What Food Squirrels Can’t Resist (And How to Keep Them Away)

Squirrels: Cute and Cuddly, but also Hungry!

Squirrels are some of the most beloved animals in the world. They’re cute, they’re playful, and they’re always up for a snack. But what food is irresistible to squirrels?

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the foods that squirrels love the most. We’ll also discuss how to keep squirrels from eating your food, and how to attract them to your yard if you’re looking for some furry friends.

So if you’re ever wondering what food to feed a squirrel, or how to get them to come to your yard, read on!

| Food | Squirrels’ Favorite Part | Why? |
|—|—|—|
| Nuts | The kernel | High in fat and protein |
| Seeds | The embryo | High in fat and protein |
| Fruits | The flesh | High in sugar and water |
| Berries | The flesh | High in sugar and water |
| Corn | The kernels | High in carbohydrates |
| Insects | The body | High in protein |
| Worms | The body | High in protein |

Foods That Squirrels Find Irresistible

Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies depending on the season and the availability of food, but there are a few foods that squirrels find irresistible.

Nuts

Nuts are a staple of the squirrel diet. They are high in fat and protein, which squirrels need to stay healthy. Squirrels love all types of nuts, but they especially enjoy acorns, walnuts, and pecans.

Seeds

Squirrels also love seeds. They are a good source of energy and nutrients, and squirrels will eat them from a variety of plants, including sunflowers, dandelions, and maple trees.

Fruits

Squirrels will eat fruits when they are available, but they are not as big of a fan of fruits as they are of nuts and seeds. Squirrels will eat fruits such as apples, pears, and berries.

Vegetables

Squirrels will also eat vegetables, but they are not as common in their diet as nuts, seeds, and fruits. Squirrels will eat vegetables such as carrots, corn, and squash.

Meat

Squirrels will eat meat when they can find it, but it is not a major part of their diet. Squirrels will eat small animals such as insects, frogs, and mice.

Other Foods

Squirrels will also eat other foods, such as bread, crackers, and dog food. However, these foods are not as nutritious as nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and squirrels should not be fed these foods on a regular basis.

Why Squirrels Are Attracted to Certain Foods

Squirrels are attracted to certain foods for a variety of reasons.

Nutritional value

Squirrels need to eat a variety of foods in order to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are all good sources of nutrients, and squirrels are attracted to these foods because they know they are good for them.

Taste

Squirrels also have a good sense of taste, and they are attracted to foods that taste good. Nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables all have a variety of flavors that squirrels enjoy.

Texture

Squirrels also like foods that have a certain texture. Nuts, seeds, and fruits all have a crunchy texture that squirrels enjoy. Vegetables can also be crunchy, but they are often softer than nuts, seeds, and fruits.

Smell

Squirrels have a good sense of smell, and they are attracted to foods that have a strong smell. Nuts, seeds, and fruits all have a strong smell that squirrels can detect from a distance.

Availability

Squirrels are also attracted to foods that are easy to find. Nuts, seeds, and fruits are all common in many environments, and squirrels know that they can find these foods easily.

Squirrels are attracted to a variety of foods for a variety of reasons. They need to eat a variety of foods in order to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they enjoy foods that taste good, have a certain texture, and smell good. Squirrels are also attracted to foods that are easy to find.

If you are trying to attract squirrels to your yard, you can do so by providing them with a variety of foods that they enjoy. You can plant trees and shrubs that produce nuts, seeds, and fruits, and you can also provide them with bird feeders that contain nuts and seeds. Squirrels are also attracted to suet cakes, which are made from animal fat and seeds.

What Food Is Irresistible To Squirrels?

Squirrels are omnivorous animals that eat a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects. However, there are some foods that squirrels find particularly irresistible. These foods include:

  • Nuts. Squirrels love nuts, and they will eat a variety of nuts, including almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts.
  • Seeds. Squirrels also love seeds, and they will eat a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
  • Fruits. Squirrels will eat a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and berries.
  • Vegetables. Squirrels will also eat a variety of vegetables, including corn, peas, carrots, and squash.
  • Insects. Squirrels will eat a variety of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and ants.

In addition to these foods, squirrels will also eat other items, such as eggs, birdseed, and pet food. Squirrels are very opportunistic feeders, and they will eat whatever they can find.

How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Food

If you don’t want squirrels eating your food, there are a few things you can do to keep them away. These include:

  • Store food in airtight containers. Squirrels can easily open containers, so it’s important to store food in airtight containers that they can’t access.
  • Use deterrents. There are a number of different deterrents that you can use to keep squirrels away from your food. Some common deterrents include cayenne pepper, mothballs, and ultrasonic devices.
  • Build a squirrel-proof enclosure for your bird feeder. If you have a bird feeder, you can build a squirrel-proof enclosure to keep the squirrels from getting to the food.
  • Plant squirrel-resistant plants. There are a number of plants that squirrels don’t like, such as lavender, mint, and rosemary. Planting these plants around your yard can help to keep squirrels away.

Tips for Attracting Squirrels to Your Yard

If you want to attract squirrels to your yard, there are a few things you can do. These include:

  • Provide a source of food. Squirrels love to eat nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects. You can attract squirrels to your yard by providing a source of food for them.
  • Provide a place for squirrels to nest. Squirrels need a place to nest, and they will often use hollow trees or birdhouses. You can attract squirrels to your yard by providing a place for them to nest.
  • Provide a source of water. Squirrels need a source of water, and they will often drink from birdbaths or water fountains. You can attract squirrels to your yard by providing a source of water for them.

By following these tips, you can help to keep squirrels away from your food and attract them to your yard.

Squirrels are interesting and fascinating creatures, and they can be a great addition to any yard. By following these tips, you can help to keep them healthy and happy.

What food is irresistible to squirrels?

  • Nuts, especially walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts.
  • Seeds, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and safflower seeds.
  • Fruit, such as apples, pears, and grapes.
  • Bread and other baked goods.
  • Meat, such as bacon and hot dogs.
  • Pet food, such as cat food and dog food.
  • Birdseed.
  • Suet.
  • Oats.
  • Grains, such as corn and wheat.

How can I keep squirrels from eating my food?

  • Store food in airtight containers. This will make it more difficult for squirrels to access your food.
  • Hang food from trees or poles. This will make it more difficult for squirrels to reach your food.
  • Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the food.
  • Install a squirrel-proof fence around your yard. This will keep squirrels out of your yard altogether.

What do I do if I see a squirrel in my house?

  • Do not approach the squirrel. Squirrels can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
  • Call a pest control company. They will be able to safely remove the squirrel from your home.

Are squirrels dangerous?

Squirrels are not typically dangerous to humans. However, they can carry diseases and parasites, and they can damage property. It is important to keep squirrels away from your home and yard.

How can I attract squirrels to my yard?

  • Plant trees and shrubs that produce nuts and fruits. This will provide squirrels with a natural food source.
  • Leave out water sources, such as bird baths and fountains. This will help squirrels stay hydrated.
  • Build a squirrel house or nest box. This will provide squirrels with a place to live.
  • Feed squirrels peanuts, corn, and other food. This will attract squirrels to your yard.

Are squirrels good for the environment?

Squirrels play an important role in the environment. They help to disperse seeds, and they provide food for other animals. Squirrels can also be a nuisance, however, if they damage property or carry diseases.

Squirrels are a common sight in many backyards and parks, and they can be a nuisance if they start to eat your birdseed or other food. But what foods are irresistible to squirrels?

The foods that squirrels find most appealing are high in fat and protein, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits. They also enjoy eating eggs, meat, and cheese. If you want to keep squirrels away from your food, you should avoid feeding them these types of foods.

You can also try to deter squirrels by using deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and reflective tape. If all else fails, you may need to trap and relocate the squirrels.

By understanding what foods squirrels find irresistible, you can take steps to keep them away from your food and enjoy your backyard without having to worry about these furry creatures.

Key Takeaways

  • Squirrels are attracted to foods that are high in fat and protein, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits.
  • They also enjoy eating eggs, meat, and cheese.
  • You can deter squirrels by using deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and reflective tape.
  • If all else fails, you may need to trap and relocate the squirrels.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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