Will Animals Eat My Cilantro

Yes, animals will eat your cilantro, and depending on where you live, they might go after it faster than you can harvest.
 
Cilantro is a tender, aromatic herb that a long list of creatures find irresistible, from tiny insects to rabbits and even deer.
 
So if you’ve been asking yourself, “will animals eat my cilantro,” the short answer is a resounding yes, and some are more destructive than others.
 
In this post, we will look at which animals will eat your cilantro, why they are drawn to it, and how you can protect your crop.
 
Let’s dig into what animals will eat your cilantro and how to keep your harvest safe.
 

Which Animals Will Eat Your Cilantro

Plenty of animals will eat your cilantro, and knowing your culprits is the first step toward stopping them.
 

1. Rabbits Will Eat Your Cilantro

Rabbits absolutely will eat your cilantro, and they are often the number one culprit in home gardens.
 
Cilantro’s soft, leafy stems are easy for rabbits to nibble, and they love the fresh taste.
 
A single rabbit can mow down a whole patch of cilantro in one night if it gets the chance.
 
If you notice clean, angled cuts near the base of your plants, rabbits will eat your cilantro almost certainly.
 

2. Deer Will Eat Your Cilantro

Deer will also eat your cilantro, especially when other food sources are scarce.
 
Unlike many herbs with strong scents that deer avoid, cilantro is mild and palatable to them.
 
Deer tend to graze on the tops of the plants first, leaving behind short, ragged stems.
 
So if you live near woods or open fields, deer will eat your cilantro before you even realize they visited.
 

3. Insects and Aphids Will Eat Your Cilantro

Small insects will eat your cilantro too, and they can do serious damage quietly.
 
Aphids suck sap from the tender leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.
 
Caterpillars and leafminers will chew holes through the foliage.
 
Even tiny pests like thrips will eat your cilantro and leave behind silvery scars.
 

Why Animals Are Drawn to Your Cilantro

Animals will eat your cilantro for several good reasons, and understanding these helps you defend your plants.
 

1. Cilantro Is Tender and Tasty

Cilantro has soft, thin leaves with a fresh, mild flavor that many animals find delicious.
 
It lacks the tough fibers or bitter oils that protect some other herbs.
 
That tenderness makes it an easy meal for animals that will eat your cilantro.
 

2. Cilantro Is Nutrient-Rich

Cilantro is packed with vitamins and moisture, which makes it a nutritious snack for wildlife.
 
Rabbits, deer, and even some birds will eat your cilantro to get those nutrients.
 
For small animals, a patch of cilantro can be a reliable source of water and food.
 

3. Cilantro Grows in Easy-to-Reach Spots

Cilantro often grows low to the ground in open garden beds with little protection.
 
That easy access means animals will eat your cilantro without much effort.
 
If your cilantro is near a fence line, woodpile, or brush, wildlife will find it quickly.
 

How to Stop Animals From Eating Your Cilantro

You can keep animals from eating your cilantro with a few practical steps that actually work.
 

1. Use Physical Barriers

Row covers, netting, and small fences are the most reliable way to stop animals that will eat your cilantro.
 
For rabbits, a fence buried a few inches into the ground works best.
 
For deer, you’ll need a barrier at least six to eight feet tall.
 
Floating row covers also protect against insects that will eat your cilantro.
 

2. Plant Cilantro in Containers

Growing cilantro in pots on a porch or balcony keeps it out of reach for many animals.
 
Rabbits and deer are far less likely to eat your cilantro when it’s up high.
 
Just make sure the containers have drainage and get enough sun.
 

3. Use Repellents and Companion Planting

Strong-smelling plants like marigolds, onions, and garlic can help disguise your cilantro.
 
You can also spray a homemade or commercial repellent to discourage animals from eating your cilantro.
 
Reapply after rain, since repellents wash off quickly.
 

4. Harvest Early and Often

The sooner you harvest, the less chance animals will eat your cilantro before you do.
 
Pick leaves regularly to keep the plant productive and less appealing to pests.
 
You can also let a few plants go to seed, which some animals will eat your cilantro for instead of the leaves.
 

So, Will Animals Eat My Cilantro?

Animals will eat your cilantro, and that includes rabbits, deer, insects, and more.
 
Cilantro is simply too tender and tasty for many creatures to pass up.
 
But with barriers, containers, repellents, and smart harvesting, you can protect your crop.
 
So the next time you wonder if animals will eat your cilantro, you’ll know the answer and exactly what to do about it.