How to squirrel guide
For many, the sight of a squirrel can be so exciting, and then for others, this can be as Ebenezer Scrootch says in the famous movie a Christmas CarolĀ “humbug” But for me, squirrels are cute little animals that can really be lots of fun as you watch them in their natural habitat.
But as cute and cuddly as squirrels are they can become a nuisance to many home gardens doing much damage. Squirrels can be found both in urban and rural areas, some years ago my family and I took a vacation trip to Orlando and decided to visit one of the shopping malls which had a few large trees in the parking lot, and to our amazement, we saw a cute little squirrel moving with such lighting speed ok I may be exaggerating a bit but this squirrel was moving so fast up that tall tree I could not believe the speed of this little animal.
Creating a wildlife garden to attract squirrels can be both exciting and educational to kids as they learn about these cute fluffy animals so if you are ready to attract squirrels to your gardens then continue reading as we enter the wonderful world of squirrels.
Attracting squirrels to your garden
Here is what you will need.
- Plants
- Food Source
- Water Source
- Shelter
- Logs
Providing Shelter
Shelter
To make your garden inviting for squirrels it is best to install some type of covers such as shrubs, stacks of logs, hedges, and tall ornamental grasses. As cute as squirrels are they don’t like to be seen but would rather be undercover where they can feel safe. Planting a few flowering plants and trees with editable fruits will have your furry friends feeling like they are in squirrel heaven. Conifer trees such as pines and spruce is a great choice.
Scatter food such as corn around the base of plants, trees, and on the ground will certainly get their attention, hang a bird feeder from a tree branch, and fill it with pine nuts, walnuts, and peanuts.
Provide a food source
Food Source
Providing a food source is so important in attracting squirrels, some of these foods include
- Acorn
- Walnuts
- Pine Nuts
- Peanuts
- Macadamia Nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Safflower Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Strawberries
- Mulberries
- Raspberries
These are some of the food sources which will have your garden visitors feeling like they are in squirrel heaven.
Provide a water source
Providing a water source is so important. When providing water fill several shallow bowls and place them throughout the garden. It is a good idea to place several of these bowls near shrubs where they can feel safe and hide or take to flight if they feel threatened.
When the colder season arrives you want to ensure that squirrels have constant water to drink if the water is frozen can spell trouble for a squirrel, providing a water heater like those which is found in birdbaths will prove to be beneficial.
Additional Information
1. Do not use harmful chemicals that can cause injury to squirrels.
Squirrel fun facts
Below are 12 exciting squirrel fun facts you will love.
1. Squirrel s are born blind.
2. There are said to be over 280 species of squirrels.
3. The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed this is why they can move so quickly.
4. Squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing.
5. Squirrels grow extra fur to stay warm during the winter months.
6. Squirrels move in a zig-zag pattern to escape danger.
7. Squirrels are considered to be rodents.
8. Squirrels are omnivores meaning they eat both meat and plants.
9. There are a squirrel species known as the flying squirrel which jumps from tree to tree gliding through the air.
10. Squirrels have great eyesight.
11. Squirrels have large eyes.
12. Squirrels will adopt another squirrel’s baby if the baby is abandoned.
The final word
Attracting squirrels to your garden by putting these measures in place can and will work wonders, this is a great way to connect with nature as you watch your furry guest in their natural habitat. So go ahead and turn your garden into an environment that squirrels cannot resist you will be so happy that you did and your kids will also.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.