Fall Hack: Keep Squirrels Away From Your Pumpkin With Vicks
Cover your pumpkin in a heavy coat of petroleum jelly or a vapor rub. Squirrels don't like sticky substances. And a thick coat of the jelly can last for weeks.
Social media feeds have been clogged with stories of squirrel overpopulation. Indecisive rodents are all over the roads, and we've collectively mourned the massive amount of roadkill. However, squirrels have to eat, and they're not simply snacking on nuts and acorns. They're coming for your family pumpkin!
In the heart of apple and pumpkin season, farmers across the northeast are also dealing with squirrels dipping into their products. A representative of Randall's Orchard in Standish, Maine told WMUR they have lost anywhere from 1/3rd to maybe 1/2 of their pumpkins this year.
Plan on having one as decoration? Want to make sure it keeps until at least Halloween? Adam Rybak, of Ohio Valley Landscape Group has some advice.
1. Go Egging (kinda): We're talking commercial repellents here. Look specifically for a repellent with large amounts of "putrescent whole egg solids." This is, essentially, rotten eggs. Squirrels typically hate the smell of rotten eggs.
2. Man's Best Friend to the Rescue: Place your pumpkin on a blanket of dog hair. Cat hair can also be effective since large cats pose a threat to squirrels.
3. Vicks Will Fix: According to Rybeck, cover your pumpkin in a heavy coat of petroleum jelly or a vapor rub. Squirrels don't like sticky substances. And a thick coat of the jelly can last for weeks.
We get it. It's cute to watch squirrels eat, until it's something you don't want them to!