Whether you devote a few beds or several rows to sweet corn, you know how challenging it can be to raise the plants from seed to juicy, ready-to-eat ears. Squirrels and other light-footed raiders are the bandits of the cornfield. You may need to employ more than one method to keep these pests from ruining your sweet corn crop.
Remove dense shrubbery, brush piles, old sheds and other squirrel hiding places near the area in which you'll be planting corn. Squirrels dislike feeling exposed, preferring to dart between food sources and shelter.
Build a fence that is at least 3 feet tall around your entire vegetable garden or corn patch. Use fence mesh that is 1 inch or smaller and bury it 6 inches below ground or bend it outward for 6 inches where it meets the ground to prevent burrowing.
Hang wind chimes from the fence or nearby to deter easily-frightened squirrels from entering the corn patch.
Sow winter squash or pumpkin seeds about two weeks after planting corn. Employ the traditional Native American method for keeping squirrels from getting to corn plants by allowing prickly squash vines to sprawl on the ground between corn hills or rows. Space squash seeds according to packet directions.
Lure squirrels away from your vegetable garden with squirrel food. Set feeding stations far from your corn patch, filled with store-bought feed or your own blend of nuts, seeds and fruit. Place squirrel feeders near trees and brush piles where the squirrels can establish dens to make an exposed vegetable garden seem less attractive.
Trim tree branches that might allow the squirrels to leap from the branch into your vegetable garden.
Dilute 3 ounces of Epsom salts or 1 teaspoon Lysol in 1 gallon of water. Spray this homemade squirrel repellent mixture on vegetation growing near your fence. Reapply after rainfall.
Things You Will Need
- 3-foot or taller fencing system (posts and wire mesh)
- Hammer, pliers and other tools to build fence
- Wind chimes
- Winter squash seeds
- Squirrel food and specialty feeder (optional)
- Tree pruners
- Clean spray bottle
- Epsom salts or Lysol
- If you have a dog, keep him on a secure chain near the corn patch during key squirrel foraging times. He will likely scare squirrels away from your corn, but won't be able to damage the plants by chasing after the squirrels.
- Most commercial squirrel repellents are formulated to protect trees and homes, but are not recommended for use on edible crops. Check labels carefully before applying any "anti-squirrel" spray or dust to your corn area.
- Traps and hunting may have limited success and may not be legal in your area. Ask local officials before you attempt to shoot or trap wildlife.
- Gaia's Garden: Tobey Hemenway
- Seiya Kawamoto/Lifesize/Getty Images