As someone who has been closely observing, researching and interacting with squirrels all around the world, I can confidently say that they don’t like geraniums. In this blog post, I’ll be exploring what they typically tend to consume and the implications of having them in your garden or backyard. So if you’re wondering “Do Squirrels Eat Geraniums?”, then you’ve come to the right place!
No, squirrels do not eat geraniums, which instead is considered a valid repellent for wild animals. However, in some rare occasions, squirrels may still nibble on geraniums. Generally speaking, most squirrels feed on a variety of foods including tree nuts, fruits, insects, fungi and other plants.
It is worth noting that baby squirrels may be an exception to this general rule. Baby squirrels, much like human infants, have different dietary needs and preferences. Therefore, geraniums might appeal to their young taste buds. Care should be taken to ensure the protection of geranium plants from these adorable and curious, yet potentially nibbling little ones.
Do Squirrels Eat Geraniums?
Squirrels are often seen visiting gardens and yards around the world, but what do they really eat? Generally speaking, squirrels feed on a variety of foods including tree nuts, fruits, insects, fungi and other plants. But what about geraniums? Do squirrels eat geraniums? While there are some rare cases where they may nibble on them, generally speaking squirrels don’t eat geraniums.
Why Squirrels Don’t Eat Geraniums?
While it’s possible that some species may take a small bite out of a geranium leaf sometimes, most stay away from them altogether. This is because geranium leaves contain toxins known as saponins which can be harmful if ingested by mammals. This makes them unattractive to most potential consumers. In fact, many gardeners use geraniums as deterrent against unwanted wildlife visitors!
Do chipmunks eat geraniums?
Chipmunks are known to have a diverse diet that includes a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. While geraniums are not typically included in their preferred diet, there have been cases where chipmunks have been observed nibbling on geranium plants. However, these instances are relatively rare and generally not a significant concern for geranium gardeners.
Do Geraniums Repel Squirrels?
Do geraniums repel squirrels? Yes, they do. However, to achieve the best results it is better to combine a variety of deterrents such as physical barriers, laying chicken wire or garden stakes below the dirt, hot pepper spray, motion activated sprinklers, and spreading soap around plants.
If you are looking for ways to deter squirrels, then you will find this video interesting:
What animals eat geraniums?
Several animals may eat geraniums, particularly when other food sources are scarce. Some common culprits include rabbits, deer, slugs, snails, and certain insects like beetles and aphids.
Additionally, groundhogs, squirrels, and chipmunks might occasionally graze on geraniums, especially if they are hungry or perceive them as a tasty treat. Protecting geranium plants using barriers or repellents can help prevent damage caused by these animals.
What Do Squirrels Eat?
The diet of a squirrel depends on both their habitat and the region they live in. Common backyard varieties like gray and red squirrels usually feed on berries, nuts, buds, shoots and mushrooms as well as bird eggs and baby birds when available. They will also scavenge for food from human sources such as birdseed or even garbage if necessary.
What Plants Do Squirrels Like To Eat?
In addition to the items listed above, some species of squirrel will also consume certain kinds of plants. For example, acorns from oak trees are a favorite food source of many common varieties of squirrel. They also like to eat wild tulip bulbs and flowers such as dandelions when available.
- Acorns
- Wild tulip bulbs
- Dandelions
What Kind Of Trees Do Squirrels Like To Eat?
Trees provide squirrels with an abundance of food sources throughout the year. In addition to consuming acorns from oak trees, they also enjoy pine cones, buckeyes and hazelnuts. The seeds found in apples, pears and cherries are also a favorite snack of many species of squirrel.
- Pine cones
- Buckeyes
- Hazelnuts
Conclusion
So, to answer the question of do squirrels like geraniums? Do squirrels eat geranium plants? The answer is a resounding no! Although squirrels may be curious about trying out new foods, like geraniums, they much prefer sticking to their regular diet of tree nuts, fruits, insects, fungi and other plants.
Although it’s nice to think that Squirrels might enjoy munching on geraniums in our gardens, it’s best not to provide them with this option as they will likely stick to their normal food sources. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what squirrels do and do not eat – so when it comes to geraniums, you can rest assured that these flowers are safe!
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