The question of whether squirrels eat lilies is a common concern for gardeners who find their flower beds disturbed. The short answer is yes; squirrels often treat the below-ground portion of the Lilium species as a readily available food source. These small rodents are generalist feeders, and lily bulbs, like those of tulips and crocuses, represent a dense source of nutrition. This conflict is a frustrating, yet predictable, garden challenge.
Why Squirrels Target Lilies
Squirrels primarily target the lily bulb, the underground storage organ of the plant, rather than the leaves or flowers. The bulbs are highly attractive because they contain starches and sugars, representing a concentrated, calorie-rich meal. Some lily species are even cultivated as a food crop in parts of Asia, underscoring their nutritional value to various animals.
The main damage occurs when squirrels use their sharp claws and teeth to dig up the planted bulbs. They are attracted by the scent of the fresh bulb and the loose soil of a recently planted bed, which signals an easy-to-access cache of food. While they may occasionally nibble on emerging green shoots or flowers, the real threat is the consumption or displacement of the bulb itself.
Understanding the Behavior: Seasonal Factors and Hunger
A squirrel’s attack on a lily bed is often dictated by seasonal needs and opportunistic feeding behavior. Lilies are most vulnerable immediately after being planted in the fall, which coincides with the squirrel’s preparation for winter. During this period, the rodents are driven to cache as many calories as possible to survive the colder months.
The freshly turned earth acts as a clear invitation, making it easier for the squirrel to dig up the bulb. While planting is the most dangerous time, damage can also occur in early spring when food is scarce. The squirrel is attracted to the scent of the bulb beginning to sprout, seeking any available, high-energy food source.
Practical Methods for Lily Protection
Protecting lilies from hungry squirrels requires implementing physical barriers and utilizing deterrents that make the bulbs less appealing. One of the most effective methods is creating a physical cage around the bulb at the time of planting. You can line the bottom and sides of the planting hole with hardware cloth or chicken wire, ensuring the mesh extends over the top of the planting area. This mesh barrier allows the plant to grow through while blocking the squirrel’s access to the bulb below.
Strategic planting techniques can also significantly reduce the risk of damage. Planting the lily bulbs deeper than the recommended depth, typically eight to ten inches, can frustrate a squirrel’s ability to dig them up. Gardeners can also try interplanting lilies with bulbs that squirrels naturally avoid, such as daffodils (Narcissus) or ornamental onions (Allium), which contain compounds that taste bad or are mildly toxic to rodents.
Finally, scent-based repellents can be used as a temporary solution to deter digging. Sprinkling capsaicin-containing products, like cayenne pepper, or using commercial rodent repellents with strong odors near the planting area can sometimes discourage squirrels. However, these deterrents require frequent reapplication, particularly after rain, to maintain their effectiveness against persistent foragers.