Got squirrels snacking on your tomatoes before you even get a chance to? You're not alone. These bushy-tailed bandits may be cute, but they can cause serious damage to veggies, flowers, and fruit trees in your garden. Luckily, there are several easy ways to keep them at bay—and none involve traps or harsh chemicals.

According to Michael Clarke, a landscape architect and founder of Yardwork, "One of the best things you can do is make your garden less appealing in the first place." That means cleaning up fallen fruit, nuts, and birdseed, switching to squirrel-proof bird feeders (or skipping the feeders altogether), and avoiding food scraps that might attract them. "You want to remove anything that could be a free meal," Clarke says.

Those preventive measures can go a long way, but if squirrels are already treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet, don't worry—there's more you can do. Here's what experts recommend to protect your plants and preserve your harvest.

Try these expert-approved methods to reclaim your garden and discourage hungry squirrels.

"Some plants naturally repel squirrels," Clarke says. Try planting daffodils, alliums (like onions and garlic), hyacinths, or mint around your garden beds. Not only do they dislike the taste, but in some cases, like with daffodils, the plants are actually toxic to them. These can be especially useful as borders to protect more vulnerable crops.

You can also deter squirrels with smells they can't stand. Clarke recommends peppermint oil, garlic, white vinegar, or cayenne pepper. "These can be sprayed around garden perimeters or soaked into cotton balls placed near problem areas," he says. Predator scents, like fox or coyote urine granules, are another option. Just don't forget to reapply after it rains or every few days for maximum effect.

"For serious protection, use 1/4-inch hardware cloth around garden beds, buried at least 6 inches deep to stop digging," Clarke explains. This is especially helpful for protecting vegetable patches. You can also use mesh domes or lightweight bird netting to shield fruiting plants and seedlings from eager paws. These physical barriers are among the most effective options for long-term defense.

These are a favorite among gardeners for good reason. "They startle squirrels and send them running without harming them," says Clarke. These can also help deter other critters, like raccoons or deer, and are a great solution if you're looking to cover a larger area.

Fake owls or hawks can work—for a little while. "Squirrels are smart. They'll catch on if the decoy never moves," Clarke notes. To keep them guessing, move these props every few days, and pair them with other tactics for best results.

If squirrels are getting into your attic, walls, or chewing on wiring, it's time to bring in the experts. "Especially if you're dealing with a large population or repeated damage, a professional can assess the situation and remove nests safely," Clarke advises. They can also help prevent future infestations by sealing up entry points and offering long-term solutions.

Yes—but only if you use them correctly. Clarke recommends reapplying sprays like hot pepper or peppermint oil every 3 to 5 days or after rain. Vinegar can help in some cases, but should only be used on the ground or fences. Never pour or spray it directly on plants.

What's the biggest mistake people make with squirrel prevention?

"Only trying one method," Clarke says. "Squirrels adapt fast, so it's best to combine strategies for the most success." With a multi-pronged approach and little persistence, you can keep squirrels from taking over your garden—and still enjoy watching their antics somewhere far, far away from your tomatoes!