Do NOT use blood meal to repel squirrels in any area where there might be bears even though this has been advertised to be an effective measure. Use commercial animal repellents according to package directions. Scatter cotton balls soaked in oil of peppermint (available at health food stores) around plantings. Oil of peppermint repels rodents which is what squirrels are (bushy tailed rats). Don’t use bone meal when you plant bulbs. It seems squirrels are attracted by the smell. Use Bulb Food instead. Cover bulb plantings with chicken wire or try spreading prickly branches (such as holly or berberis branches) over plantings.