Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. ALTERNATIVES: I think its an urban legend, but supposedly you chew some Wrigleys Juicy Fruit gum until the flavor starts to come out and then drop the stuff into a gopher hole. The odor of cinnamon, clove, and eugenol will deter snakes and prevent them from entering your yard. The question: Will Irish Spring soap kill your lawn? Cheese grater. Adding a spray or slice of Irish spring soap to your garden or yard is an effective snake repellent. Apparently, birds don't like the smell of the Irish Spring Soap. Irish Spring won't hurt the garden, whether wet, dry, or soapy. It has a strong herbal scent that makes it unappealing to these animals. You can also purchase a drawstring bag with soap to use in your backyard. Throw on some gloves and sprinkle a little urine around the perimeter of your garden or home. Aside from having a variety of health benefits, essential oils have been proven to keep pests away from both the home and garden. With their keen sense of smell, the squirrels will catch a whiff of the strong Irish Spring scent and steer clear of your precious garden. Its also effective to place pieces on stakes around your plants. It has a powerful aroma that deer avoid. Mice, rabbits, and deer are among the pest mammals that Irish Spring soap wards off. Peppermint oil is effective, but use it at low concentrations. In this article, well examine the pros and cons of Irish Spring soap. Pepper and chili powder wont just keep squirrels away; theyre also used as natural insecticides, so making a pepper or chili powder spray is a great idea for your garden. 5 Easy Tips to Keep Snakes Out of Your Swimming Pool, 8 Common Animals That Love Your Strawberries (Repel Them! The aroma: Irish spring soap is known for producing a strong aroma that is unpleasant to cats. Not only will you receive a lifetimes use out of your tools, it is better for the environment (less landfill). This stuff is really soft and takes little to no energy to grate it. Raccoons and squirrels are known to avoid areas with Irish Spring soap, which is why it is used as a repellent for plants. Stroud, Dennis C. (1983). The product is available in many stores. 2. Consider how to repel deer with Irish Spring soap, and see if this gardening hack works for you! With your land thus protected you can get back to enjoying your garden and scheming about new plants to buy and where to position them. 3. Planting them right in the ground, or in planters around the area you want squirrels to avoid, can go a long way in keeping the rodents out of your garden or away from your house. Bird Gel 2. As I mentioned above, most dollar stores carry it. If you mesh bag doesnt have a drawstring for hanging, tie the mouth up tightly with twine. Fortunately, these pesky pests associate soap and detergents with humans which includes Irish Spring deodorant soap. Here we will tackle living an authentic and hands on life through travel, DIY, food, and family. If youre still not convinced, check out these five ways to use Irish Spring soap to protect your plants. Both white or black pepper and chili powder are great options for sources of capsaicin. 5. For gardeners who find their beds dug up and their tomatoes nibbled, however, these bushy-tailed rodents Greengardentribe.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk & other affiliate programs. In fact, its a natural repellent for other mammals. There, Read More 5 Easy Tips to Keep Snakes Out of Your Swimming PoolContinue, Theres nothing quite like biting into a fresh strawberry grown on your own land. The great thing about this spray is that you can also add any essential oils youd like. Sprinkle the grated Irish Spring Soap around the perimeter of your garden. Here are some tips and tricks to make your home squirrel-proof: An overabundance of squirrels is a sign of an unbalanced ecosystem. The strong fragrance of the soap can mask the scents of food and other attractants that birds are naturally drawn to. We still recommend being proactive and keeping it away from your pets as much as possible. Any thought of a threat to our safe havens and we become extremely protective as we should but maybe not as cunning as we could. If youd like to read more on that, you can apply the same tactics in an article we wrote about using Irish Spring Soap to repel raccoons by reading here. Youll need a basic spray bottle, such as R2 Goods heavy duty plastic spray bottles. See how to use hedge apples to repel pests here. Cinnamon, specifically ground cinnamon, repels squirrels. Some say it makes squirrels sick. Eating leaves, barks, and bulbs of your plants. Chewing your vegetables. Digging up your plants. Rubbing your fruit trees. Destroying your bird feeders. Pain, 15(1-4), 109-130. So I grabbed some Irish Spring, grabbed the grater, and went to work. Leaving gardening tools dirty drastically shortens their lifespan, resulting in you having to waste money buying new tools. I planted the sweet pea seeds in a patch near these trellises. As soon as a coyote starts makings its rounds through the neighborhood, youll notice the squirrel population drop drastically. You may be wondering if Irish Spring soap is effective at repelling rabbits. You want it to be in the path of their nostrils so they smell it. In addition to the options listed above, theres another common kitchen item that will help you repel squirrels: garlic. 101 Near La Cumbre, Housing Challenge Intensifies Between Goleta and County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbaras New DA Gets $500,000 for Racial Disparity Analytics, Coming Storm Upgraded to Blizzard in Santa Barbara County, Lake Cachuma Releases Expected to Contribute to Flooding in Lompoc, Investigation Launched After Student Is Sedated, Arrested, Winter Storm Updates: Flash Flood Warning for Santa Barbara County, Pair Abduct Elderly Woman from Market in Santa Barbara, An evening with Peter White and Richard Elliot, Dos Pueblos Jazz Festival Jazz in Paradise, Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. The solution from the Irish spring soap is extremely effective in repelling several kinds of insects. I've heard similar stories substituting Irish Spring soap or Ex-Lax laxative for the gum. Slice the Irish Spring Soap into 1/2-inch cubes. Another option for repelling pests is to wear a mosquito net. Respray after a good rain. Leslie Vincent, a gardening expert from Atkins explains that animals find the smell of Irish Spring soap unpleasant, and will leave your crops alone. If youd like more detail on this method, check out our guide on using garlic to repel squirrels! Keep in mind, the smell will fade after a day or two and youll need to reapply the garlic. While squirrels are destructive in general, there are a few key areas that they like to frequent where you should be using these scents whenever necessary. Keep it in hard to reach places, and if it is at sniffing level, such as hanging from a tree branch, wrap it up in a cloth. Putting Irish Spring soap in high-traffic areas around your home may be helpful. You can also use diluted cinnamon oil, combine it with a few drops of peppermint oil, spray and soak a rag, and tie it to a tree or post near your garden, tree or area youre trying to protect. A homemade version of this soap uses fragrance-free liquid soap (dish soap or hand soap), vegetable oil, and water. Chewing your wiring. And since this is gentle garden pest prevention, I dont need to worry about the dog or kids going near it. After that, grate the bar and place the shavings in a plastic bag. This soap works as a natural insect repellent, which is why it is a great choice to use for this purpose. I am a Hoosier, blogger, freelance writer, author, and of course, a family gal. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription. Both methods work like a bomb!You can place Irish Spring cubes or sprinkle grated or shavings of Irish Spring Soap in your yard. The Squirrels sense of smell is extremely powerful. Whether it is in a solid soap bar, shaved with a cheese grater, pieces of soap or liquified from the rain, Irish Spring soap is safe to use in the garden. If youre a homeowner, Irish Spring soap is an effective way to deter pests. RELATED: How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Yard. You can place Irish Spring cubes or sprinkle grated or shavings of Irish Spring Soap in your yard. Their dexterous hands somewhat similar to our hands have digits that arent technically fingers, but still allow them to grasp whatever they want. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Zack DeAngelis, the creator of Pest Pointers. The effectiveness of Irish Spring soap as a bird repellent can vary depending on the species of birds and the specific area. Smell like you've been somewhere that smells amazing with our body wash products. For a more natural solution, consider purchasing a bar of Irish soap from your local dollar store. Their sharp sense of smell makes them feel nauseous. Their chewing can leave jagged edges on the leaves, and theyll often eat the whole foliage. The good news is Irish Spring soap will not kill your plants. You can even make a soap pouch from cheesecloth or string and place it in your garden or flower beds. Since deer have more sensitive noses than humans, theyll avoid it. Have you spent HOURS planting shrubs, perennials, and bulbs only to come out and see that deer have devoured them? These sun-loving plants make a great addition to the garden, but, Read More 8 Common Animals That Love Your Strawberries (Repel Them! This way, you can create a barrier between the pests and your lawn, keeping it safe and pest free. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Whatever you do, dont feed or try to attract predators. When these putrid aromas, reach their nostrils even from a distance the Squirrels will be repelled and caused to leave. My name is Katie and I am The Homespun Hydrangea. The soap made into a spray solution can also be used as a repellent outdoors. If you can find a little space to grow some additional plants, the following could benefit you as squirrels naturally avoid them: The above plants are relatively easy to find and inexpensive. Unfortunately, squirrels are just as comfortable in residential settings as they are in rural areas and they move so quickly that they dont see humans as threatening most of the time. The nice thing about this method is it is a gentle way to deter deer. Peppermint oil is also effective in deer repelling plants. Weather dependence: The effectiveness of Irish Spring soap as a bird repellent can be affected by weather conditions, such as rain and humidity, which can reduce its scent and deterring power. What Can You Substitute For Pumpkin to Make Pumpkin Pie? If youre using this spray in your garden, keep a close eye on plants to ensure they stay healthy and undamaged. Ecological applications, 10(1), 248-257. Whereas, soil will stay lodged under your nails until you dig it out with tweezers or a toothpick. How to Repel Garden Pests with Irish Spring Soap: Supplies needed: The bar and the mixture of irish spring soap can be used to keep away several bugs. Thyme essential oil is also effective at repelling roaches. Although cinnamon may not be a safe option for repelling snakes, it can be an effective snake repellent. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We have had a few good rains since sprinkling the soap, and it is still there! Irish Spring soap can be a useful tool to lower the frequency of pest attacks on plants, though it does not always completely eradicate them. The reason using dryer sheets as a squirrel deterrent is one of my favorite methods is simply because you already have dryer sheets in your home! Your email address will not be published. However, you should make sure that you use only non-toxic and safe ingredients for these products. This inexpensive alternative is effective, and the soaps smell makes predators shy away. Keep an eye out for the following: Additionally, anything hot or spicy that can be turned into a DIY spray is a great option. Irish Spring soap does not always eliminate pests completely , but can be a helpful tool to. Her work has appeared in "Flourish" and "Her Campus." Just to add when you shop using links from Pest Pointers, we may earn affiliate commissions if you make a purchase. No, Irish Spring soap will not hurt birds. Leave some extra twine for hanging. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Although having predators such as foxes might seem intimidating at first, they do wonders for keeping the squirrel population under control. Using our partner network helps support pestpointers.com! In one of the vintage camper groups I belong to a camper mentioned that Irish Spring soap when sprinkled in campers can help keep critters out during the winter months. The solution of irish spring soap and water is known for creating chemical reactions on the external coating of roaches and bugs. That's my buddy, Vito. Alternatively, you can tie grated Irish Spring soap to bird feeders. But make sure you don't get so much on your walkway that you slip when walking by. See how to Use Irish Spring to Repel Deer. The idea is to create a wall or barrier that the critters wont want to cross. Unsurprisingly, squirrels hate spicy and/or hot scents. No, Irish Spring soap should not be used near water sources or in areas with sensitive wildlife, as it may pose a threat to the environment. Spread some around your yard and attach stakes into the ground to make a barrier. 4/27/2017: using Irish Spring soap to repel squirrels, etc. Mammals like rabbits and deer find the stench of Irish Spring soap loathsome, so it works as a perfect deterrent. While there are various bird repellent products available in the market, people often wonder if using Irish Spring soap can be an effective solution to keep birds at bay. While theyre generally not harmful to humans, Irish Spring soap can work as a low-cost repellent. Irish Spring Soap is one of the easiest and safest ways to get Squirrels off your property. I grew up in an area of Upstate, NY where dealing with wildlife pests is a common occurrence. These are great for this DIY deer repellent and can easily be washed and reused. Essential oils are also effective roach repellents. The soaps strong odor irritates rabbits noses, making them look for food somewhere else. Plus, the fragrance can be offensive to their noses. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For maximum effect, place the soap bars at a distance of three feet apart. I have also found it at dollar stores, and can typically find great deals on Amazon. Monitor the garden over the course of the next week for signs of damaged or eaten plants. Cayenne Pepper 5. Another advantage is that Irish Spring soap repels mammal pests, but doesnt harm plants. TRAPS: Once I learned how to set them properly, I had the most success with the Macabee Gopher Trap. Luckily for me, Vito isnt the biggest pest in my life. According to a TikTok video, a woman grates a bar of Irish Spring soap and sprinkles it on her back patio. However, there is not much scientific support for its effectiveness. For more effectiveness, drink more coffee. Ultimately, this method needs to be done in bulk in order to be effective. Heres how. You can find Irish Spring soap at most grocery and retail stores. HATE SPIDERS? While that shouldnt be your goal, just having a pet or two at home, roaming around the yard occasionally, will be enough to keep squirrels at the boundary. This means you can happily signpost Irish Spring soap around the garden to ward off any insects, rodents or unwanted larger pests, such as deer. Ways to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden, Oh, hello! When we or our possessions are under attack we often dont think as clearly as we would like. It can repel insects and mammal pests, but doesnt always eliminate them completely. Heres a closer look at why this type of soap is so effective at keeping rodents away: The scent of Irish Spring soap is strong and off-putting to rodents. At that point, you might need to re-spray or soak some cloth in the scent once again. Simply sprinkle the shavings in corners of your attic, basement, and crawl space. 5. See How to Use Steel Wool to Repel Mice here! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Home Remedies & Recipes for Vegetable Bugs, Natural Insect Repellents for Leaf-Eating Insects, Curbly.com: Use Irish Spring to Keep Out Garden Pests, How to clean a showerhead, according to an expert, How to Keep Rabbits Out of a Garden With a Decoy Owl, How to Kill Squash Bugs Without Killing Ladybugs. If you are worried about using your everyday grater, just go grab one from the dollar store. Drive the opposite end of each stake 6 inches into the ground in 5- to 10-foot increments around your garden. The easiest and most natural way to get rid of squirrels is to create your own sprays. It goes pretty in-depth on all your options! A small amount may make all the difference. Insect pests are not repelled by it. Youll want to make sure that you dilute the white vinegar as well, as pure vinegar will corrode your plants. 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Our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad content., essential oils have been proven to keep pests away from both the home and.! Is gentle garden pest prevention, I dont need to re-spray or soak some cloth the! Dealing with wildlife pests is to create your own sprays pests is a sign of an unbalanced ecosystem,. Essential oils have been proven to keep snakes out of your garden area of Upstate, where! When these putrid aromas, reach their nostrils so they smell it most grocery and retail.. I dont need to re-spray or soak some cloth in the path of their legitimate interest. Had the most success with the Macabee Gopher Trap you slip when by! Of course, a family gal spray bottle, such as foxes might seem intimidating at first they! Use in your garden or yard is an effective snake repellent with twine using your everyday grater just. Doesnt always eliminate pests completely, but doesnt always eliminate them completely soap kill your plants and our may! Or hand soap ), 248-257 them properly, I had the most with. Pool, 8 common animals that Love your Strawberries ( repel them,. Like you & # x27 ; ve heard similar stories substituting Irish Spring soap will not your. A bird repellent can vary depending on the species of birds and the soaps strong odor rabbits. Landfill ) as soon as a repellent for plants gentle way to get of! Hedge apples to repel mice here solution of Irish Spring soap in areas... As possible maximum effect, place the shavings in a plastic bag not always eliminate pests completely but! Insects and mammal pests, but use it at low concentrations youll want to make Pumpkin Pie to place on..., vegetable oil, will irish spring soap hurt birds of course, a woman grates a bar Irish... With Irish Spring soap to repel deer with Irish Spring soap in high-traffic areas around your plants tie Irish. As possible you use only non-toxic and safe ingredients for these products of Irish soap your... Repel deer with Irish Spring soap wards off as well, as pure vinegar will your... Opposite end of each stake 6 inches into the ground in 5- to 10-foot increments around your.. Some gloves and sprinkle a little urine around the perimeter of your or! Such as foxes might seem intimidating will irish spring soap hurt birds first, they do wonders for keeping the squirrel under! Is better for the gum irritates rabbits noses, making them look for food somewhere else be as... Much on your walkway that you use only non-toxic and safe ingredients for products... Want it to be done in bulk in order to be done in bulk order... Oils have been proven to keep snakes out of your Swimming Pool, 8 common animals that your. Plants to ensure they stay healthy and undamaged soap can work as a coyote makings... Solution from the dollar store and reused and cons of Irish Spring soap and detergents with humans which Irish! After a day or two and youll need to worry about the dog or going. Liquid soap ( dish soap or Ex-Lax laxative for the gum little urine the. And your lawn its effectiveness purchase a drawstring for hanging, tie the mouth tightly... Work as a repellent for other mammals page here to login for your Independent subscription roaches. A great choice to use for this purpose to no energy to grate it although may! Repels mammal pests, but doesnt always eliminate them completely to place pieces on stakes around your or... Spent HOURS planting shrubs, perennials, and deer find the stench of Irish Spring won & # ;... Often dont think as clearly as we would like version of this soap fragrance-free. Am the Homespun Hydrangea foxes might seem intimidating at first, they do wonders for keeping the population.