Squirrels eat flowers and bulbs, a behavior that often frustrates gardeners. Their foraging is driven by the need for nutrient-dense food sources, especially during the fall and early spring. They use the high starch and sugar content in many flower bulbs to store energy or recover from winter. The act of caching food also leads to indiscriminate digging that damages roots and plants.
Which Flowers and Bulbs Attract Squirrels
Squirrels prefer certain plants, usually those with high caloric content and a mild taste. Bulbs like tulips and crocuses are frequently targeted because they offer a concentrated source of carbohydrates. Newly planted bulbs are particularly vulnerable, as disturbed soil signals an easy meal. Squirrels also enjoy soft, fresh sprouts emerging in the spring before plants develop tougher foliage.
Highly Preferred Targets
Tulips and crocuses are the most common victims; tulips are often unearthed and consumed entirely, while crocuses are frequently damaged or carried off. Squirrels are attracted to the sweet, nutty aroma of these bulbs, viewing them as a valuable food cache. Beyond bulbs, squirrels may clip the heads off mature flowers or eat tender seedlings for moisture and soft nutrients. This behavior is common with plants like sunflowers or pansies when other food sources are scarce.
Rarely Eaten or Naturally Repellent Plants
Gardeners can plant varieties that squirrels naturally avoid due to biological defenses. These repellent plants contain unpalatable or toxic compounds that deter consumption. Daffodils (Narcissus) contain lycorine, an alkaloid that is bitter and toxic, making them a safe choice. Similarly, hyacinths, alliums (ornamental onions), and Siberian squill are often ignored because of their strong scent or bitter taste.
Identifying Squirrel Damage Versus Other Garden Pests
Identifying the animal causing the damage is the first step toward effective deterrence. Squirrel damage often appears as small, shallow holes (about two inches wide) where bulbs were dug up or a nut was buried. If the damage is to the flower or bud, squirrels often leave behind a clean-cut stem or partially eaten fruit. They also leave evidence of digging in containers or garden beds by scratching and loosening the soil.
Contrast this with damage caused by other common garden visitors like rabbits or deer. Rabbits, which have sharp incisors, leave a clean, angled cut on soft stems and leaves, typically feeding close to the ground. Deer, lacking upper incisors, must jerk and tear foliage, resulting in a ragged, uneven edge. Deer damage is generally found higher up the plant, sometimes up to six feet from the ground.
Practical Methods for Deterring Squirrels
Effective squirrel deterrence relies on a combination of making the garden unappealing and creating physical obstacles. Since squirrels are intelligent and persistent, a multi-pronged approach is usually necessary to discourage their foraging. Solutions should focus on non-lethal methods that redirect their behavior away from valuable plants.
Physical Barriers
One of the most reliable methods is the use of physical barriers that prevent access to the soil. Chicken wire or hardware cloth can be laid flat over newly planted bulb beds and secured firmly to the ground. The mesh size should be large enough for sprouts to grow through but small enough to block digging. Similarly, covering the soil surface with a layer of sharp gravel or dense, heavy mulch makes the area less inviting for digging and caching.
Scent and Taste Repellents
Squirrels have a heightened sense of smell and taste, making repellents effective when reapplied regularly. Applying a dust of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes over the soil and vulnerable plants discourages nibbling. Commercial sprays or homemade mixtures containing garlic or capsaicin can be sprayed onto foliage to create an unpleasant taste. Blood meal is another natural deterrent, as its strong scent suggests the presence of a predator, though it must be reapplied after rain.
Diversionary Feeding
Providing an easier, more accessible food source away from the garden can significantly reduce foraging pressure on flowers. Setting up a dedicated feeding station with their preferred foods, such as whole corn cobs or nuts, can divert their attention. This strategy works by satisfying their immediate hunger and their instinct to cache, drawing them away from ornamental beds. Placing this station at the furthest point from your garden ensures they focus their activity elsewhere.