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Answer

Unfortunately there is no sure fire way to keep squirrels from causing mischief in the garden, however there are a few things you can try to keep them from eating your crocus bulbs.

1. Squirrels tend to dig up bulbs during the lean winter months when they are looking for anything to eat. During the winter you can cover the area with the bulbs with screen, holding it down with landscaping clips or stones. Cover the screen with mulch for extra protection and looks. In the spring once the bulbs begin to grow replace the screen with chicken wire and lightly cover with mulch to hide the chicken wire.

2. Because squirrels search for food with their nose there are a few scents that have been known to detour squirrels from digging. Cayenne pepper, regular pepper and other spices sprinkled over the bulbs may send the squirrels on their way. The spices do loose their potency so you will need to reapply regularly.

3. There are products on the market like fox and coyote urine that can be sprinkled or sprayed around the bulbs and have been known to work. These also need to be reapplied regularly.

4. Feed the squirrels during the winter if they aren't hungry they won't dig up your bulbs.

Good luck squirrels are smart and relentless!

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