Question
I am having a tough time with squirrels eating my flytraps and pitcher plants. I don't like caging the plants but have had to do it. Is there another way to control the squirrels without caging the plants?

Answer
Hi Jeff,

Yes, squirrels can certainly wreck havoc on your outdoor plant collection.  There's no surefire method, but there are a few things you can do to slow them down.  First, sprinkle the soil of your plants with cayenne powder.  Squirrels usually dig up plants because they're looking for places to bury their nuts.  They don't like cayenne pepper, so they'll avoid your plants.  Some growers found this to do the trick.  

If the squirrels are still persistent, try covering the top of the soil with river rocks. Use a size that is one size larger than pea gravel.  You can find river rocks for horticultural use at your local garden center.

Another method is using an automatic sprinkler with motion sensors.  You can find these online as deer deterrents, but it'll work with other forms of wildlife.   

Good growing!
Jacob Farin