Squirrels are common backyard visitors, known for their agility and presence in urban and suburban environments. Their interactions with human habitats often lead to questions about their dietary habits, particularly regarding cultivated foods like corn on the cob.
Do Squirrels Eat Corn on the Cob?
Squirrels readily consume corn on the cob when available. As opportunistic feeders, they take advantage of easily accessible food sources. They typically hold the cob with their front paws, systematically stripping kernels with sharp incisors. This behavior is common where corn is grown or provided, offering a significant source of immediate energy.
Squirrels often eat only the germ, the most nutrient-dense part, discarding the rest. They may carry the entire cob away to a more secure location, or consume it on the spot. The appeal of corn also stems from its sweet taste and the ease with which squirrels can handle and consume the kernels.
Nutritional Considerations of Corn for Squirrels
While squirrels are attracted to corn for its taste and readily available energy, it does not provide a complete or balanced diet. Corn is primarily carbohydrates, offering a quick energy boost but lacking essential protein and healthy fats for a squirrel’s well-being. A diet heavily reliant on corn can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of calcium.
Corn has an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, with significantly higher phosphorus. This imbalance can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), where the body draws calcium from bones to process excess phosphorus, weakening the skeletal structure. While small amounts of corn can be part of a varied diet, it should not be a primary food source due to these nutritional limitations.
Preventing Squirrel Damage to Corn
Homeowners and gardeners often seek ways to deter squirrels from their corn crops. Physical barriers offer a reliable method of protection. Installing fencing, such as wire mesh around the corn patch, can be effective, especially if the fence is at least four feet high and buried six to twelve inches deep to prevent digging. Covering individual ripening ears with mesh or plastic bottles also helps protect them.
Repellents can also be used, taking advantage of a squirrel’s sensitive sense of smell. Spicy mixtures like cayenne pepper or hot sauce diluted in water, or peppermint oil on cotton balls, can be sprayed or placed near plants to make the area less appealing. Strategic planting and habitat modification are additional tactics. Removing debris and maintaining a clean area around the corn can reduce hiding spots, and planting decoy food sources away from the corn might divert their attention.
Alternative Food Sources for Squirrels
Squirrels are omnivores with a diverse natural diet that varies by season and geographic location. Their diet primarily consists of plant-based foods, including a wide array of nuts such as acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and pecans. They also consume various seeds, including sunflower and pumpkin seeds, which provide essential proteins and fats.
Beyond nuts and seeds, squirrels forage for a variety of fruits and berries like blueberries, blackberries, apples, and cherries. Fungi, including mushrooms and truffles, also form a part of their diet, offering vitamins and minerals. Additionally, squirrels may eat tree buds, flowers, bark, and occasionally insects or bird eggs, especially when other food sources are scarce. These varied food sources ensure they receive a balanced intake of nutrients.