As someone passionate about squirrels, who has spent years observing and interacting with them around the world, I’m here to answer the question: do squirrels eat lemons? Lemons are an unusual food for squirrels, but there may be more to the story than it seems.
Do Squirrels Eat Lemons?
Squirrels may not typically eat lemons, as they are more likely to feed on things like nuts and small fruits. They do, however, sometimes cause damage to trees and gardens by eating the buds of fruit trees or digging holes in the soil. This can ultimately lead to a decreased amount of fruit production, so it’s important to take steps to protect trees from being damaged by squirrels.
Nutritional Value Of Lemons For Squirrels
Lemons are packed with important vitamins and minerals that can benefit a squirrel’s diet. This citrus fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps prevent infection and fight off disease. On top of that, lemons contain calcium, potassium and magnesium, all essential nutrients for a squirrel’s health.
Moreover, if eaten in moderation and alongside other nutritious foods, lemons can give a squirrel extra energy and build better immunity towards common illnesses. In fact, consuming this type of dietary fiber may even help reduce inflammation in some cases.
Can Squirrels Eat The Peel Of Lemons?
Since lemon peels contain beneficial compounds such as limonene and phytonutrients, it’s safe to say that yes, squirrels can eat the peel of lemons without any known drawbacks. These beneficial compounds have been found to help protect against several diseases while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s still best to limit how much peel a squirrel consumes due to its acidic nature.
Can Squirrels Drink Lemon Juice?
Yes, almost all species of squirrels can drink lemon juice safely. This type of beverage is especially beneficial for those who live in areas where clean drinking water is hard to come by, or when temperatures become unbearably hot or cold. Plus, the acidic nature of lemon juice has also been linked to helping keep away certain parasites that could otherwise harm a squirrel’s health.
Protecting Fruit Trees From Squirrels
When it comes to protecting fruit trees from hungry squirrels there are various methods you can use such as deterrent sprays, fences or baffles for tall trees, and strategically placed decoy owls/hawks near the tree. Additionally, you can try growing plants near your fruit trees that will repel rodents such as garlic chives or lavender.
1. Natural repellents
A variety of commercial repellent sprays are available nowadays in stores or online – many using natural ingredients such as capsaicin which creates an unpleasant taste in rodents.
Natural repellents are an excellent way to keep squirrels away from your lily bulbs. Sprinkling cayenne pepper or cinnamon in the area around your bulbs can help keep them away as they may not like the smell or taste of these spices. You can also purchase commercial repellents, such as diatomaceous earth or animal repellent granules, that are designed to drive away rodents.
2. Fences/Baffles
Wrap chicken wire around the trunks or branches of tall trees to physically prevent access. Additionally, hanging aluminum plates or cylindrical objects called baffles above the tree canopy will make it difficult for them to maneuver along the branches.
Here are the best solutions to create a physical barrier:
3. Decoys
Place fake owls or hawks around your fruit tree(s) as although not realistic looking these have been proven effective at deterring rodents like squirrels away from fruits & gardens.
Here’s the best owl decoy for squirrels. It’s quite realistic and It even turns its head with the wind!
4. Companion Planting
Growing garlic chives or lavender nearby your fruit tree(s) will create an unwelcoming environment for rodents due to their pungent smells.
Here are some of the best squirrel repellent plants:
5. Provide water
Squirrels may be nibbling on your lemons because they are thirsty. This can happen especially during a hot summer, when squirrels may not be able to find enough water.
I recommend providing some fresh water in a bird bath for thirsty squirrels, so they will be much less likely to eat the lemons from your tree.
6. Ultrasonic repellents
A more technological solution to keep squirrels away from your fruit trees is by using ultrasonic devices like the one below. Those are proven to be very effective in deterring squirrels.
Insects On Lemon Trees: How To Get Rid Of Them
Pests like aphids and mealybugs often cause damage by sucking out sap from leaves on citrus fruits like lemons. As well as regular pruning and fertilizer applications there are various ways you can tackle common insects; including sprays containing insecticidal soap/oil or setting up traps with sticky substances inside them.
- Sprays: Insecticidal soaps/oils decrease pest populations by suffocating them without causing harm to your plant immediately after application (although be aware of potential effects on pollinators). Make sure you read labels beforehand for any safety precautions needed then spray on affected area directly (has quicker effects than soil drenching).
- Traps: Buy readymade sticky traps from hardware stores (or make them yourself!) then place these around your citrus tree(s) – flies & other pests get stuck onto adhesive surface then eventually die from dehydration.
Conclusion
All in all, it is safe to say that do squirrels eat lemons? The answer is no. Squirrels do not have the necessary teeth and jaw strength to consume a lemon whole. Rather, they prefer to stick to eating nuts and small fruits as their main dietary sources.
Although it can be frustrating when squirrels cause damage by digging into trees or gardens, there are steps that can be taken to reduce any potential damage. By taking these steps, homeowners and gardeners can help protect their plants from squirrels who would otherwise eat the buds of fruit trees or dig up the soil.
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