How do I stop squirrels from eating my sprinkler lines!?

Question

This is bizarre.  I redid our landscaping last year and as part of this the sprinkler system was replaced.  Now squirrels are digging up the rubber lines and shredding them to pieces.  I have tried spraying predator urine (fox, coyote) around the area to scare them off, but they won't let up.

Our neighbors on either side also have sprinkler lines and the squirrels don't seem to be interested in their lines.  So it must be the type of line that was installed that has them interested.  But I can't figure out why and I don't know what to do other than dig the entire system up and reinstall new lines made of a different material.

Any advice?

(I am in Denver, Colorado in an urban area. It is definitely squirrels doing the damage because I have caught them doing it.  No rabbits or other critters.)

? · Accepted Answer

Mix cayenne pepper with mineral oil, a high concentration, and put it where they dig -- they get the message. I am in an urban area, and using this is the only way I save half my plants during the season, and they are in containers on my deck! They're fearless, unless they get burned. The mineral oil is to keep the cayenne in one place and make it last longer, you may have to reapply a few times during the season.

Anonymous · Answer

If at all possible, dip up the lines and wrap chicken wire around them.  The smaller the holes are in the chicken wire the better.  If this does not work, call the company that makes the lines and ask them about this.  I feel sure you are not the first to have this problem with their lines.  You might be able to find the company on the internet.  Websites usually have a "Frequantly Asked Questions" section.  And their email addy will probably be there too.

Matt W · Answer

get your self a high power pelit rifle and shoot them..that should take care of it

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How do I stop squirrels from eating my sprinkler lines!?

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