As a nature lover with several years of experience observing and interacting with squirrels around the world, I can assure you that one of the most common questions people have is: do squirrels eat plants? The answer may surprise you! In this post, I’ll share my expertise on what kinds of plants squirrels can and cannot eat. Let’s discover now if these cute creatures really like to munch on your garden vegetables!
Yes, squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They mainly feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and green vegetation. In the spring and summer months they eat tender shoots of grasses and other herbaceous plants.
Do Squirrels Eat Plants?
Indeed they do, however not all plant life is considered edible by these furry friends! Nuts & seeds embedded within trees often form staple components within dining menus while other vegetation varieties deemed safe may also become delicious snacks depending on geographical location & seasonal availability patterns; so let’s take a look at what one can expect from a typical menu crafted around our cute little critter neighbors.
Discover Now: Do Squirrels Eat Plants? Find Out What They Can & Cannot Eat!
Squirrels are notorious plant-eaters, so it comes as no surprise that they do eat plants. In the wild, squirrels will consume foliage and vegetative materials such as shoots, greens, flowers buds and fruit wherever they’re available. Domestically, their diet also includes tree nuts and seeds – staples of their omnivorous diet.
Let’s take a look at some of the plants that squirrels can and cannot eat.
Shoots & Herbs: A Springtime Treat for a Hungry Squirrell
Springtime is the perfect time for squirrels to enjoy some scrumptious shoots and herbs. High in protein, these young plants provide a tasty feast for our four-legged furry friends. In particular, dandelion greens, burdock root, and clover are ideal sources of nutrients; while older buds such as wild violets and sweet woodruff offer a delicious snack. For an extra burst of flavor, mix in some bee balm leaves or peony petals.
Leaves, Shrubs & Greenery: Summertime Fare for Furry Foragers
Squirrels are always looking for a tasty summer snack, and the foliage in your garden can provide them with plenty of delectable delights. Leaves, shrubs and greenery like hyacinth and lily of the valley are all on their menu—but that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to an infestation! To ward off these furry foragers, plant some plants that squirrels dislike such as geraniums and fritillaries. Additionally, motion-activated sprinklers, squirrel baffles on feeder poles, keeping your yard tidy and using a watch dog or cat may also help keep them away.
Bulbs: An Autumnal Delight or an Unwelcome Intrusion?
As days get shorter and nights become longer again in autumn months – neighboring lands turn invitingly autumnal too; delicious bulbs (hops onions/leeks) abound in lush regions nearby giving squirrelly adventurers plenty of tasty places to explore without ever leaving home base! Additionally roots from many kinds of perennials become appealing meals along with squashes found within gardens around homes. But you may not want them feasting away your garden harvest – this is why it pays off _literally_to protect your botanical goodies before colder weather arrives!
Protection From Plant-Eating Pests
Protecting your plants from pesky pests including squirrels can be a challenging task. Here are some methods that have proven effective in deterring plant-eating critters:
- Using a watch dog or cat
- Keeping your yard and garden tidy
- Installing a squirrel baffle to the feeder pole
- Planting strong odored plants such as geraniums and fritillaries
- Motion-activated sprinklers
- Using toxic plants like daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and lily of the valley.
Tips on How To Protect Your Plants From Squirrels
Manual Exclusion: A Physical Barrier for Garden Protection
Manual exclusion is one of the most common and effective methods used to keep squirrels away from plants. When it comes to manual exclusion, the goal is to create an obstruction that prevents squirrels from gaining access. This can include placing physical barriers such as netting and wire mesh around the garden or erecting trunks, posts, and fencing.
Netting and Wire Mesh
Netting and wire mesh are two materials commonly used in manual exclusion techniques. These materials should be placed snugly around a garden area so that they form a tight barrier preventing animals from entering. It’s important to ensure there are no gaps or openings in these protective barriers as squirrels can squeeze through even the smallest of holes.
Trunks, Posts and Fencing as a Barrier
Trunks, posts and fencing can be used to create physical barriers that effectively keep squirrels away from gardens, yards and other areas around the home. Fencing should be buried at least 6 inches in the ground to prevent their digging underneath, while trunks or posts placed around the perimeter of an area can also help stop them from climbing over.
Motion-activated sprinklers can help deter squirrels from entering garden areas as well if used strategically. Bird netting is a common form of barrier exclusion when installed properly.
Scare Tactics: Repellents and Decoys to Scare Off Unwanted Guests
If you want to keep squirrels from munching on your plants, there are a few simple scare tactics that can be effective. A watch dog or cat can act as a deterrent, as well as using motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasound devices.
Additionally, certain plants like Geraniums, Fritillaries, Hyacinths, Lily of the Valley and Daffodils are known to be avoided by squirrels. Tightly secured trash cans and fencing buried 6 inches into the ground also work for deterrence. Finally, cayenne pepper or bird netting have proven to be effective at keeping out these pesky critters!
Motion-Activated Sprinklers & Noisemakers
Motion-activated sprinklers and noisemakers can be an effective way of scaring away squirrels. The sudden noise or water stream startles the pests, causing them to flee from the area. These devices are perfect for those who don’t want to spend large amounts of time on monitoring, as they only need to be installed and activated once. Additionally, these devices can provide a longer-lasting effect compared to other methods like traps and scarecrows, as squirrels may not become accustomed to their presence over time.
FAQ
Do squirrels consume plants from vegetable gardens?
Yes, squirrels will often feed on the vegetables in a vegetable garden, as these can provide them with a stable source of food. They may also eat fruits and flowers found in the area. To protect your garden from squirrels, you can try using scents they don’t like or putting up fencing to keep them away.
Should I be concerned about the presence of squirrels in my yard?
Everyone’s experience is different with squirrels in their yard. Some people never have a problem, while others may find themselves annoyed by a persistent squirrely visitor. It’s important to assess what kind of risk the presence of squirrels could pose to your property and decide whether or not being vigilant is worth it for you. Take into consideration where you live, if there are any potential concerns for damage or wildlife interactions, or health-related risks connected to the presence of squirrels.
What odor will discourage squirrels from entering an area?
There are certain smells that can act as a deterrent to squirrels such as garlic, pepper, and other repellent scents. To effectively keep them away, you should use a combination of these scents in your garden or home. Additionally, by putting up fencing around the affected areas it will help ensure that the squirrels stay out.
Should I eliminate squirrels from my yard?
No, killing squirrels is not recommended as a method of preventing them from coming around your home or garden. It’s important to take measures that will discourage the animals inhumanely, such as creating barriers or utilizing repellants that they don’t like. In addition, by providing alternative food sources away from your yard and discouraging people from feeding wild animals, you can help prevent squirrels from becoming a nuisance.
Can squirrels cause deterioration to plants?
Squirrels often cause damage to plants by gnawing and chewing on them, in order to gain access to the juicy seeds or fruits that are contained within. They can also strip bark from trees, dig in soil surrounding plants, and uproot fragile plants as they dart around gardens. If you’ve noticed your plants becoming compromised due to squirrel activity, preventative measures should be taken.
Do squirrels adversely affect vegetable gardens?
Squirrels can be a nuisance for vegetable gardens, as their search for food may lead them to raid your crops. These rodents are notorious for digging up and stealing seeds, nibbling at ripening vegetables, and possibly even destroying young plants. To protect your garden from squirrel damage it is important to take preventive measures.
Conclusion
To sum up, the answer to the question ‘do squirrels eat plants?’ is yes. Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they can eat both plants and animals. They mainly feed on nuts, fruits, fungi, tubers, seeds and insects. However, some squirrel species do consume plant material such as flowers and buds. Despite this versatility in their diet however, most of a squirrel’s energy comes from plant-based foods.
So if you were wondering what a squirrel can munch on or are looking to attract them to your yard with food items other than nuts – now you know! By providing a variety of plants that offer various edible items like flowers, fruits and even stems – you will be sure to have these furry critters happily visiting your backyard!
You may also be interested in reading: