Are you dealing with pesky squirrels eating your herbs? As someone with years of experience observing and interacting with squirrels all around the world, I can tell you that they do indeed enjoy eating herbs like parsley, fennel, and basil. If you’re concerned about them getting into your garden to eat plants, then this post is for you! Learn how to keep these critters away from your precious herbs fast.
Squirrels are rodents that primarily consume plant material, including nuts and seeds, as well as some insects. They also enjoy eating herbs such as parsley, fennel and basil. While squirrels do not rely specifically on herbs to fulfill their dietary needs, they find the herbs to be a flavorful and enjoyable treat.
Do Squirrels Eat Herbs?
If you’ve ever seen a squirrel nibbling on tree leaves or plants in your garden, you may be wondering: Do squirrels eat herbs? In fact, squirrels are herbivores and enjoy eating many types of herbs. The nutritional benefits of these plants provide vital fuel for their active lifestyle. But with all the plants to choose from, which herbs do squirrels eat? Read on to learn about their dietary habits and what herbs they prefer most.
Overview Of Squirrels’ Dietary Habits
Squirrels are best known as nut eaters, but they are actually omnivores that consume a mix of plant and animal foods. While nuts make up the bulk of their diet, they also enjoy consuming fruits, berries, fungi, caterpillars, eggs and insects when available. They are highly opportunistic feeders that take advantage of whatever food sources are available in their environment.
At the same time, many types of herbs offer delicious treats for squirrels. Just like humans can benefit from adding fresh herbs to a meal for flavor and nutrition, so do squirrels!
Nutritional Benefits Of Eating Herbs
Herbivorous animals such as squirrels need plenty of roughage in their diets to stay healthy. Many leafy greens contain essential vitamins and minerals that help keep them strong and energized. Greens also high in fiber aid digestion and can prevent digestive issues caused by a lack of fiber.
Herbal plants like basil have powerful antioxidants that help fight off free radicals, protecting cells from damage caused by environmental toxins. Many species also contain starchy carbohydrates that provide energy over long periods of time.
How To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Herb Garden
Removing Attractants
The first step in keeping squirrels away from your herb garden is ensuring no food sources are left open nearby for them to discover. This includes sweeping up any fallen nuts and seeds regularly so as not to attract curious critters into your garden bed.
Physical Barriers
One of the simplest ways to protect your home and garden from squirrels is by covering the plants with something like chicken wire or other protective barriers. This will keep squirrels away while still allowing sunlight and moisture to reach the soil. It’s also important to make sure any cages used are tall enough but also that they don’t block out light completely.
These covers should be applied as soon as possible after planting your garden in order to dissuade any curious critters. If you’re short on time before planting season begins, consider pre-building cages at home that can be placed over the top of flower beds swiftly when needed.
Avoid Smelly Fertilizers and Plant Among Other Plants
Another easy way to deter squirrel visitation is by decreasing odors near the flower bed. Fertilizers often create strong smells which attract squirrels, so it’ s best to opt for slow-release varieties instead. Placing potted plants around your bulbous flowers can also provide added protection since these odors may mask their presence.
Ultrasonic repellents
Those are one of the most effective ways to keep squirrels out of your garden. When squirrels get too close to your plants, this device will emit ultrasounds. Those are very annoying for the sensitive ears of squirrels, so they will usually leave immediately.
Here’s the best ultrasonic repellent for squirrels that I hand-picked for you. It is solar-powered and motion-activated.
Use Natural Repellents
Natural repellents such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, fox urine, or castor oil can help prevent scavengers from noshing on your flowers. Sprinkle this deterrent around each area you would like to protect a few times a week in order make sure it’ s effective.
Using hot pepper wax or a spray of cayenne pepper over foliage may also help keep these critters away from your garden for good. You can create the squirrel repellent spray DIY or purchase some commercially available options.
In addition, you can also spray around scents that squirrels don’t like, there are many of those that are commercially available.
Sharp Gravel
You might want to place sharp gravel around your plants as this makes it more difficult for furry critters to burrow into the earth. Alternatively, mulch your plants with a thick layer of wood chips or straw around their base. This will make it harder for squirrels to dig up your bulbs in search of a snack.
Provide Alternate Food Sources and Clean Up Areas
Adding extra food sources in nearby areas may distract the scavengers away from your home. Consider putting out unsalted nuts or fruits in feeders throughout your yard during springtime. Just bear in mind if you leave out too much food then this might actually draw more wildlife than necessary!
Additionally, reducing decaying material such as fallen leaves will limit habitats for rodents looking for shelter near flowers beds.
Get Plants and Trees That Don’t Appeal to Squirrels
Protecting your home and garden from hungry squirrels is possible! If the climate in your area allows it, plant a citrus tree as well as onions, mint, garlic, chili pepper and other spices: squirrels hate those!
Additionally, you can also use garlic powder or cayenne pepper on the soil around your yard to help repel them away.
Delay Planting Time for Maximum Protection
To protect your garden from hungry squirrels, delay planting time of your flowers until the ground is thoroughly cold and squirrels’ food sources have become scarce. Planting some crocus flowers in early autumn will also help, as you’ll be able to enjoy blooming crocus flowers before some of the more temperamental springtime weather hits.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Adding a motion activated spray device onto the fence may provide an additional layer of protection against furry burglars, although this option can be pricey. Plus, if you have any four-legged friends who like to sunbathe near the fence line, you may want to avoid this option.
Coffee Grounds
Squirrels don’t like the smell of coffee grounds, so you can put those around your garden and mix them with the soil to deter squirrels. Moreover, coffee grounds will also act as a fertilizer.
Offer Alternative Food & Water
A counterintuitive trick to keep squirrels away from your crocus bulbs is to offer them food and fresh water somewhere near your house but far enough from your flowers in your garden.
Once the squirrels will start noticing that there is a constant supply of threats and freshwater over there, they are less likely to enter your house and garden, especially if you couple this with some additional deterrent. Squirrels will prefer the food and water option that requires them less effort.
Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders and Unsavory Seed
Keep them away with squirrel-proof bird feeders and unpleasant tasting seed. Bird feeders can be found at most hardware or pet stores and are designed to keep the squirrels out while still allowing birds to access the food. To deter squirrels, use seeds that have an unpleasant taste such as hot pepper, which they won’t eat. You can also buy pre-treated bird seed mixes or make your own with cayenne pepper.
Get A Watch Dog (Or Cat!)
While no pet can completely prevent all rodent intruders, having a guard dog (or cat!) around your property has been found effective by many homeowners. Despite being domesticated animals, cats still have natural hunting instincts while dogs give off territorial smells which tell trespassers “stay away”. Training your pets regularly never hurts either, so when problem arises they quickly react with utmost confidence!
Decoy Predators
Motion-activated decoy devices can also be used as a form of auditory deterrence against unwanted invaders such as squirrels. There are decoy predators available such as predator-shaped silhouettes or stuffed animals that contain pepper oil or cinnamon powder which emit strong odors or sounds when activated by motion. These devices scare away unsuspecting trespassers.
Just remember to move the decoy around and place it in different spots or after some time the furry critters may notice that it is not a real owl.
Ultrasound & Lights
Ultrasonic devices and lights are both effective tools for protecting your yard and house from unwanted visitors. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that can scare away squirrels and other animals, while motion-activated lights can startle them with a bright flash of light when they enter an area. These solutions are easy to install and provide long-lasting protection for your trees.
Trapping & Relocating the Squirrels
As a last resort option, you may also consider trapping and releasing the squirrels in a different area. Trapping and relocating squirrels may be necessary if other methods of discouraging their presence are unsuccessful.
NOTE: check the law of your state (USA & Canada) before attempting this.
What Herbs Do Squirrels Eat?
Parsley: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, parsley is one of the more nutritious herbs for squirrels to snack on. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste that can add a zing to vegetables or meats.
Dill:Mild yet sweet-tasting dill makes an excellent addition to any herb garden because it attracts both pollinators and wildlife. The plant’s hollow stems act as a home for ants and other small creatures, plus its feathery foliage provides cover for birds.
Rosemary:Strongly scented rosemary grows year-round. Its evergreen foliage tastes strikingly similar to pine needles or eucalyptus leaves – making it an aromatic treat that many squirrels enjoy! Rosemary is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A & C.
Oregano: Oregano is another popular choice among garden visitors; its fragrant leaves full of flavor make oregano stand out! Plus, oregano is packed with antioxidants like Rosmarie acid – which helps boost the immune system.
Parsley
Squirrels love parsley and can decimate a garden in no time. To keep them away, use repellent sprays and natural predators such as cats or dogs. Consider trapping and releasing squirrels to reduce their population while abiding by local laws. If a squirrel raid is inevitable, fence or cover the herb bed with netting or plastic to protect your parsley from being eaten.
Dill
Squirrels may be tempted to eat herbs such as dill. To keep them away from your garden, try using a dog or cat as a deterrent. If that doesn’t work, you can also consider using repellent sprays or trapping and releasing squirrels. However, make sure to check applicable laws regarding game species and trapping regulations in your state first!
Rosemary
Squirrels have been known to snack on Rosemary, so if you’re looking for a way to protect your herb garden from these furry critters, there are few things you can do. You can try repellent sprays or predators, which are effective in keeping them away. Additionally, trapping and releasing squirrels is an option as well, though be sure to follow any legal guidelines governing such activities in your local area. Finally, having a dog or cat around your garden may help deter the squirrels as well.
Oregano
Squirrels are not typically known to eat oregano, but they may nibble on it if given the opportunity. If you have an issue with squirrels eating oregano in your garden, there are several options to consider. You can try using repellent sprays or introducing predators into the area which will naturally keep the squirrel population down. Another option is to trap and release squirrels as a last resort; however, this should be done with legal guidance as certain states usually have game species and trapping regulations.
Thyme
Thyme is another fragrant herb that is attractive to squirrels. A common ingredient in soups and other savory dishes, thyme has a pungent aroma that draws the rodents closer. Although this herb is rich in antioxidants, its strong taste could be detrimental in high amounts. Therefore, while viewing some thyme consumption as a normal part of their diet, it’s best not to offer too much at once lest you risk upsetting their stomachs.
It’s also important to note that larger concentrations of thyme may deter certain species from consuming it due to its bitter taste. For instance, cottontail rabbits usually avoid the herb when eaten fresh or dried. As such, strategically planting thyme around your garden might help discourage squirrels from intruding.
Basil
Basil is a popular culinary herb known for its sweet aroma and mild flavor. It is also an abundant source of vitamins and minerals like vitamins K, A and C as well as potassium and magnesium.
Squirrels are fond of basil’s unique flavor profile and often enjoy dining on this delicious herb when available. However, due to its antifungal properties, large amounts can cause diarrhea or vomiting if ingested by humans or even rodent wildlife. Moreover, basil’s volatile oils can irritate the skin or eyes depending on their individual sensitivity levels.
FAQ
Can using coffee grounds prevent squirrels from damaging plants?
Yes, coffee grounds can be an effective way of keeping squirrels away from plants. The strong aroma is unpleasant for the animals, and can make them avoid the area. Other methods such as cayenne pepper, chili flakes, and row covers may also provide protection against squirrel damage.
How can I stop squirrels from accessing my herb garden?
When it comes to protecting your herb garden from squirrels, there are several measures you can take. Try creating a barrier around the perimeter of the garden using bird netting, chicken wire, or row covers. Additionally, sprinkle coffee grounds around the area to deter them by scent. Finally, line bottom soil with hardware cloth for an extra layer of protection.
How can I protect my garden from squirrels?
To make a garden squirrel proof, there are various methods one can use. Firstly, adding coffee grounds can help with the scent and act as a natural repellent. Secondly, pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can also be used. Other options include installing row covers, bird netting or chicken wire. Lastly, hardware cloth may be used to line bottom soil, creating an effective barrier.
What is a natural solution to discourage squirrels from coming near?
Squirrels can be a nuisance in your garden, but there are some natural remedies to help keep them away. Coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, chili peppers, or pepper flakes can be used to repel squirrels from entering your garden. Additionally, you can install row covers, bird netting, or chicken wire around the perimeter of your garden as a physical deterrent.
Conclusion
It is clear that squirrels do enjoy eating herbs and are not averse to feasting on them if given the chance. This can cause an unwelcome disruption in your garden and can leave you feeling frustrated by the lack of control. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to help protect your garden from bothersome squirrels without causing any harm to the animals.
By learning how to keep squirrels away from herbs in your garden, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of tasty herbs with minimal disturbance or risk. Now that you know the answer to the question: ‘Do Squirrels Eat Herbs?’, you can take steps towards preserving your herb garden for years to come.
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