Have you ever wondered if squirrels really eat crab apples? I, with my several years of experience observing and interacting with these fascinating creatures all around the world, can assure you that yes – squirrels definitely enjoy snacking on crab apples! This protein-rich snack provides a notorious treat for our furry friends.
Squirrels are known to eat crab apples, either alone or when in combination with other foods. While they may prefer the sweeter varieties, this does not mean they avoid the tartness of the crab apple altogether. In fact, crab apples make a nutritious and protein-rich snack for squirrels.
Do Squirrels Eat Crab Apples?
Squirrels are omnivorous creatures, meaning they eat both fruits and nuts. They have been known to eat a range of things from grains to insects, but their diet mainly consists of fruits and nuts. Despite the tartness of crab apples, they make a delicious snack for squirrels.
In the wild, squirrels will often search out crab apples as they are filled with important vitamins and minerals that help keep them healthy. The nutritional value in crab apples can provide the squirrels with essential compounds that help to regulate their growth and metabolism.
Squirrels’ Diet: Fruits And Nuts
For a balanced diet, squirrels need to get an ample amount of protein-rich foods. Fruits like apples contain a significant portion of nutrients that provide essential antioxidants and vitamins. Nuts also provide an important source of protein, fat, fiber, and other important micronutrients.
- Fruits like apples provide antioxidants and vitamins
- Nuts are a great source of protein, fat, fiber, and other important micronutrients
Nutritional Value Of Crab Apples
Crab apples are packed full of vitamins and minerals that can benefit any animal but especially squirrels. The fruit is often naturally high in vitamin C which helps maintain health by strengthening the immune system. Additionally, the flesh contains fructose which provides energy when broken down into glucose.
Also, high in dietary fiber, the seeds inside of crab apples offer helpful fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids that improve digestive health. The fiber helps the body regulate its metabolism too. In many ways this small fruit can be considered a superfood for squirrels!
How to keep squirrels out of your garden
1. Physical Barriers
Squirrels are great climbers and jumpers, so adding a fence isn’t always enough. Consider using a wire cage around individual plants or placing netting over your entire garden to deter squirrels from entering.
Here are the best physical barriers to keep squirrels at bay:
2. Repellents
Repellents like hot pepper or predator urine can make your garden smell unpleasant to squirrels. You can also try planting herbs like rosemary and mint, which squirrels dislike.
Here’s the best natural squirrel repellent for you:
3. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves interplanting crops to either attract beneficial insects or repel pests. Marigolds, garlic, and alliums are effective at repelling squirrels, so consider planting those alongside your produce.
Here are the best plants that you can use to keep squirrels out of your garden:
4. Ultrasonic Deterrent Devices
Ultrasound technology can emit high-frequency noises that squirrels find unbearable, causing them to flee from your garden. Just make sure the device is placed close enough to the garden to be effective.
Here’s the best ultrasonic squirrel repellent. It’s motion-activated and solar-powered:
5. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Set up motion-activated sprinklers to scare off squirrels with bursts of water. This also saves you from having to water your garden as frequently.
Here’s the best motion-activated sprinkler for your garden, it also works well for deer, rabbits, and other wildlife:
6. Remove Attractants
Make sure to clean up fallen fruits and seeds from your garden, as these attract squirrels. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders to prevent them from climbing up and stealing birdseed.
7. Decoy Predators
Place fake predators like owl statues or snake decoys throughout your garden to give squirrels the impression that predators are nearby. This can be particularly effective at night.
Here’s the best owl decoy to scare the squirrels and protect your garden.
8. Feeding and watering squirrels
Providing squirrels with food and water can help deter them from digging up your garden in search of sustenance. Consider setting up a squirrel feeding station away from your garden.
You can provide water to the squirrels using this bird bath:
Also, why not feed the squirrels in style? Just place this far away from your crab apples:
9. Get a dog or cat
Dogs and cats are natural predators and will keep squirrels away from your garden. Just make sure to supervise their interactions to ensure your pets and squirrels stay safe.
10. Trapping
If all else fails, set up a humane trap to relocate squirrels to a different location. Make sure to check your local laws regarding trapping and relocating wildlife.
If you need to live trap some squirrels, here’s the best trap for you:
How To Feed Squirrels Crab Apples?
When feeding squirrels crab apples, it is important to remember certain safety practices. Apple cores should be avoided due to their sharp edges which could hurt or harm them while they’re trying to chew on it.
Avoid Apple Cores
It’s best to cut up pieces into thin slices so that they’re easier to consume without being at risk for injury by biting off chunks which may contain a core. Keep feeders away from possible predators like cats or dogs who could take advantage of an easy meal if left unattended.
Keep Feeders Away From Predators
In order for squirrels to get better access to the food you are offering them it is recommended you keep bird feeders away from them as birds tend startle easily when sharing spaces with squirrels. That way there won’t be competition over resources between species.
Draw Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders
To keep squirrels away from bird feeders, try to draw them away with other food sources. Offer peanut butter and sunflower seeds on a platform feeder, as both are favorites of squirrels. Place the platform feeder several feet away from the bird feeder. You may also place apple slices, nuts and rolled oats into a wire mesh “squirrel-proof” feeder. This will allow squirrels to enjoy their treats without interfering with the birds’ food source.
Do Squirrels Eat All Types Of Apples?
In addition to eating natural wild crabs apples. Do squirrels also enjoy regular store bought varieties? Absolutely! In moderation squirrels can benefit from all types of apples. Depending on their taste preferences each squirrel may have its own favorite variety.
Regular, Store Bought Apples
Squirrels tend to favor apples with sweeter flavors like Red Delicious or Golden Delicious, although they may also enjoy tart flavors like Granny Smith and Braeburn apples. Cutting the apples into thin slices allows squirrels to nibble on them at their own pace, and can make for an exciting snack for them. It is important to be cautious when feeding squirrels and to watch out for any moldy fruit, as consuming large quantities of it could be harmful to the animals.
FAQ
Do deer consume crab apples as food?
Deer often visit crab apple trees, as the fruit offers a sweet snack. While deer do not primarily feed on crab apples, they may nibble on them occasionally. Additionally, leaving remnants of the fallen fruit on the ground can be beneficial as it can help attract mice and keep them away from your property.
Do animals such as mice and rats visit crab apple trees?
Crab apple trees undoubtedly attract rodents such as mice. The sweet-tasting fruit of the tree lures them to the area, providing an easy source of food for them. Additionally, these trees can also provide a safe haven for rodents to build their nests, further exacerbating the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, do squirrels eat crab apples? The answer is yes! Squirrels enjoy the tartness of crab apples as a nutritious and protein-rich snack. Although they may prefer the sweeter varieties of crab apples, they do not avoid the tartness completely.
Therefore, wildlife enthusiasts or anyone looking to feed backyard wildlife can feel safe in offering crab apples to curious squirrels. So, next time you’re wondering ‘Do squirrels eat crab apples?’, the answer is an emphatic ‘Yes!’
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