As a passionate expert of squirrels and a nature lover, I have had the privilege of observing and interacting with these delightfully curious creatures all around the world. Through my years of experience, I’m here to answer the question: do squirrels eat begonias? Here’s what you need to know! Allowing me to give you an authoritative yet humble insight into this fascinating topic.
Squirrels typically eat nuts, seeds and fruits. However, they can also sometimes be seen eating flowers including begonias. Begonias are sometimes eaten by squirrels because they can provide the squirrels with a source of minerals. In addition, some begonia species also have edible tubers that squirrels may eat.
Do Squirrels Eat Begonias?
Squirrels are often seen nibbling away at nuts, berries, and other plant materials. They can also be attracted to the juicy leaves of begonias, especially during times of food scarcity. But do squirrels actually eat begonias? The answer is both yes and no.
In general, squirrels prefer to eat a variety of things, such as nuts, fruits, seeds, buds, and insects. Additionally, they may consume the occasional flower or vegetative part from plants such as begonias. While it’s possible for them to munch on begonia leaves or stems occasionally, it’s not likely that they would make a meal out of them regularly.
What Do Squirrels Normally Eat?
The diet of squirrels varies widely depending on the species and their geographic location. Generally speaking, they feed on items such as:
- Nuts
- Berries
- Buds and twigs of trees
- Mushrooms
- Grasses and grains
- Seeds
- Fruits and vegetables
- Insects like caterpillars and beetles
What Nutrients Do Begonias Provide?
Begonias are known for having fragrant flowers and showy foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and white. In addition to being beautiful plants to look at, begonias also provide many essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to animals.
Do Squirrels Prefer Certain Varieties Of Begonias?
Although all types of begonias can be attractive to squirrels due to their juicy stems and leaves, certain varieties tend to be more appealing than others. For example, wax-leaf begonia has thick waxy foliage that tastes sweet yet bitter making it alluring for these rodents. Likewise, Rex begonia with its distinctive veined patterned foliage also tends to attract squirrels searching for something crunchy or juicy to snack on.
How To Deter Squirrels From Eating Begonias?
Squirrels may be cute and entertaining, but they can wreak havoc in your garden! Squirrels are known to eat the blossoms and petals of flowers, as well as other plants. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to protect your precious flowers and plants from these pesky critters.
1. Create A Physical Barrier
The most effective way to keep squirrels away is to install a fence around the plants and flowers you want to protect. The fence should be about 4-6 feet high and buried at least six inches into the ground. For extra protection, electric fences are available that provide an additional shock to keep the squirrels from jumping over or climbing the fence. This can be especially helpful if your area has particularly persistent and determined squirrels.
2. Use A Repellent
Mothballs, garlic spray and hot pepper wax have all been used as deterrents for squirrels:
- Mothballs have a strong odor that squirrels find unappealing.
- Hot pepper wax or spray is also a great option, as it won’t harm animals or plants but will repel squirrels by irritate their nose when they come close. Using an organic hot pepper spray will make it less attractive for squirrels and other animals to snack on your plants. These special sprays are made from oils derived from cayenne peppers, white pepper, chili pepper conconction and jalapeno peppers mixed with water.
- Garlic spray has a spicy flavor that is not welcome in most yards. All you need is some garlic cloves, water and liquid dish soap mixed together in a spray bottle. Be sure to apply this every few days for maximum effectiveness.
The intense smell and heat emitted by these sprays makes it hard for animals to swallow food covered in such oils which will help discourage them from visiting your blooms regularly. Be sure not to spray too much directly onto the flowers and plants.
3. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Another great way to discourage unwanted visitors is by using scarecrow (motion activated) sprinklers in your garden. These motion-sensitive sprinklers emit a sudden burst of water when they detect movement, providing an unpleasant surprise for animals looking for a snack! If you don’t want to invest in one of these devices, you can always rig up a homemade version with some household items.
4. Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices emit sound waves at frequencies beyond our ability to hear that have been shown to be effective at keeping many pests away from gardens. While these devices may work on smaller animals like mice and voles, larger animals such as squirrels tend to be more resistant. However, some homeowners have reported success with ultrasonic devices, so it might still be worth trying out.
5. Remove Attractants
- Remove Any Fallen Fruit: Fruit or nuts left underneath trees can attract curious wildlife such as squirrels. This includes fallen fruits and nuts from trees nearby such as pine cones, apples or acorns.
- Keep Your Yard Free Of Inviting Food Sources: It’s important that you keep food sources away from areas where rodents might hide; this means never leaving pet food outdoors overnight or using bird feeders that are not squirrel-proof.
6. Unappealing Plants
Squirrels are often drawn to flowers and other plants because of the sweet smell and attractive colors. To make your flowers unappealing to squirrels, try planting varieties with a pungent smell, like garlic, onions, chili peppers, and mint: squirrels hate those plants and will likely stay clear!
7. Decoy Statues
Large decoy statues can be used to scare off squirrels from your yard. The presence of the statues may make the squirrels feel they are being watched and thus deter them from approaching the plants and flowers. However, it is important to remember that this is not a fool-proof method, as the statues need to be placed strategically and periodically moved around, in order to effectively frighten off the little critters.
8. Coffee Grounds
Squirrels don’t like the smell of coffee grounds, so why not mix your used coffee gronds with the soil around your plants and flowers? This will make the surrounding environment less pleasant for squirrels and make it less likely for them to decide to stop by for a snack.
In addition, if you are environmentally conscious, consider that this will also reduce waste, be better for the environment and provide some nutrients for your plants.
9. Hard Ground Cover
A hard ground cover can be an effective way to help protect flowers and plants from squirrels. By placing a dense, thick ground cover near the plants, it will create a physical barrier that squirrels may find uncomfortable to traverse. This can range from mulch and wood chips to gravel or rocks. This will also make it more difficult for them to bury and stash away food, so the area will become less appealing to them.
10. Provide A Feeder
If you want to keep squirrels away from your flowers without resorting to fencing, consider placing a squirrel feeder in your yard. Fill the feeder with seeds and nuts that the squirrels enjoy, and they’ll help themselves while staying away from your plants. That way, you can protect your plants and flowers while still letting the pesky critters enjoy a tasty snack.
11. Encourage Natural Predators
Encourage natural predators to visit your garden to help keep squirrels away from your flowers. Install bird feeders, houses and plant flowers that attract birds and other wildlife. Additionally, an owl or hawk decoy may be helpful in deterring squirrels. Be sure to check local laws and regulations before doing so.
12. Grow Plants That Squirrels LIKE
Grow plants that squirrels are likely to enjoy. Plant a variety of nuts, and berries that will attract them. They will be more likely to snack on these than on your beautiful flowers. Be sure to include sunflower seeds, peanuts, hickory nuts, safflower seeds, and mulberries. If you want to make the environment even more inviting for these critters, create a water feature in an open area for them to cool off and drink in the summer months.
13. CDs or Aluminum Pans to Reflect Light & Sound Away from Plantings
Another way to protect your garden from animal intruders like squirrels is by using materials that reflect light and sound away from their location. Repurposing old CDs as pinwheels suspended near your flowers can work well for this purpose. Their movement creates flashes of sunlight which startles away walking and flying critters including those looking for a quick bite.
Shiny aluminum pie plates hung around plants also create sudden flashes reflected off the surrounding terrain whenever wind gusts stir up their motion; this serves as an effective deterrent against unwanted visitors.
14. Delay Planting Time
As last resort measure try delaying the planting season until late summer, after the majority of young squirrels have grown up and left their mother’s nest before considering re-planting in early spring again, when feeding behaviors become stronger amongst adults during mating season.
Insects That Eat Begonias
Begonias are beautiful and vibrant plants, but they can also be prone to insect infestation. There are a variety of insects that can feed on Begonias, including scale insects, mealybugs, white flies, and aphids. In order to protect your Begonias from these pests, it is important to take steps to keep them away.
Do Scale Insects Eat Begonias?
Scale insects are small creatures that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of plants and feed off their juices. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and eventually the death of Begonia plants. To control scale insects on your Begonia plants, you can use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap solutions. You should apply any treatments at least twice for full efficacy.
Do Mealybugs Eat Begonias?
Mealybugs are tiny creatures that feed on the sap from leaves or stems of plants and create a waxy substance around themselves as protection. The best way to get rid of mealybugs is by using either mechanical methods such as wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using systemic insecticides. It is important to test the plant before applying any insecticides because they can be destructive to other beneficial insects in the garden.
Do White flies Eat Begonias?
Whiteflies are small flying insects that feed on the sap from begonia plants causing them stress and damage over time. To control white fly populations on begonia plants, you can set up yellow sticky traps around them or spray an insecticidal soap solution onto affected areas. Additionally, planting marigolds near the begonia bed can also act as a natural repellent for white flies.
Do Aphids Eat Begonias?
Aphids are small pear-shaped insects that suck on the nectar from flowers and young shoots of Begonia plants damaging the foliage over time. To control aphid populations on your Begonia plants you can use either mechanical methods such as removing them by hand or spraying an insecticidal soap solution onto affected areas. Additionally, planting garlic chives next to begonias will help keep aphids away since they don’t like the scent it gives off.
What Types Of Deterrents Work?
- Yellow sticky traps – These traps attract white flies which then stick to them preventing them from attacking your Begonia plant.
- Insecticidal soap solution – Spraying insecticidal soap solution will keep white flies away from Begonia plants.
FAQ
Do deer or rabbits consume begonias as food?
Rabbits and deer can eat begonias. Rabbits may try to nibble on young or newly planted begonias as they are more appealing in this state. Therefore, it is important to take precautions such as using fencing or applying repellents to keep these wild animals away.
Which wild animal feeds on begonias?
Begonias are a type of flowering plant that is popular in gardens around the world. Unfortunately, these plants can be at risk of being eaten by wildlife. Common wild animals that feed on begonias include rabbits, deer, mice, voles and squirrels. To protect your begonias from these hungry critters, it’s important to take prevention measures like installing fences or motion-activated lights.
Conclusion
So, do squirrels eat begonias? The answer is yes, they can. However, it’s important to note that squirrels typically do not feed on begonias as a main food source. Begonias provide squirrels with a source of minerals which makes them an attractive snack every once in a while.
Therefore, if you have begonias growing in your garden then it’s likely that at some point a squirrel may start snacking on them. However, if you want to prevent this from happening you can use various deterrents such as sprinkling cayenne pepper or other spices around the plants to keep the inquisitive rodents away!
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