Unwanted Garden Guests: Flowers That Squirrels Hate

Are you tired of watching squirrels ravage your garden? These cute little creatures may look harmless, but they can cause quite a bit of damage to your carefully cultivated plants. Thankfully, there are some flowers that squirrels don't like, and planting them in your garden can help keep these unwanted guests at bay. In this post, we'll explore some of the best flowers to plant if you want to discourage squirrels from munching on your garden plants.

Why Do Squirrels Eat Flowers?

Before we dive into the list of flowers that squirrels hate, it's important to understand why squirrels eat flowers in the first place. Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. While they primarily feed on nuts, fruits, and seeds, they will also eat flowers if they are hungry enough. Additionally, squirrels may eat flowers as a way to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals that they might not be getting from their other food sources.

Flowers That Squirrels Hate

Now that we understand why squirrels eat flowers, let's take a look at some of the flowers that they tend to avoid:

Daffodils

Daffodils are a beautiful spring flower that squirrels tend to stay away from. This is because daffodils contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause vomiting, stomach pain, and even death in animals that ingest it. While most animals instinctively avoid plants that are toxic to them, squirrels seem to have a particular aversion to daffodils.

Alliums

Alliums are a member of the onion family, and they have a strong scent that many animals find unappealing. Squirrels are no exception, and they tend to avoid gardens where alliums are present. Additionally, alliums contain a compound called thiosulphate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large amounts. While squirrels aren't usually affected by thiosulphate, it may contribute to their dislike of these plants.

Fritillaries

Fritillaries are a type of bulb flower that squirrels tend to avoid. Like daffodils, fritillaries contain toxic alkaloids that can cause illness or death in animals that ingest them. In addition to being toxic, fritillaries also have a strong scent that many animals find unpleasant.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are another spring bulb flower that squirrels don't like. They contain oxalic acid, a compound that can cause digestive issues in animals that eat them. Additionally, hyacinths have a strong scent that many animals find overwhelming, which may contribute to their aversion to these flowers.

Narcissus

Narcissus, also known as paperwhites, are a popular winter flower that squirrels tend to avoid. Like daffodils, they contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause illness or death in animals that ingest it. Additionally, narcissus have a bitter taste that many animals find unappealing.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a bright and cheerful summer flower that squirrels tend to avoid. While there isn't anything toxic or harmful about marigolds, they have a strong scent that many animals find unappealing. Additionally, some gardeners believe that marigolds may repel other pests, such as aphids and mosquitoes.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that many humans love, but squirrels tend to avoid. Like alliums, lavender has a strong scent that many animals find overwhelming. Additionally, lavender contains a compound called linalool, which is toxic to some insects and may help repel them from your garden.

Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is another herb that squirrels tend to stay away from. Like lavender, it has a strong scent that many animals find unappealing. Additionally, salvia contains compounds that can be toxic to some insects, which may help keep other pests out of your garden as well.

Borage

Borage is a beautiful blue flower that squirrels typically don't like. While there isn't anything toxic or harmful about borage, it has a fuzzy texture that many animals find unpleasant. Additionally, borage leaves contain compounds that can be toxic to some insects, which may help repel them from your garden.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a popular summer flower that squirrels tend to avoid. While there isn't anything toxic or harmful about geraniums, they have a strong scent that many animals find unappealing. Additionally, some gardeners believe that geraniums may repel other pests, such as Japanese beetles and cabbage worms.

Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is a silvery-gray plant that squirrels tend to avoid. While it doesn't produce flowers, it can add a unique texture and color to your garden. Additionally, some gardeners believe that dusty miller may help repel other pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.

Peonies

Peonies are a beautiful spring flower that squirrels tend to stay away from. While there isn't anything toxic or harmful about peonies, they have a strong scent that many animals find unappealing. Additionally, some gardeners believe that peonies may repel other pests, such as Japanese beetles and slugs.

Crocuses

Crocuses are a popular fall bulb flower that squirrels tend to avoid. While there isn't anything toxic or harmful about crocuses, they have a bitter taste that many animals find unpleasant. Additionally, crocuses tend to bloom early in the season, which means that they may be one of the only flowers available for squirrels to eat at that time.

Pansies

Pansies are a colorful winter flower that squirrels tend to avoid. While there isn't anything toxic or harmful about pansies, they have a strong scent that many animals find unappealing. Additionally, some gardeners believe that pansies may repel other pests, such as aphids and thrips.

How to Incorporate These Flowers Into Your Garden

Now that you know which flowers squirrels tend to avoid, it's time to thinking about how to incorporate them into your garden. Here are a few tips:

Plant in Groups

Rather than scattering these flowers throughout your garden, try planting them in groups. This will make it harder for squirrels to find and access the flowers, and may discourage them from even trying.

Use Containers

If you're concerned about squirrels digging up your bulbs, consider planting them in containers instead. This will make it harder for squirrels to get to the bulbs, and may help protect them from other pests as well.

Combine With Other Pest-Repelling Plants

While these flowers may help repel squirrels, they may not be enough on their own. Consider combining them with other pest-repelling plants, such as garlic or mint, to create a more comprehensive defense against garden pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any downsides to planting flowers that squirrels hate?

No, there aren't any real downsides to planting flowers that squirrels don't like. In fact, it can be a great way to protect your garden without resorting to harmful chemicals or traps.

2. Can I plant these flowers in containers?

Yes, many of these flowers can be planted in containers. This is a great option if you're concerned about squirrels digging up your bulbs or damaging your plants.

3. Will these flowers repel other pests besides squirrels?

Yes, some of these flowers may help repel other pests as well. For example, marigolds are known to repel aphids and mosquitoes, while geraniums may repel Japanese beetles and cabbage worms.

4. Do I need to worry about these flowers being toxic to my pets?

Most of these flowers aren't toxic to pets, but some, such as alliums and hyacinths, can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. If you're concerned about your pets' safety, be sure to do your research before planting any of these flowers.

5. What should I do if squirrels are still eating my flowers?

If squirrels are still eating your flowers despite your best efforts, there are a few things you can try. Consider using a physical barrier, such as chicken wire, to keep squirrels out of your garden. You can also try using a natural repellent, such as hot pepper spray or predator urine, to discourage squirrels from eating your plants.