Are you curious about attracting squirrels to your garden? Wondering about the benefits and potential damages they may bring? Interested in learning about their preferred food and how to offer it to them? Well, keep reading because we have all the answers!
Why Attract Squirrels to Your Garden?
The reasons for attracting squirrels to your garden are simple and varied, all related to their food. For instance, did you know that squirrels enjoy feasting on grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars? This means they can help in controlling these pests and act as your allies in the battle against garden nuisances. The idea of “adopting” a squirrel and having it help with pest control might sound appealing.
In addition to pest control, squirrels can also be beneficial in spreading seeds and helping trees grow. While their fondness for nuts is well-known, we can diversify their diet by offering other types of food. By providing a constant source of food, we can encourage squirrels to come out of their hiding places more often and gain their trust. Watching their antics can be a delightful pastime for both young and old.
How to Attract Squirrels to Your Garden
To attract squirrels to your garden, you need to focus on three main factors: water, food, and shelter. However, do keep in mind that having a large tree in your garden can make the process easier. Squirrels are naturally drawn to trees, so leaving walnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns around the base of the tree can attract them.
It's important to note that squirrels, like mice, enjoy fruits with shells that they can work their jaws on. So, offering fruits like broccoli, squash, and mushrooms can also be enticing for them. Squirrels are intelligent creatures, and as they search for a place to hide their treasures, they will likely discover nest boxes and water sources. Avoid offering them dried corn cobs, as they can harm the squirrels' intestinal health.
Placing Food to Attract Squirrels
When it comes to placing food for squirrels, it's important to consider their visual navigation skills. While squirrels do have a keen sense of smell, they rely more on their vision to find food. Therefore, the most effective strategy is to place the food in visible and intriguing spots, such as on branches near the hollows where squirrels like to nest.
If you're fond of squirrels and want to feed them throughout the winter, a wide variety of seeds can help attract them to your garden. Wondering if the food you prepare for birds in your garden can be shared with squirrels? Well, you can start by combining bird treats with nuts. Here's a recipe to get you started:
– 1 cup (240 ml) of infant rice cereal
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) of ground pecans
– 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of brewer's yeast powder
– 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of lecithin
– 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml) of dolomite powder for calcium
– 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of iodized salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml) of cod liver oil for vitamin A and vitamin D
– 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) of olive oil
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) of unsweetened applesauce
Mix the ingredients to obtain a paste, flatten it, and cut it into squares. Dry the squares in a food dehydrator at 160°C or let them dry in the sun for 2 days. To prevent mold or rancid oil, store the homemade nut balls in the freezer. Feed each squirrel with 1 to 2 nut balls per day.
If this recipe seems too time-consuming, you can simply stick to providing nuts. However, keep in mind that squirrels in parks or forests do not have access to vitamin-enriched food like the kind you can provide.
Using Bird Feeders to Attract Squirrels
Have you ever wondered if a bird feeder can be used to attract squirrels to your garden? Well, the answer is yes! Squirrel feeders come with all the extras you need, including an opening roof and a wooden food dispenser for multiple animals. They are easy to fill and clean, and they'll automatically dispense food as the squirrels eat. By filling a squirrel feeder once a week, up to the roof, you can ensure a constant supply of food. However, it's important to resist the temptation of buying a bird feeder and appropriating it for squirrel use.
Hi, I'm Daniel, a passionate writer and a dedicated member of The Daily Herald team. With a curiosity that knows no bounds, I strive to bring you engaging and insightful content that reflects the pulse of the modern lifestyle. There was this one time when I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a café while researching an article, and it turned out to be a favorite spot for locals, thanks to my recommendation!As part of The Daily Herald team, I am committed to delivering the latest trends, tips, and inspirations to help you lead a fulfilling life. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, I enjoy connecting with our readers on a personal level, making each article a captivating journey. Join me in exploring the lifestyle in style as we embark on this exciting adventure together.