Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro Plants

Squirrels do eat cilantro plants, and they’ll happily munch on the leaves, stems, and even the seeds if they can get to them.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself “do squirrels eat cilantro plants,” you’re not alone, because plenty of gardeners have watched their herb beds get raided overnight.
 
Cilantro is not toxic to squirrels, so it’s not a matter of safety — it’s simply a tasty, tender green that fits right into their diet.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why squirrels eat cilantro plants, how to tell if squirrels have been nibbling on your cilantro, and what you can do to protect your crop.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Squirrels Eat Cilantro Plants

Squirrels eat cilantro plants for a few simple reasons, and once you understand them, the damage makes a lot more sense.
 

1. Cilantro Is Tender and Easy to Chew

Cilantro leaves are soft, thin, and packed with moisture, which makes them an easy snack for squirrels.
 
Unlike tougher greens that require a lot of gnawing, cilantro can be nibbled quickly, so a squirrel can grab a meal and dash off before predators show up.
 
That tender texture is exactly why squirrels eat cilantro plants so readily when other food is scarce.
 

2. The Scent and Flavor Are Attractive

Cilantro has a strong, distinctive aroma that many pests find irresistible.
 
Squirrels rely heavily on smell to find food, and the oils in cilantro leaves send a clear signal that there’s something fresh and edible nearby.
 
So if you’re wondering do squirrels eat cilantro plants, the answer often comes down to that inviting scent wafting through the garden.
 

3. Squirrels Need Greens in Their Diet

Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and yes, leafy greens too.
 
Cilantro gives them vitamins, minerals, and hydration they don’t always get from dry nuts and seeds.
 
That’s why squirrels eat cilantro plants in spring and summer, when fresh vegetation is abundant and their bodies crave that extra nutrition.
 

4. Cilantro Is a Convenient Food Source

Cilantro grows in loose, leafy clumps close to the ground, which makes it an easy target for squirrels.
 
They don’t have to climb or dig to reach it — they can simply walk over and start eating.
 
This convenience explains a lot about why squirrels eat cilantro plants so aggressively in home gardens.
 

Signs That Squirrels Are Eating Your Cilantro Plants

If you suspect squirrels are eating your cilantro plants, there are a few telltale signs to look for.
 

1. Chewed Leaves With Jagged Edges

Squirrels don’t eat neatly — they bite and tear, leaving leaves with ragged, uneven edges.
 
If your cilantro looks like it’s been shredded rather than snipped, squirrels are a likely culprit.
 

2. Missing Stems and Seed Heads

When squirrels eat cilantro plants, they often go for the stems and seed heads too, not just the leaves.
 
You might notice whole stalks stripped bare or the coriander seeds disappearing before they even mature.
 

3. Droppings and Dig Marks Nearby

Small, dark droppings around your herb bed, plus little dug-up patches of soil, are strong clues that squirrels have been visiting.
 
These signs usually show up alongside the chewed cilantro, confirming that squirrels are eating your cilantro plants.
 

4. Damage That Happens Overnight

Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they’ll also feed at night if they feel safe.
 
If your cilantro looks fine one evening and ravaged the next morning, squirrels eating your cilantro plants is a very real possibility.
 

How to Stop Squirrels From Eating Cilantro Plants

You don’t have to accept losing your crop — there are several ways to keep squirrels from eating cilantro plants.
 

1. Use Physical Barriers

Row covers, cloches, or fine mesh netting can keep squirrels away from your cilantro.
 
Just make sure the barrier is anchored well, because squirrels are clever and strong for their size.
 
A secure barrier is one of the most reliable ways to stop squirrels eating cilantro plants.
 

2. Plant Cilantro in Pots

Growing cilantro in containers on a balcony or windowsill makes it much harder for squirrels to reach.
 
This is a simple, effective solution if you’re tired of squirrels eating cilantro plants in your garden beds.
 

3. Use Scent Deterrents

Squirrels dislike strong smells like garlic, cayenne, or predator urine.
 
Spraying a diluted repellent around your cilantro can discourage them, though you’ll need to reapply after rain.
 
These deterrents won’t harm the squirrels, but they can reduce how often squirrels eat cilantro plants in your yard.
 

4. Offer an Alternative Food Source

Sometimes the easiest fix is to give squirrels something else to eat, like a feeder filled with nuts or seeds placed away from your garden.
 
If they have an easier meal nearby, they’re less likely to bother eating cilantro plants.
 

So, Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro Plants?

Squirrels do eat cilantro plants, and they’ll go after the leaves, stems, and seeds whenever they get the chance.
 
Cilantro is safe for them, tender, fragrant, and nutritious, which is exactly why squirrels eat cilantro plants so often in home gardens.
 
The good news is that with barriers, containers, scent deterrents, and alternative food sources, you can protect your crop without harming the squirrels.
 
So if you’ve been asking do squirrels eat cilantro plants, now you know the answer — and you know how to keep your cilantro safe.