Do Squirrels Eat Grass? (and DAMAGE Your Lawn)

Squirrel diets have always fascinated me, and I’ve spent several years observing these fascinating creatures in different parts of the world. Today, I want to delve into the age-old question: do squirrels eat grass? Let’s uncover the truth about what these little acrobats really include in their diets.

Do Squirrels Eat Grass?

When it comes to the dietary habits of squirrels, there is often curiosity about whether or not these adorable creatures consume grass. While squirrels are primarily omnivores, with a diet that includes seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and small birds, they have been known to eat grass on occasion. However, it’s important to note that grass is not a staple food for squirrels and is typically consumed under specific circumstances.

Reasons Why Squirrels Might Be Eating Your Grass

While grass is not a significant component of a squirrel’s diet, it can serve as an alternative food source when preferred options are scarce. During periods of harsh weather conditions or food shortages, squirrels may turn to grass as a temporary solution. Grass can provide squirrels with some nutritional value, such as fiber, although it may not be as nutrient-dense as their primary food sources.

Another reason for squirrels to eat grass is the need for additional nutrients or fiber, especially during certain stages of their life cycle.

How squirrels use grass

Squirrels interact with grass in various ways, depending on their specific needs and circumstances. Sometimes, squirrels may eat grass directly, while in other situations, they may use it for nesting material or as camouflage. Grass can provide squirrels with shelter and protection, especially when constructing nests or hiding from potential predators.

Squirrel damage on Lawns and Grass Seed

You may have spotted some squirrels foraging on your lawn. But can they damage your grass?

Do Squirrels Damage Lawns?

While squirrels may occasionally eat grass, the impact of their consumption on overall lawn health is usually minimal. Squirrels generally prefer other food sources and are unlikely to cause noticeable damage to your grass.

Additionally, squirrels may occasionally dig up food from their stash. This activity may lead to a number of small holes being left in your yard. However, those holes are usually small and the grass should be able to simply grow back by itself.

Do Squirrels Eat Grass Seeds?

If you are trying to grow a new lawn from grass seed, squirrels can become a significant challenge. They are known to dig up grass seeds, leading to poor germination and sparse growth.

If you’ve recently planted grass seed, it’s essential to take precautions to protect it from squirrels. Their voracious appetite for seeds can result in patchy or stunted grass growth. Utilizing strategies to deter squirrels or creating physical barriers can help safeguard your grass seeds and promote successful lawn establishment. Later in the article, I will also go through the best ways to keep squirrels out of your yard.

How to Identify Squirrel Damage on Your Lawn

If you suspect squirrel activity in your yard, here are some signs to look out for:

• Small holes throughout your lawn, where squirrels have cached or dug up their food. These holes are typically around 1-2 inches in diameter and may go unnoticed if you’re not actively looking for them.
• Disturbed areas with displaced grass or soil, indicating digging or foraging behavior
• Stripped bark or chewed twigs on trees or shrubs near your lawn
• Visible squirrel droppings, resembling small, dark pellets
• Flattened or trampled grass patches where squirrels have created pathways or feeding areas

By observing these signs, you can get a better understanding of whether squirrels are causing damage to your lawn and take appropriate measures to address the issue.

It is important to note that also other animals like rabbits can cause damage to your lawn. However, the signs left by rabbits are different compared to the one I just described.

Deter Squirrels from Eating Grass and Grass Seeds

While squirrels may occasionally feed on grass, it’s essential to prevent them from causing damage to your lawn. Fortunately, there are several effective techniques you can employ to deter squirrels from eating grass and grass seeds.

1. Physical barriers

Installing physical barriers is one of the most effective techniques to keep squirrels away from your grass and grass seeds. Wire mesh fencing or plastic netting can be placed around your lawn to create a barrier that prevents squirrels from accessing the area. Ensure that the fencing or netting is buried at least several inches deep to deter squirrels from burrowing under it.

Alternatively, you can protect your newly planted grass seeds by covering the area with a layer of straw or mulch. This not only provides a physical barrier but also helps retain moisture, promoting optimal seed germination.

Here are the best physical barriers against squirrels:

2. Ultrasonic devices

Ultrasonic devices offer the most effective solution to safeguard your yard and deter squirrels from causing harm to your lawn. Emitting high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans, these devices create an unwelcome sonic environment for squirrels.

With their ability to disrupt the squirrels’ communication and scare them out, these ultrasonic devices ensure a peaceful and damage-free yard, allowing your lawn to flourish undisturbed. And the nice perk is that ultrasounds can’t be heard by humans, but squirrels can hear them loud and clear!

Here’s the best ultrasonic device to deter squirrels. It’s motion activated, and solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about batteries.

3. Natural deterrents

One approach to discourage squirrels from feeding on your lawn is to utilize natural deterrents. Certain plants and substances are known to repel squirrels due to their strong scents or tastes. For example, planting daffodils, marigolds, or hyacinths around your lawn can help deter squirrels. These flowers emit a scent that squirrels find unpleasant, discouraging them from venturing into your yard. Also, herbs like mint are very effective.

Additionally, substances like cayenne pepper or hot pepper flakes, and mint-based repellents can be sprinkled on the grass to create an aversive taste for squirrels. However, it’s important to reapply these substances regularly, especially after rain or watering, to maintain their effectiveness.

4. motion Activated sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers can be a highly effective tool in deterring squirrels from your lawn, especially when you’re unable to monitor the area constantly. These sprinklers are equipped with motion sensors that detect the presence of squirrels and activate a quick burst of water, startling them and driving them away.

By using motion detector sprinklers, you can create an environment where squirrels, deer, and other wildlife are discouraged from approaching your lawn. The sudden spray of water startles the squirrels and conditions them to avoid your yard. However, keep in mind that these sprinklers may need to be properly adjusted to ensure they cover the desired area effectively.

Here’s the best motion activated sprinkler to protect your lawn from squirrels:

5. Decoys

Using decoys is a clever strategy to keep squirrels out of your yard and prevent them from damaging your lawn. By placing realistic decoys resembling predators, such as owls or hawks, in your yard, you create an illusion of danger for squirrels. This discourages them from venturing into your space, keeping them at bay and preserving the integrity of your beautiful lawn. Decoys provide a natural and harmless way to protect your yard and maintain a serene outdoor environment.

Just remember to periodically move your decoys around, so that squirrels will not get used to them.

Here’s the best decoy to scare squirrels away from your yard:

6. Feed the squirrels

It may sound counterintuitive, but feeding squirrels can be a delightful way to deter them from damaging your lawn. By providing a designated feeding area with squirrel-friendly food, you redirect their attention and offer an appealing alternative.

This not only keeps them occupied but also satisfies their natural foraging instincts. With a regular supply of nutritious food, the delightful creatures are less likely to dig up your lawn in search of sustenance, ensuring harmony between your yard and the playful squirrels that inhabit it.

1. Choose a specific spot in your yard where you want to attract the squirrels. This can be a corner, a secluded area, or even a tree stump.
2. Clear the area of any potential hazards or obstacles that may harm the squirrels, such as sharp objects or poisonous plants.
3. Provide a variety of squirrel-friendly food items, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits. You can place these food items in trays or feeders to make them easily accessible for squirrels.
4. Add elements that mimic a natural squirrel habitat, such as tree branches, logs, or rocks, to create a welcoming environment for them.
5. Regularly maintain and replenish the food and water sources in the squirrel-friendly area to ensure the squirrels keep coming back.

Here’s what you need to set up a squirrels feeding area:

7. Keeping Your Garden Clean

Maintaining a clean and well-maintained lawn is essential for discouraging squirrels from causing damage and invading your property. Regular lawn cleanup plays a vital role in creating an environment that is less appealing to squirrels.

By removing fallen leaves, branches, and other debris from your lawn, you reduce the potential hiding spots and food sources for squirrels. Clearing away clutter also makes it easier to spot and address any signs of squirrel activity.

Furthermore, keeping your lawn clean promotes the overall health and growth of your grass and plants. It allows for proper airflow, sunlight penetration, and water absorption, which are essential for maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders

One of the most important things you should do is secure your bird feeders. You can do this in many ways, here are the best solutions:

If you already have a bird feeder and you don’t want to replace it, then there are some alternative solutions that you can apply to your existing setup:

How maintaining a neat environment can dissuade squirrel intrusions

In addition to regular lawn cleanup, maintaining a neat environment in your yard can dissuade squirrels from intruding on your property. Here are some tips to help create an environment that is less attractive to squirrels:

• Trim tree branches that are close to your house to limit access points for squirrels.
• Remove any fallen fruits or vegetables from your garden to prevent squirrels from being lured into the area.
• Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting squirrels with potential food sources.
• Seal any gaps or openings in your house’s exterior to prevent squirrels from entering.

By maintaining a tidy and well-kept environment, you can significantly reduce the chances of squirrels causing damage or seeking refuge in your yard.

8. Unconventional deterrents

In addition to the aforementioned techniques, there are several unconventional deterrents you may consider to further discourage squirrels from disturbing your lawn. These include placing reflective objects, such as aluminum foil or old CDs, around your yard. The flashing light and noise created by these reflective surfaces can unsettle squirrels and make them less likely to approach your lawn.

Conclusion

So, do squirrels eat grass? Yes, they do, but it’s not exactly their go-to snack. These cunning little creatures have a diverse palate that includes seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and even small birds. However, when times get tough and food becomes scarce, squirrels aren’t afraid to nibble on some grass blades.

Next time you spot a squirrel chomping on a bit of greenery, remember that it’s probably not their first choice. They’re just doing what they can to survive and make it through those harsh weather conditions or challenging periods of food shortages. After all, squirrels are resourceful critters that will do whatever it takes to fill their bellies, even if it means occasionally resorting to grass as a last resort. So, let’s salute these tenacious little foragers and appreciate their adaptability!

You may also be interested in reading:

• Do Squirrels Eat Meat? (WHY and WHAT?)
• Do Squirrels Eat Grubs? (Keep Your Lawn SAFE!)
• Do Squirrels Eat Plants? (and How to PROTECT Your Garden)