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Lavender can keep squirrels away to some degree, but it’s not a guaranteed solution that will solve all your squirrel problems.
The strong scent of lavender is unpleasant to squirrels, and they tend to avoid areas where it’s growing abundantly.
That said, if you’re dealing with a determined squirrel that’s hungry enough, lavender alone may not be enough to stop it.
So does lavender keep squirrels away?
The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats you should know about.
In this post, we’ll explore how lavender works as a squirrel repellent, why it’s effective in certain situations, and how to use it properly to protect your garden.
Let’s dig in.
Does Lavender Keep Squirrels Away?
Lavender does keep squirrels away in many cases, and here’s why it works so well:
1. The Strong Scent Overwhelms Their Sensitive Nose
Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and detect danger.
Lavender contains powerful aromatic oils like linalool and linalyl acetate that produce an intense fragrance.
To humans, this scent is calming and pleasant.
But to squirrels, that same fragrance is overwhelming and irritating.
It masks the smells they depend on and makes them feel uneasy about hanging around.
That’s the main reason lavender keeps squirrels away from treated areas.
2. Squirrels Associate the Smell With Unpleasantness
Squirrels are smart creatures with good memories.
When they encounter the strong aroma of lavender, they quickly learn to associate that area with something they’d rather avoid.
This is why planting lavender around your garden can create a natural barrier over time.
The squirrels in your neighborhood will eventually learn that your lavender-filled yard isn’t worth the trouble.
3. Lavender Is Not Toxic but Still Unappealing
Unlike some chemical repellents, lavender isn’t harmful to squirrels.
It won’t poison them or cause injury.
But it’s simply unappealing enough that they choose to forage elsewhere.
This makes lavender a humane option for anyone wondering does lavender keep squirrels away without causing harm.
4. It Works Best as Part of a Larger Strategy
Lavender alone won’t stop a starving squirrel from raiding your vegetable patch.
But when combined with other deterrents, it becomes much more effective.
Think of lavender as one tool in your squirrel-fighting toolbox rather than a magic bullet.
Using lavender alongside other methods gives you the best chance of keeping squirrels at bay.
How to Use Lavender to Keep Squirrels Away
If you want to use lavender to keep squirrels away, here are the most effective methods:
1. Plant Lavender Around Your Garden Borders
The simplest way to use lavender as a squirrel deterrent is to plant it directly in your garden.
Create a border of lavender plants around the perimeter of your garden beds.
Squirrels approaching from the outside will encounter the strong scent before they reach your prized tomatoes or bulbs.
English lavender and French lavender are both excellent choices for this purpose.
They’re hardy, smell wonderful, and return year after year.
2. Use Lavender Oil Spray
If planting isn’t practical, you can make a homemade lavender spray.
Mix about 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle.
Add a small squirt of dish soap to help the oil mix with the water.
Spray this solution on plants, soil, and areas where squirrels tend to visit.
Reapply after rain or every few days since the scent fades over time.
3. Scatter Dried Lavender Sachets
Dried lavender bundles or sachets can be placed in strategic spots around your yard.
Tuck them near plants squirrels love to dig up, like tulip bulbs or vegetable seedlings.
You can also hang small sachets from fence posts or branches.
Replace them every few weeks to keep the scent strong.
4. Mulch With Lavender Clippings
After pruning your lavender plants, don’t throw away the clippings.
Spread them around the base of plants you want to protect.
As the clippings break down, they release that signature lavender scent into the soil.
This method works especially well for protecting bulbs and young plants.
5. Combine With Other Natural Repellents
For the best results, pair lavender with other squirrel-deterring scents.
Peppermint, garlic, cayenne pepper, and vinegar all work well alongside lavender.
Rotating these scents prevents squirrels from getting used to any single one.
A multi-scent approach makes your garden far less inviting to these persistent critters.
When Lavender Might Not Keep Squirrels Away
Lavender isn’t a perfect solution, and there are times when it simply won’t work:
1. Desperate or Hungry Squirrels
When food is scarce, squirrels become bolder and less picky.
A hungry squirrel may push past the lavender scent if there’s something tasty on the other side.
During harsh winters or droughts, you may notice lavender keeps squirrels away less effectively.
2. Squirrels Already Accustomed to Your Yard
If squirrels have been visiting your garden for years, they may be harder to deter.
They already know your yard as a reliable food source.
Introducing lavender can help, but it may take time for them to change their habits.
3. Heavy Squirrel Populations
In areas with lots of squirrels, the pressure on your garden is higher.
Lavender will help, but it won’t be enough on its own.
You’ll need to combine it with physical barriers, like netting or fencing.
Does Lavender Keep Squirrels Away? Final Thoughts
Lavender does keep squirrels away in many situations, but it works best as part of a broader strategy.
The strong scent of lavender overwhelms a squirrel’s sensitive nose and makes treated areas feel unappealing.
Plant it around your garden, use lavender oil sprays, scatter dried sachets, and mulch with clippings to maximize its effect.
Just remember that hungry or determined squirrels may need extra persuasion from other deterrents too.
With a little patience and the right combination of methods, you can enjoy a squirrel-free garden while still enjoying the beauty and fragrance of lavender.