Get a dog. The current or past presence (eau de chien) of our mutt keeps squirrels out of the back yard which is fenced in. But the containers in the front yard are constantly raided. I've heard that dog hair might work. If you do not have a dog, brush out your neighbor's dog and put the dog hair in the containers under the bottom leaves of the plants where it won't be seen. Works with rabbits, too. I've also heard about using mothballs, but I think they are poison and would not use them myself.

We also have squirrels, but I think it is pesky chipmunks that keep digging in my containers. In the past I have used coffee groups to repel critters, but this year I am finding the grounds harder to come by since my local Starbucks closed. Someone suggested sprinkling black pepper on top of the soil and I plant to try that as soon as things dry out a bit.

Kathryn, when my kids were still at home and I was still married and we still had the big house and yard, our family included a beagle who had - I was told - followed my son home. He was dumb as dirt. He was annoying. He was ours. He could escape from any enclosure, so even though the yard was fenced, he had to be chained (he ate rope like it was milkbone) when he was outside.

The squirrels knew exactly how far up each tree he could reach and how long his chain stretched. As a hound, of course, he barked and bayed vigorously at each and every squirrel. My son would go out when the foolishness started and explain patiently that this barking was not good and must stop before the adults in the household became crazed. I'd stomp out and demand cessation. The squirrels would disappear when a human showed up only to return as soon as the door closed behind us and the sound would reach new levels.

One day, the (then) husband felt that the dog should be trusted without him (the XH) having to walk all the way back to the trees to tie the dog up. Dog tunneled out and was hit by a car.

Half the squirrel population disappeared within days. (We guessed the fun was gone.) The bunnies, on the other hand, more than doubled their numbers.

Eve, loved your story!

I want to report that (so far) the black pepper on the potting soil seems to be working. I think I will sprinkle a little more if and when it ever stops raining.

Dahlink, the squirrels used to sit on the branches way up, over him and deliberately drop acorns down on his head. They were evil, evil creatures.

Eve, very cheeky squirrels!

Our kittens seem to have discovered that chasing critters is the best fun a cat can have. I don't mind them chasing--just hope they don't start bringing me "presents."