As someone who has spent years observing and interacting with squirrels, I can confidently say that yes, squirrels do eat figs! But there are a few things you need to know before providing them as food. In this blog post, I will explain what you should consider when feeding figs to squirrels so that you can make sure they get the most out of their meal.
Yes, squirrels do eat figs! The sweet flavor and soft texture of figs make them a favorite snack for these little critters. In addition to the flesh of the fruit, squirrels will munch on the leaves, stem, and even suck out the nectar inside fig flowers. Finally, squirrels will eat immature figs as well as buds.
Do Squirrels Eat Figs?
Squirrels are omnivorous animals and their diet is varied. They eat a variety of foods from nuts, fruits, fungi to small insects. So, do squirrels eat figs? Yes they do! There is evidence that many species of squirrel use fig trees as a food source.
Nutritional Benefits of Figs for Squirrels
Squirrels can benefit nutritionally from eating figs, as they are a nutritious snack filled with vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Figs contain thiamin, which helps the body use carbohydrates for energy production and boosts heart health. They also contain magnesium which is essential for strong bones, healthy skin, and overall cellular health. The high fibre content of figs helps regulate digestion and keeps squirrels feeling fuller longer. Eating figs can be beneficial to squirrels in more ways than one!
How to Protect Your Fig Tree from Squirrels
Squirrels can wreak havoc on fig trees and other fruit and nut bearing plants. Their constant digging and gnawing can damage the bark and roots, reducing the tree’s ability to produce healthy fruit. Fortunately, there are several methods for protecting your fig tree from these pests.
1. Wire Cage
Wrapping a wire cage around the trunk of your fig tree is an effective way to protect it against squirrels. The mesh wire should be sturdy enough that they cannot chew through it or climb over it. This method works well but will require periodic maintenance to repair any damage caused by weather or rust.
However, if you don’t like to see such fences in your garden, other alternative deterrents may work better for you.
2. Squirrel Repellant
Using natural repellants such as mint, garlic or cayenne pepper oil can provide some control over squirrel populations that may be attempting to feed off of your fig tree. Spraying these products around areas where you have seen squirrel activity will create an unpleasant odor for them and potentially deter them from coming back.
- Purchase repellents with high active ingredient percentages for long term protection for your plant’s health.
- Reapplication may be necessary during prolonged wet periods or after heavy rainfall events.
3. Owl Decoy
An owl makes realistic sounds when activated which can scare away squirrels who detect movement in its vicinity. It is best placed near entrances into fig branches which may serve as points of access for invading pests. Electronic owls are easy to set up, operate with batteries, and are recognized by wild animals quickly. They come in various sizes, depending on what type of area needs protection.
- Place the owls close to problem areas while still maintaining a safe distance from little kids who may wish to explore this new toy!
- Test out how loudly your device produces sound before leaving it unattended – too much noise could disturb pet owners nearby.
- Conduct weekly check-ins on battery levels or replace rechargeable batteries when needed.
4. Bowl of Fruit and Nuts
Protecting your fig tree from squirrels can be a tricky business. A bowl of fruit and nuts is one way to deter them. Place the bowl beneath the tree, and use as bait to lure critters away from your precious crop. The fruits and nuts you choose should be ones that attract squirrels, such as sunflower seeds, walnuts or peanuts. But make sure they haven’t been treated with pesticides!
5. Squirrel Trap
If you’re looking to protect your fig tree from pesky squirrels, trapping could be a solution. However, it’s important to bear in mind that as effective as trapping can be in reducing damage done by small mammals, there may be unintended consequences such as new ones arriving to take their place.
Also, make sure to check the local laws of your state if you are in the USA or Canada, because some states may have limitations and sanctions.
6. Aluminum Foil
To protect fig trees from squirrels, there are several options that can be explored. Aluminum foil can be used to cover the trunks of trees to deter squirrels from climbing or entering them. Just make sure to also trim any nearby tree branches to avoid squirrels from jumping directly from one tree to another.
7. Get a Dog or a Cat
Dogs and cats are predators, so the squirrels will stay clear of your fig tree when they are around. Especially dogs are very likely to chase squirrels out of your property if they try to enter.
8. Motion-Activated Sprinklers & Ultrasound
Another deterrent to keep squirrels away from your fruit trees is to install motion-activated sprinklers an/or an ultrasound deterrent for wildlife. Those devices are used to scare wild animals away when they try to enter your yard. They can be very effective in keeping the squirrels out of your garden, but they can also be expensive.
FAQ
Do birds consume figs as part of their diet?
Yes, birds do eat figs! Many species of fruit-eating birds are attracted to ripe figs when they are ready to eat. These include orioles, waxwings, bluebirds, warblers and vireos. Figs play an important role in sustaining wildlife and their habitats as they provide nourishment for a variety of creatures.
Do figs provide a beneficial food source for wild animals?
Figs are an important food source for many species of wildlife. They provide a rich, nutritious meal that birds, insects, and other animals rely on. Figs are also high in calcium, iron, and minerals which can be beneficial for the overall health of any wildlife species.
In addition to providing nutrition, fig trees provide much-needed shelter from predators and extreme weather conditions. It is common to see flocks of birds resting in the branches of these ancient trees while they wait out storms or take refuge from the heat.
What steps should be taken to ensure a fig tree’s wellbeing?
To keep a fig tree healthy, it’s important to give it plenty of sunlight—especially during the summer. Additionally, you should add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks in spring and summer and keep its soil moist. During wintertime, move your fig tree indoors and maintain consistent moisture levels. With these steps, you can ensure your fig tree is healthy all year round!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the burning question of “Do squirrels eat figs?” is a resounding yes! Nature-loving folks can rest easy knowing that our furry friends are enjoying this delicious, nutritious snack just like us. So if you’re looking for tasty treats for your backyard squirrels, giving them some figs is an excellent option.
Not only will they enjoy the taste of these natural snacks, but they can benefit from all of the nutrients and vitamins in figs. Before you provide squirrels with a treat like figs in your backyard, always make sure to check local laws first and ensure you’re doing so in a safe and responsible way.
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