Listed below are several suggestions to keep rodents from digging up your newly planted bulbs. Please note however, that NO method or repellent will ever be l00% effective. Success will depend on your rodent population, available food sources, weather conditions etc. The use of several methods may produce the best results. If you know of any other ideas, let us know so that we may share them with our customers.  

1. Plant bulbs later in the season, this allows less time for animals to dig.
2. Coat bulbs with Ropel or Thiram (Bonide Bulb Saver) and allow to dry before planting. These products will discourage animals by taste.
3. Mix crushed oyster shells (Bulb insurance) with soil when planting, or sprinkle on soil surface for existing plantings. Irritating barrier discourages rodents from digging.
4. After planting, use products that discourage animals by sense of smell. These products must be reapplied after a rain.
   • Dried blood
   • Scoot Squirrel – a mixture of cayenne pepper and Caster Oil
   • Mole Med (Castor Oil) May be effective for up to 60 days depending on rainfall.
   • Dried cayenne pepper. Shake directly from the bottle
5. Best Alternative. Cover ground with chicken wire or hardware cloth after planting. Secure with bricks. Must be removed after the ground is frozen, or in early spring before bulbs come up.
6. Mulch bulbs for winter protection (with straw or evergreen boughs) very late in the season after the ground freezes to discourage rodent nesting.

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