Squirrels are cute and entertaining, at least until the little rascals raid bird feeders, dig up the flower bed, chew on tulip bulbs, or gnaw through wooden siding or wiring. Household spices containing capsaicin -- the chemical that makes hot peppers hot, are natural, humane solutions that may repel squirrels.

Spices

Dust cayenne pepper or chili powder on plants and other areas where squirrels cause problems in the garden. Additionally, sprinkle the spices on the ground around plants. Reapply often because the substances are washed away fairly quickly. Birds aren't bothered by capsaicin, so you can safely mix cayenne powder or chili powder with birdseed.

Sprays

Homemade hot pepper sprays are often effective squirrel deterrents. Mix a small bottle of hot sauce and a few drops of mild liquid dish detergent with 1 gallon of water, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Although dish detergent is optional, it helps the hot pepper spray stick to the leaves. Spray plants as needed, then reapply after watering or a rainfall.

Considerations

Hot spices provide an extra benefit in the garden because they kill many insect pests. However, capsaicin also kills honeybees, ladybugs and other helpful insects. Use spices and pepper sprays carefully, and avoid using the substances if you notice beneficial insects in your garden. To prevent drift, don't apply spices or sprays on windy days. Wear gloves to protect your skin when working with spices containing capsaicin. Never touch your eyes.

About the Author

M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.

Cider Vinegar

Squirrels object to the scent of cider vinegar, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Because of that, cider vinegar can be highly effective for keeping squirrels at bay. Simply immerse cloths in cider vinegar and place them in a key part of your home, such as the attic. You'll need to replace the cloths with new ones whenever they lose their strength.

Spicy Odors

"Spicy" and "hot" smells can be helpful for deterring squirrels, according to Cindy Glokler of the "Times Union" in Albany N.Y. Squirrels simply don't like them. White pepper and cayenne smells frequently discourage squirrels, for example. If you sprinkle your plants with flakes of cayenne pepper, it might keep unwelcome pests out of your garden. Squirrels also dislike garlic and black pepper smells. Raccoons share this aversion to the smell of pepper. To prevent the pepper flakes from blowing away, spray your plants with water before you put them on. Reapply as often as necessary. Fresh applications are also necessary after rain.

Distinctive Smell of Mothballs

The scent of mothballs might make many humans feel nostalgic for visits to Grandma's house, but squirrels dislike the scent. If you're experiencing a problem with squirrels inside or outside of your home, the use of mothballs might save the day, at least for a while. Be cautious, though, as mothball scent can also be highly bothersome to people. Repel squirrels by simply placing mothballs beside your plants or in household problem areas, such as the attic. Replace these mothballs when their smell begins to fade, every few weeks or so.

Skunk-Like Smells

Squirrels, not unlike humans, aren't too fond of things that smell skunk-like. While you might not be able to bottle up the conspicuous smell of skunk to drive them out, you can depend on crown imperials (Fritillaria imperialis) as a substitute. The entire plant has an odor that's reminiscent of skunks, so they deter squirrels, according to Marjorie Harris, author of "Ecological Gardening." These plants thrive in the United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Since the skunky odor is so strong, crown imperials can be highly effective for deterring squirrels from relatively far away -- think several feet. Crown imperial bulbs can generally be purchased easily at many local garden centers.

Animal Urine

Squirrels dislike things that smell like animal urine, specifically animals that prey on them. Many squirrel deterrent products available at stores aim to mimic these odors. They generally come in spray form. As far as application and reapplication go, closely abide by the exact instructions on the product label. If a squirrel smells something that reminds him of urine from a daunting predator, it may think that something perilous is just around the corner, and it will try to avoid the area.

About the Author

Naomi Millburn has been a freelance writer since 2011. Her areas of writing expertise include arts and crafts, literature, linguistics, traveling, fashion and European and East Asian cultures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in American literature from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.

Chili peppers are hot because they’re loaded with capsaicin. The strong smell and taste of the material is so irritating that most members of the wild kingdom avoid it. Dogs, cats, deer, rabbits, squirrels, rodents and many insects can be effectively repelled by chili-pepper products. Capsaicin is a naturally occurring substance deemed a biochemical pesticide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can make your own inexpensive pepper-based critter repellent for the garden, courtesy of the environmentally safe hot pepper.

Things You Will Need

• Powdered red pepper
• Water
• Liquid castile soap
• Plastic spray bottle
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Disposable mask

Tips

• Test your pepper solution on a small part of any plant species you plant to use it on before spraying the entire plant with it. Keep an eye on the spot for two days to make sure that the material doesn’t burn it.
• Use pure castile soap, not detergents such as antibacterial and common commercial dish liquids, which can burn your plants. Soap acts as a surfactant, allowing the solution to stick to the plant surfaces. It’s also a spreader and helps give good coverage of plant surfaces and bugs, which will die. Castile soaps are available from some grocery retailers, and they’re always carried by health food stores.

• Wear gloves and eye protection when you apply pepper products in your garden. They will burn your eyes and may irritate your skin and the mucous membranes in your nose. Wear a disposable mask if you’re using the spray on a windy day.
• Capsaicin doesn’t discriminate -- it’s as toxic to beneficial invertebrates, such as bees and spiders, as it is to the bad bugs.