Gerbera daisies, with their vibrant colors and cheerful blooms, are a beloved addition to many gardens. Gardeners cultivate these plants for their aesthetic appeal and long-lasting flowers. However, a common concern arises when considering potential garden pests, with squirrels frequently at the top of the list for their foraging habits. Understanding their interaction with your Gerbera daisies can help ensure the continued beauty of your floral displays.
Do Squirrels Eat Gerbera Daisies?
Squirrels do not consider Gerbera daisies a primary food source, but they can cause damage to these plants. When other more preferred food options, such as nuts, seeds, or fruits, are scarce, squirrels may turn to flowers and buds.
They have been observed to pull gerbera daisies apart. They may also taste a plant out of curiosity, discarding it if it is not to their liking. Their persistent incisor teeth, which grow continuously, prompt them to gnaw on various materials to keep them worn down. This gnawing behavior can lead to damage even if the plant material is not fully consumed. Significant consumption of Gerbera daisies is uncommon, but damage increases during periods of drought or late winter when natural food sources become limited.
Identifying Squirrel Damage
Recognizing squirrel activity is important for plant protection. Squirrel damage often includes cleanly nipped-off flower heads, sometimes left scattered near the plant. You might also observe chewed leaves or buds, which can appear ragged.
Squirrels also dig, often creating shallow holes around the base of plants as they bury or retrieve nuts and seeds. This digging can uproot newly planted Gerbera daisies or disturb their root systems.
Protecting Your Gerbera Daisies
Several strategies can deter squirrels from damaging your Gerbera daisies. Physical barriers offer a reliable solution; covering plants with fine mesh netting or chicken wire can prevent squirrels from reaching the blooms. For individual plants or containers, small cages from hardware cloth can be effective, protecting the plants as they grow. Scattering small stones or gravel on the soil surface in pots can make digging less appealing for squirrels.
Repellents can also be used, though their effectiveness varies and reapplication is necessary, especially after rain. Sprinkling cayenne pepper or hot pepper flakes around plants creates an unpleasant sensation for squirrels. Peppermint oil, garlic, or predator urine scents also act as deterrents. Maintaining a tidy garden by cleaning up fallen birdseed or fruit can help reduce attractions that draw squirrels to the area.
Gerbera Daisies and Squirrel Safety
For gardeners concerned about wildlife, Gerbera daisies are considered safe. According to organizations like the ASPCA, Gerbera daisies are non-toxic to common household pets, including dogs and cats. This non-toxic classification extends to other animals like horses, meaning accidental ingestion by squirrels would not cause severe harm. Gerbera daisies are not known to be poisonous to squirrels.