Will Squirrels Eat Lavender Plants

Squirrels will eat lavender plants, but it’s usually not their first choice on the menu.
 
They might nibble on the leaves, flowers, or stems if they’re hungry enough or if other food sources are scarce.
 
So if you’ve been asking yourself, “will squirrels eat lavender plants?” the short answer is yes, they can and sometimes will.
 
But that doesn’t mean your lavender is doomed.
 
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why squirrels eat lavender plants, when they’re most likely to do it, and how you can protect your lavender if you want to keep those bushy-tailed visitors away.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Squirrels Will Eat Lavender Plants

Squirrels will eat lavender plants for a few simple reasons, and once you understand them, you can decide how much you really need to worry.
 
Here’s what’s going on.
 

1. Squirrels Are Opportunistic Eaters

Squirrels aren’t picky eaters by nature.
 
They’re foragers, which means they’ll eat whatever is available and easy to get to.
 
If your lavender plants are sitting in a garden bed with no fence or barrier, they become just another option on the squirrel buffet.
 
That’s a big part of why squirrels will eat lavender plants even though lavender isn’t their favorite food.
 

2. Lavender Has a Mild, Floral Scent

You might think the strong smell of lavender would keep squirrels away, but that’s not always true.
 
While many gardeners report that squirrels leave their lavender alone, others find the opposite.
 
The scent of lavender can actually attract curious squirrels, especially young ones who are still figuring out what’s safe to eat.
 
So squirrels eating lavender plants isn’t as strange as it sounds.
 

3. Drought and Food Shortages Push Them to Lavender

When natural food sources dry up, squirrels get desperate.
 
During hot, dry summers or cold winters, nuts, seeds, and berries become harder to find.
 
That’s when squirrels will eat lavender plants more aggressively.
 
They’ll chew on the leaves, nibble the stems, and even dig up the roots if they’re really hungry.
 
So the question of will squirrels eat lavender plants often depends on how much other food is around.
 

When Squirrels Are Most Likely to Eat Lavender Plants

Timing matters when it comes to squirrels eating lavender plants.
 
Here are the moments you should watch out for.
 

1. Early Spring When Food Is Scarce

In early spring, squirrels are coming out of winter with empty stomachs.
 
Fresh buds and new growth are just starting to appear, and your lavender is one of the first green things they’ll find.
 
That’s a prime time for squirrels to eat lavender plants.
 

2. Late Summer During Drought

By late summer, many plants have dried up or gone to seed.
 
If you live in a dry climate, squirrels will turn to whatever is still green and juicy.
 
Lavender, with its semi-succulent leaves, can look pretty appealing during a drought.
 
So squirrels eating lavender plants is much more likely when water and food are hard to come by.
 

3. Right After You Plant Them

Newly planted lavender is especially vulnerable.
 
Squirrels are curious, and fresh soil is a big invitation.
 
They’ll dig around the roots, which can uproot the plant, and they’ll nibble the tender new growth.
 
If you’ve just put lavender in the ground, expect squirrels to check it out, and possibly eat your lavender plants before they even get established.
 

How to Stop Squirrels From Eating Lavender Plants

If you’d rather not share your lavender with the local squirrel population, here are some practical ways to protect it.
 

1. Use Physical Barriers

The most reliable way to keep squirrels from eating lavender plants is to block them.
 
Wrap your plants in bird netting or use a wire cloche.
 
You can also plant lavender in pots and move them to a screened porch or indoors if needed.
 
Just make sure the barrier is sturdy, because squirrels are clever and persistent.
 

2. Apply Safe Repellents

There are plenty of squirrel repellents on the market, and some work better than others.
 
Look for products made with capsaicin, garlic, or predator urine.
 
You can also make a homemade spray with cayenne pepper and water, then mist it on the leaves.
 
Reapply after rain, and rotate your repellents so squirrels don’t get used to them.
 

3. Offer an Alternative Food Source

Sometimes the easiest fix is to give squirrels something else to eat.
 
Set up a feeder with nuts, seeds, or corn away from your lavender.
 
If they have an easy meal, they’re less likely to bother with your plants.
 
This won’t work for every squirrel, but it often reduces how much squirrels eat lavender plants.
 

4. Plant Lavender in Protected Spots

You can also outsmart squirrels by where you plant.
 
Lavender does well in raised beds, hanging baskets, or containers on a balcony.
 
These spots are harder for squirrels to reach.
 
If you live in an area with a lot of squirrel activity, this is one of the simplest ways to stop squirrels from eating lavender plants.
 

So, Will Squirrels Eat Lavender Plants?

Squirrels will eat lavender plants, but it’s not their favorite meal.
 
They’re most likely to nibble on lavender when other food is scarce, when the plants are young, or when they’re just curious.
 
So if you’ve been wondering whether squirrels will eat lavender plants, the answer is yes, but you can absolutely protect your garden with a few smart steps.
 
Use barriers, repellents, and a little planning, and your lavender can stay safe and fragrant all season long.