Squirrels - sh.itjust.works

I’ve been reading on the Web for effective repellents against squirrels. Alliums, mint, hot peppers, marigolds, water for drinking, things that look like predators (snake, owl…), urine and blood meal seem to have varied success. I’m interested to know what was your experience with any of those methods. One interesting idea I’ve read is having children participate in the defense, such as by clapping and yelling when they see them, and even using a water cannon. It seems the only thing that’s really effective is physical barriers such chicken nets. I’ve read that drawbacks are the cost and the aesthetic. However what I don’t hear mentionned is convenience… how do you work with chicken nets in the garden? Is it easy to open and close again? I feel like I would get too lazy and abandon my garden to the weeds. Two distinct issues seem to be biting the fruits (especially tomatoes) and digging. I wonder if you can have a mulch thick enough that squirrels will stop digging. Perhaps with branches?