Rosemary is a common herb known for its fragrant, needle-like leaves and frequent use in cooking. Gardeners often deal with small wildlife, like squirrels, that can disrupt plantings. Understanding the specific properties of rosemary helps explain whether it serves as a food source or a natural deterrent against common pests like squirrels.
Rosemary: An Unappealing Food Source
Squirrels do not typically eat rosemary because the plant possesses natural properties that make it highly unappealing. The herb contains a high concentration of volatile oils, responsible for its intensely pungent scent and bitter taste. These compounds, including cineole and camphor, create a sensory experience that squirrels generally find repulsive.
The strong, aromatic oils are a natural defense mechanism for the plant. While a curious squirrel might take an exploratory nibble, it is unlikely to consume the herb in any significant quantity.
Rosemary is rarely a target for foraging squirrels, even when other food is scarce. Its natural chemistry is the primary reason it remains untouched in many landscapes.
Squirrel Dietary Preferences
Squirrels are opportunistic omnivores whose diet centers on foods offering high caloric value and nutrition. Their preferred menu items are typically energy-dense natural foods that are easy to process.
This includes nuts (acorns, pecans, walnuts) and seeds (sunflower, pine), which provide necessary fats and protein. They also seek out soft fruits, vegetables, fungi, and frequently consume tender plant bulbs and young shoots.
These preferences explain why rosemary is ignored. The squirrel prioritizes maximizing energy intake with palatable, nutrient-rich foods. The bitter, strong-smelling herb does not offer the immediate caloric reward that nuts, seeds, or sweet fruits provide.
Utilizing Scent-Based Deterrence
The strong, aversive scent of rosemary can be strategically used by gardeners to deter squirrels from vulnerable areas. Since squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell, the overpowering fragrance acts as a sensory barrier. Planting rosemary near high-value targets, such as flower beds or vegetable patches, makes the area less appealing.
Gardeners can create localized deterrents using the herb’s concentrated properties. This involves scattering dried rosemary around the base of plants or making a simple spray by grinding the herb and mixing it with water. Commercial solutions often utilize rosemary essential oil, sometimes combined with other strong oils like peppermint or cinnamon.
This scent-based method is often a short-term solution because the aromatic oils quickly dissipate, especially after rain. For lasting effectiveness, the deterrent must be reapplied regularly or combined with physical barriers, such as netting.