Squirrels are one of the most common backyard animals. They’re also one of the most destructive. If you have a squirrel problem in your garden, you’ve probably noticed they seem to eat everything in sight, which begs the question: what does this do to the plants growing in your garden?
In this post, we’ll discuss how squirrels affect the plants in your garden and what you can do to minimize the damage they cause. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep squirrels away from your garden in the first place.
Different Types of Squirrels
Many different types of squirrels can be found across the globe. Each type of squirrel has a different diet and effect on the plants growing in your garden.
The most common type of squirrel is the gray squirrel. Gray squirrels primarily eat nuts and seeds. They have a sharp front incisor tooth that they use to crack open nutshells. The grey squirrel will also strip the bark off of trees to get at the sap beneath. This can damage young trees and stunt their growth.
Another common type of squirrel is the red squirrel. Red squirrels eat mostly pine cones and buds. They will also eat insects, berries, and nuts. Unlike gray squirrels, red squirrels do not have a sharp front incisor tooth. This means that they are not able to crack open nutshells. Instead, they will bury nuts and seeds for later consumption. This can benefit plants as it helps to spread their seeds.
How Squirrels Affect Plant Growth
As mentioned above, different types of squirrels will have different effects on the plants in your garden. In general, all squirrels can damage plants by eating their leaves, shoots, and flowers. Squirrels can also damage plants by digging up their roots or stripping the bark off of their branches. If you see a squirrel eating your plants, you can try to scare it away or spray it with water. It is best to consult with a professional to determine the best course of action.
If you have a problem with squirrels damaging your plants, there are a few things that you can do to deter them.
Tips for Keeping Squirrels Away From Your Plants
Build a Fence
This is probably the most obvious solution, but it’s also one of the most effective. If you build a fence around your garden that’s at least a few feet tall, chances are good that the squirrels won’t be able to get over it. Just make sure that the fence is secure enough that they can’t dig underneath it.
Plant Flowers That Deter Squirrels
There are certain types of flowers that squirrels don’t like the smell of, including marigolds and daffodils. Planting these around the perimeter of your garden might help deter them from coming in altogether.
Invest in a Squirrel Feeder
If you’re looking for a low-cost investment with guaranteed returns, investing in a squirrel feeder is the way to go. Not only will you get paid back in adorable interest, but you might even be able to sell your footage of the furry little critters for profit. So what are you waiting for? Go out and get yourself a squirrel feeder today.
Conclusion
Squirrels may look cute, but they can be real pests when it comes to gardening. If you’re not careful, they can destroy all your hard work in no time flat. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep them at bay. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your plants stay safe and sound all season long.
