Squirrels may look sweet, but they can be destructive in our backyards. The furry fiends are renowned for digging up flowerbeds and pots, nibbling at plants, stripping tree bark, and swiping food from bird feeders, and even the most wildlife-friendly of gardeners can find this frustrating.
While there are plenty of natural ways to get rid of squirrels, it's also worth knowing which plants are particularly attractive to them. To make life easier, you might decide to avoid growing these entirely, swapping them for plants that are less likely to be targeted. And if you'd rather not change your planting plans, it's still worth knowing which flowers, trees, and crops to protect.
I turned to gardening and pest control experts to find out which plants can attract squirrels to your yard. You'll find their tips below, as well as alternatives to plant instead.
1. Tulips
Tulips are stars of springtime borders and pots. Unfortunately, squirrels find them just as appealing as we do. Lydia Beaumont of Gardeners Yards says they are a favorite due to their moisture-filled stems and bulbs. The bulbs are also starchy and easy to dig up in the fall, adds pest-control expert Ryan Smith – 'Squirrels see them as a seasonal treat.
'A better option is planting daffodil or hyacinth bulbs, which taste bad to squirrels and tend to stay safely in the ground,' Ryan says. There are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from, including vibrant 'Blue Pearl' hyacinths and fragrant 'Geranium' daffodils, both available from Burpee. Do note that bulbs are toxic to pets, so best to avoid them altogether if you have four-legged friends.
If skipping tulips in your spring display seems too much of a sacrifice, there are ways to prevent squirrels from digging bulbs up, such as protecting them with barriers.
2. Mulberries and other berries
'Squirrels love mulberry trees, filled with delicious berries which are a great source of food and nutrients,' says Lydia. Mulberries are also high in moisture, keeping them hydrated in the summer months, she adds. 'Because mulberries typically ripen in late spring, they are ripe and ready for squirrels to start munching on early in the season.'
According to Ryan, berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries also attract squirrels due to their sweetness. So, if you really want to keep the critters at bay, it might be worth giving these tasty treats a miss in your vegetable garden.
Alternatively, using fruit trees with thorns is the best deterrent for squirrels to keep them from stealing all your fruit, as Lydia highlights. 'Blackberries are a great substitute as their thorny branches act as a good deterrent for squirrels.'
3. Hibiscus
Hibiscus adds a tropical splash of color to the garden and is great for attracting hummingbirds, but Lydia warns that squirrels are also a fan. 'Squirrels are known to munch on hibiscus leaves because of their flavor and also their high moisture content,' she says.
If you're looking for colorful summer-blooming alternatives, consider geraniums. 'Scented geraniums like pelargonium "Citronella" are a great deterrent, as to squirrels they smell spicy and unpleasant,' says Lydia. 'These are great in pots or in borders in flower beds to keep the squirrels out.'
Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, also recommends planting marigolds and alliums in flower beds, as squirrels don't like the taste and smell of them. Nature Hills has a fabulous range of alliums available to buy.
4. Sunflowers
'Sunflowers often attract squirrels because their seeds are high in energy and easy to harvest,' says Ryan. 'As an alternative, marigolds or nasturtiums can be effective substitutes. Both bloom brightly and have pungent scents that repel squirrels and many insects while adding a vibrant splash of color to the garden.
'Zinnias, cosmos, or Shasta daisies are also good substitutes for vibrant blooms without the squirrel appeal,' he adds. These also make beautiful cut flowers, and are all easy to grow from seed. Try planting the 'Jazzy Mix' zinnias from Burpee for a riot of fiery color.
5. Nut-bearing trees
Squirrels are attracted to nut-bearing trees, as you may have already guessed. Examples include oak, pecan, walnut, and hickory, lists Ryan. Nicole explains that nuts give them long-lasting energy.
Instead, you might want to choose ornamental trees like dogwood, crepe myrtle, or evergreens, Ryan says. Nicole also recommends redbuds or ornamental magnolias if you'd like to have fewer visitors. Try the 'Jane' magnolia from Fast Growing Trees for a flush of pink blooms in spring.
FAQs
How can I keep squirrels away from my homegrown crops?
If you want to grow fruits and veggies in your yard, Nicole says it's best to focus on making them harder for squirrels to reach. 'I recommend using something like sturdy garden netting or cloches over beds, plus motion-activated sprinklers to startle them away,' she says. Be sure to choose fine mesh netting rather than larger garden netting, as the latter can harm wildlife.
Some crops also happen to be less attractive to squirrels. Onions and garlic, for instance, are said to be good squirrel-repellent plants. You could also grow strong-scented herbs such as mint or rosemary, as well as hot peppers, says Ryan.
What other fruit trees are tempting to squirrels?
It's not just berries that squirrels are drawn to. Apples, pears, and even citrus fruits can also be a temptation, so be sure to read up on how to keep squirrels away from fruit trees if you plan to grow these in your yard.
Need more pest-proofing tips? Our guide on how to keep squirrels out of potted plants has plenty of useful advice. And if your yard is prone to visits from these fluffy creatures, don't forget to squirrel-proof your home, too.
