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Squirrels do like lavender plants, but not in the way you might think.
They don’t eat lavender, yet they’ll happily dig around it, nest near it, and brush past it while foraging.
If you’ve ever asked “do squirrels like lavender plants,” the simple answer is yes, with a few important caveats.
In this post, we’ll break down why squirrels like lavender, how they interact with it, and whether you need to worry about your plants.
Why Squirrels Like Lavender Plants
Squirrels like lavender plants for several reasons, and food is only part of the story.
Here’s what’s really going on.
1. The Scent Doesn’t Bother Them
Many gardeners assume squirrels like lavender plants because of the smell, but it’s actually the opposite.
The strong fragrance that keeps deer and rabbits away doesn’t really faze squirrels.
They don’t hate it, and they don’t love it.
So while lavender might work as a squirrel deterrent in some gardens, it’s not a guaranteed one.
The reality is that squirrels like lavender plants simply because the scent doesn’t stop them from doing what they want.
2. Great Cover for Foraging
Lavender grows dense and bushy, which makes it perfect hiding cover for squirrels.
They like lavender plants because they offer a safe spot to pause while scanning for predators.
Birds of prey and neighborhood cats are less likely to spot a squirrel tucked between lavender stems.
That sense of security is often why squirrels like lavender plants more than they like sparse herbs.
3. Soft Soil Around the Base
Lavender loves well-drained, sandy soil, and so do squirrels.
This type of ground is easy for them to dig into, which makes it prime real estate for burying nuts.
Squirrels like lavender plants for this reason alone.
The plant itself isn’t the draw; the soil around it is.
If your lavender bed is loose and dry, don’t be surprised when you catch squirrels caching acorns there.
4. A Breeze-Covered Vantage Point
Lavender grows upright, and squirrels like climbing it for a quick lookout.
From the top of a lavender bush, they can watch the yard without being seen.
This is a big reason squirrels like lavender plants in gardens with open space.
You may even see them perched there, flicking their tails as they plan the next raid on your bird feeder.
Do Squirrels Actually Eat Lavender Plants?
Squirrels don’t eat lavender plants, and that’s one of the best things about growing lavender.
Lavender contains compounds like linalool and camphor that taste bitter to squirrels.
They’ll nibble a leaf once, then walk away.
So while squirrels like lavender plants, they aren’t destroying them by eating them.
Your lavender is safe from being chewed to the ground, which is more than you can say for tulips or sunflower seedlings.
1. They May Dig Up Young Plants
The bigger risk with squirrels and lavender is digging, not eating.
Young lavender has shallow roots that are easy to disturb.
A squirrel searching for a buried nut can uproot a small plant without ever meaning to.
If squirrels like lavender plants in your yard, keep an eye on new transplants during their first season.
2. Flower Buds Are Usually Left Alone
Lavender buds are full of fragrant oils that squirrels ignore.
Unlike roses or pansies, lavender flowers rarely get munched.
That means you can grow lavender for bouquets and bees without a squirrel stealing your blooms.
This is why so many gardeners don’t mind that squirrels like lavender plants as much as they do.
How to Keep Squirrels From Messing With Your Lavender
Even if squirrels like lavender plants, you can still protect your garden without harming them.
Here are a few simple tricks that work.
1. Mulch With Sharp Gravel
Lavender thrives in gravelly soil, and squirrels hate digging through it.
A layer of coarse rock around the base keeps their paws from scratching at the roots.
This is a natural, chemical-free way to manage squirrels when they like lavender plants a little too much.
2. Use a Lightweight Mesh
A simple wire cloche or mesh basket over young plants stops the digging.
Once the lavender is established, you can remove the cover.
Squirrels like lavender plants for the cover they provide, so once the plant is big enough, it holds its own.
3. Offer a Distraction
Squirrels dig when they’re looking for somewhere to stash food.
Give them a dedicated spot with a few unsalted nuts or a squirrel feeder, and they’ll spend less time in your lavender bed.
It’s a simple swap that keeps the peace when squirrels like lavender plants in your yard.
4. Plant Lavender in Borders
If you already know squirrels like lavender plants, use that to your advantage.
Plant lavender around vegetables that squirrels do eat, like corn or tomatoes.
The scent and dense growth can slow them down, even if it doesn’t stop them completely.
So, Do Squirrels Like Lavender Plants?
Squirrels do like lavender plants, but they like them for cover, soft soil, and climbing, not for food.
They won’t eat your lavender, and they’ll rarely damage mature plants.
If you’ve been wondering whether squirrels like lavender plants, now you know the answer is yes, just not for the reasons most people assume.
So go ahead and enjoy your lavender.
The squirrels will enjoy it too, and your garden will be just fine.