What Can Squirrels Eat?

Squirrels can be both charming visitors and unwanted pests, depending on how they interact with your yard and property. Whether it’s your freshly carved Halloween pumpkin or birdseed from your feeder, it seems like nothing is off-limits. But what can squirrels eat, and how can you keep them from munching on your things?

Let’s dive into a squirrel’s diet, why they’re so attracted to certain foods, and some handy tips to deter them.

What Do Squirrels Typically Eat?

In the wild, squirrels maintain a varied diet that helps them get through the changing seasons. Understanding what they naturally eat can help you predict what might draw them to your yard or home.

• Nuts and Seeds: Acorns, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and other types of nuts are squirrel favorites. Their strong teeth allow them to crack open tough shells with ease.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Squirrels love apples, berries, and grapes. They’re also drawn to tomatoes, corn, and other garden vegetables.
• Fungi: Some squirrels eat mushrooms and fungi, which provide an additional source of nutrients.
• Other Plant Matter: Flower buds, tree bark, and roots are also occasionally on the menu.

However, a squirrel’s diet doesn’t stop with natural foods. Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and will try almost anything, including foods meant for humans.

Other Foods Squirrels Love

Besides pumpkins, squirrels have a diverse palate and will go after many foods they come across. Here’s a list of other items squirrels are particularly drawn to:

• Fruits: Apples, pears, grapes, peaches.
• Vegetables: Carrots, sweet corn, and cucumbers.
• Nuts: Peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds.
• Grains and Breads: Squirrels can develop a taste for bread, crackers, and cereal.
• Birdseed: Squirrels frequently raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds and other seed mixes.
• Human Foods: If given the chance, they’ll munch on snack items like popcorn, chips, or even baked goods.

Can Squirrels Eat Pumpkins?

Yes, squirrels can — and will — eat pumpkins. If you’ve ever left a decorative pumpkin or Jack-o-lantern outside during fall, you’ve likely noticed bite marks or chunks missing. Pumpkins are a sweet treat for squirrels, providing moisture, vitamins, and a soft texture that’s easy for them to eat.

Why Do Squirrels Like Pumpkins?

1. Sweet Taste: The flesh of a pumpkin has a slightly sweet flavor, making it a desirable snack.
2. Easy to Chew: Squirrels have strong teeth that allow them to munch through a pumpkin’s tough outer skin, but the soft inner flesh is much easier to eat.
3. High Nutrient Value: Pumpkins contain antioxidants, vitamins, and moisture that help keep squirrels nourished.

So, if you’re wondering why your perfectly carved Jack-O’-Lantern didn’t last a week, you can thank your neighborhood squirrels!

How to Prevent Squirrels from Eating Pumpkins and Other Items

Once squirrels have discovered a tasty treat, it can be challenging to keep them away. However, there are several effective strategies to protect your pumpkins and other foods or herbs from their teeth.

• Use Natural Repellents: Spritz your pumpkins with a solution of vinegar or hot pepper spray. These are natural deterrents that squirrels dislike.
• Create a Barrier: Cover pumpkins with chicken wire or netting. While this might be less visually appealing, it’s effective.
• Apply Taste Deterrents: Products like animal-safe bitter sprays can make your pumpkins taste unpleasant, discouraging nibbling.
• Use Shiny Objects: Squirrels dislike shiny surfaces, so placing reflective materials like aluminum foil around pumpkins can help keep them at bay.

Keep Squirrels Out of Your Yard

If squirrels are becoming a persistent problem, it’s time to look at keeping them out of your yard altogether. Here are some tactics to consider:

• Install Barriers: Fencing and netting around garden beds can keep squirrels from accessing your prized plants.
• Use Motion-Activated Devices: Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can startle squirrels and make your yard less inviting.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Squirrels often use overhanging branches to gain access to roofs, gardens, and other parts of your property. Keep these trimmed back to limit their access.
• Plant Squirrel-Repelling Plants: Some plants naturally repel squirrels, such as mint, daffodils, and marigolds. Consider adding these around your yard to keep squirrels at a distance.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

While squirrels are generally harmless, they can sometimes become a serious nuisance or even cause damage to your property. If you notice signs such as:

• Chewed Wiring: Squirrels often chew on wires, which can create fire hazards.
• Nesting in Attics or Walls: If a squirrel finds a way inside, it can cause structural damage or even pose a health risk.
• Persistent Yard Damage: Chewed garden beds, damaged outdoor furniture, or continually stolen food may indicate a larger squirrel problem.

It’s best to reach out to a pest control professional for help in these cases. They can assess the situation, safely remove the squirrels if needed, and help secure your home to prevent future issues.

Conclusion

‘Squirrels are fascinating creatures, but their love for human foods like pumpkins can quickly become a problem for homeowners. By understanding what squirrels eat and taking the proper precautions, you can keep these furry foragers from wreaking havoc on your property.

Whether you want to protect your pumpkins or simply keep your birdseed safe, these tips should help you coexist peacefully with the squirrels in your area. If the problem becomes too big to handle, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for pest control!