As an avid observer of chipmunks, I was wondering: do chipmunks eat flowers? In this blog post, I will explore the nuances of chipmunk behavior and how to deter them from digging up your garden!
Chipmunks primarily feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. However, they are also known to occasionally nibble on flowers. While flowers do not constitute a significant portion of their diet, they may consume them for their nectar or use them as a source of hydration in times of drought. Chipmunks are opportunistic feeders and may eat whatever is available in their environment. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to sample different types of vegetation, including flowers.
Do Chipmunks Eat Flowers?
If you’re wondering whether chipmunks eat flowers, the answer is yes. Although their primary diet consists of nuts, seeds, and insects, chipmunks also have a fondness for flowers, especially during periods of drought. They may consume flowers for their nectar or use them as a source of hydration.
What flowers do chipmunks eat?
Chipmunks can eat a wide variety of flowers, including:
- Tulips
- Sunflowers
- Marigolds
- Hyacinths
- Daisies
- Daffodils
- Irises
- Roses
- Pansies
- Lilies
- Zinnias
- Hibiscus
- Petunias
- Geraniums
- Cosmos
- Camellias
- Peonies
- Snapdragons
- Carnations
- Lantanas
- Asters
- Delphiniums
- Hollyhocks
- Lavender
- Chrysanthemums
- Begonias
- Calendula
- Nasturtiums
- Verbena
- Phlox
- Salvia
- Hydrangeas
- Black-eyed Susans
- Gerbera daisies
- Foxgloves
- Columbines
- Coreopsis
- Gazanias
- Johnny-jump-ups
- Morning glories
- Poppies
- Scented geraniums
- Stocks
- Yarrow
- Four o’ clocks
- Bachelor’s buttons
- Forget-me-nots
- Violas
- Sweet peas
- Impatiens
A very common question that gardeners ask is: do chipmunks eat roses? Yes, they may nimble on roses.
What flowers do chipmunks hate?
While chipmunks may occasionally nibble on flowers, there are certain blooms that they generally dislike or find unappealing, including:
- Daffodils
- Alliums (such as garlic, onion, and chives)
- Fritillaries
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Geraniums
- Nasturtiums
- Calendula (pot marigold)
- Foxgloves
- Castor bean plants
- Hot peppers (e.g., jalapenos, habaneros)
- Thorny or prickly plants (e.g., barberry, holly)
- Dusty miller
- Skunk cabbage
- Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear)
- Nicotiana (tobacco plant)
- Bulbs with pungent odors (e.g., daffodils, lilies)
- Salvia
- Lantana
- Euphorbia (spurge)
- Ornamental grasses
- Rue
- Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra)
- Siberian Irises
- Scilla
- Snowdrops
- Globe Thistle (Echinops)
- Yarrow
- Russian Sage (Perovskia)
- Monkshood (Aconitum)
- Periwinkle (Vinca)
- Rock Rose (Helianthemum)
- Hellebores (Lenten Roses)
- Sunflower (Helianthus)
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
- Yucca
Do chipmunks eat marigolds?
Chipmunks generally tend to avoid marigolds, however, no flower is 100% chipmunk-proof.
How To Protect Your Flowers From Chipmunks?
If you’re looking for ways to deter chipmunks from eating your flowers, there are some humane methods you can try. How to stop chipmunks from eating flowers? Let’s explore some options:
Physical Barriers:
- Fencing: Install a fence around your garden to prevent chipmunks from entering. Make sure the fence is at least two feet high and buried several inches deep to prevent digging.
- Netting: Drape netting over the plants to prevent chipmunks from reaching them.
- Chicken Wire: Create a barrier around the garden with chicken wire. This is a great option if you don’t want to install a fence.
Natural Deterrents:
- Plant Daffodils: Chipmunks dislike the scent of daffodil bulbs, so planting them around the garden can help ward them off.
- Garlic and Spices: Sprinkle garlic, cayenne pepper, or other strong-smelling spices around the garden to keep chipmunks at bay.
- Predator Urine: Place predator urine around the garden to scare off chipmunks. You can buy this from gardening stores or online.
- Decoys: use a decoy of a predator to scare the chipmunks. Owls are particularly effective.
One of the most effective ways to deter chipmunks is to plant natural deterrents around your garden. Plants such as daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums contain a compound called lycorine which repels chipmunks. Additionally, you can plant mint, lavender, and other strong-smelling herbs around your garden borders to confuse chipmunks and deter them from your flowers.
Repellents:
- Noise makers: Wind chimes or aluminum pie pans hung around the garden can startle and deter chipmunks.
- Sonic Repellents: Some devices emit high-frequency vibrations or sounds that deter chipmunks from entering the garden. Ultrasonic devices are particularly effective in repelling chipmunks.
- Chemical Repellents: Spray around the garden with a commercial repellent that contains capsaicin, predator urine, or castor oil.
- Coffee grounds: wait, will coffee grounds keep chipmunks away? Do coffee grounds deter chipmunks? Yes, chipmunks don’t like their smell so they will tend to avoid the area. However, keep in mind that this will not stop a hungry chipmunk!
Other Practices:
- Clear Debris: Remove piles of rocks, woodpiles, or other debris near the garden, as these can provide hiding places for chipmunks.
- Keep Garden Clean: Clean up fallen fruits or veggies from the garden as this can attract chipmunks.
- Raised Beds: Growing plants in raised beds can make it difficult for chipmunks to burrow and damage roots.
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders
Trapping:
If all else fails, then you can consider trapping and relocating the chipmunks. However, make sure to check your local laws and regulations about wildlife relocation beforehand.
Live Traps: You can purchase a live trap to catch and release the chipmunks elsewhere. Make sure to properly release them in a wooded area far from your garden.
Make sure to release them at least five miles away from your home to prevent them from returning to your garden. When baiting the traps, you can use sunflower seeds or peanut butter to attract the chipmunks.
FAQ
What scent do chipmunks dislike the most?
Chipmunks are a nuisance for gardeners as they can devour fruits and dig up plants. However, there are ways to keep them at bay. One of the most effective methods is to use scents that chipmunks dislike. Common options include cayenne pepper, garlic, mint, and coffee grounds. By sprinkling these scents around your garden, you can create a hostile environment that chipmunks will avoid. Additionally, planting flowers such as daffodils and marigolds can also help deter these pesky rodents.
Which flowers are disliked by chipmunks?
Chipmunks tend to avoid certain types of flowering plants, such as French marigolds and daffodils due to the unappealing scent and taste. These plants act as natural deterrence and can help keep chipmunks away from your garden. Choosing the right plants can also help enhance the overall aesthetics of your garden while keeping it chipmunk-free.
How to stop chipmunks from nibbling on flower buds?
To deter chipmunks from snacking on your flower buds, consider using natural repellents like hot pepper, garlic, or mint. You may also want to try planting certain flower varieties like daffodils and French marigolds that the rodents tend to avoid. Creating an unwelcoming environment for chipmunks with loud noises or sound-emitting devices can also help keep them at bay. And for acid-loving plants, sprinkle coffee grounds around the base as an additional deterrent. Remember, while chipmunks may be pesky garden visitors, they typically don’t cause structural damage.
Do chipmunks harm flowers?
Chipmunks are not known for causing any structural damage, but they may occasionally feast on fruits and nuts and dig up spring bulbs. However, there is no evidence to suggest that they destroy flowers. It is, therefore, important to implement effective measures like using deterrents and creating a hostile environment to keep chipmunks away from gardens and minimize any potential damage they may cause.
Conclusion
So, do chipmunks eat flowers? The answer is yes, but it’s not their go-to food choice. Chipmunks are generalists and will eat whatever is available in their environment, including flowers. However, they are primarily nut, seed, fruit, and insect eaters, so if you’re worried about them munching on your prized peonies, rest assured that it’s not likely to happen often.
That being said, if you’re determined to keep chipmunks out of your garden, there are plenty of ways to deter them from digging up your plants. From using natural scents and repellents to installing physical barriers, there are a variety of methods that can be highly effective. So, next time you find yourself wondering “do chipmunks eat flowers?”, don’t panic. With a little bit of effort and some clever tactics, you can keep your garden chipmunk-free and enjoy your blooms all season long!
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