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Squirrels are fascinating creatures. They are known for their bushy tails, their ability to climb trees, and their love for nuts. However, have you ever wondered what vegetables squirrels do not eat? If you are a gardener or just curious about these furry rodents, then you have come to the right place.
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In this article, we will explore the vegetables that squirrels do not eat. We will also discuss the reasons behind their aversion to certain vegetables and provide tips on how to protect your garden from these critters. So, let’s dive in and discover which vegetables are safe from the squirrels’ appetites.
What Vegetables Do Squirrels Not Eat?
Squirrels are cute and furry creatures that can be a delight to watch in your backyard. They are known for their love of nuts and seeds, but they also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. However, not all vegetables are safe for squirrels to consume. In this article, we will explore the vegetables that squirrels should avoid eating.
1. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic belong to the allium family, which can be toxic to squirrels. These vegetables contain a compound called thiosulphate, which can damage a squirrel’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Squirrels may also develop gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, after ingesting onions or garlic.
If you have a vegetable garden, make sure to keep onions and garlic away from your squirrel visitors. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting herbs like lavender or mint nearby, to deter squirrels from eating your crops.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes are another vegetable that squirrels should avoid. They contain solanine, a chemical that can be poisonous to squirrels if consumed in large amounts. Solanine can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
It’s best to keep potatoes out of reach of squirrels to prevent accidental ingestion. If you have a potato plant in your garden, make sure to harvest the potatoes when they are fully mature and store them in a safe place away from squirrels.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular vegetable that many people grow in their gardens. However, they are not ideal for squirrels to eat. Tomatoes contain a chemical called tomatine, which can be harmful to squirrels if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of tomatine poisoning in squirrels include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you have tomato plants in your garden, make sure to pick the tomatoes when they are fully ripe. Unripe tomatoes contain higher amounts of tomatine, which can be more toxic to squirrels.
4. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a vegetable that is commonly used in pies and other desserts. However, it is not safe for squirrels to eat. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic to squirrels if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning in squirrels include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you have a rhubarb plant in your garden, make sure to keep it away from squirrels. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting daffodils or marigolds nearby, to keep squirrels away from your garden.
5. Eggplant
Eggplant is a vegetable that is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. However, it is not recommended for squirrels to eat. Eggplants contain solanine, the same toxic compound found in potatoes. Squirrels may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors if they consume eggplant in large amounts.
If you have eggplant plants in your garden, make sure to harvest the fruits when they are fully ripe. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting garlic or chives nearby, to keep squirrels away from your crops.
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing and healthy snack for humans, but they are not ideal for squirrels. Cucumbers contain cucurbitacin, a compound that can cause digestive problems in squirrels. Symptoms of cucurbitacin poisoning in squirrels include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
If you have cucumber plants in your garden, make sure to pick the cucumbers when they are fully ripe. Unripe cucumbers contain higher amounts of cucurbitacin, which can be more toxic to squirrels.
7. Peppers
Peppers are a common vegetable that many people enjoy eating. However, they are not recommended for squirrels to consume. Peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Squirrels may also experience gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, after eating peppers.
If you have pepper plants in your garden, make sure to pick the peppers when they are fully ripe. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting basil or oregano nearby, to keep squirrels away from your crops.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a popular vegetable that is often used in desserts and other dishes. However, they are not safe for squirrels to eat. Sweet potatoes contain solanine, the same toxic compound found in potatoes. Squirrels may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors if they consume sweet potatoes in large amounts.
If you have sweet potato plants in your garden, make sure to harvest the potatoes when they are fully mature. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting lavender or rosemary nearby, to deter squirrels from eating your crops.
9. Asparagus
Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is often used in soups and salads. However, it is not recommended for squirrels to eat. Asparagus contains sapogenins, a compound that can cause gastrointestinal problems in squirrels. Symptoms of sapogenin poisoning in squirrels include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
If you have asparagus plants in your garden, make sure to keep them away from squirrels. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting onions or chives nearby, to keep squirrels away from your crops.
10. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. However, it is not ideal for squirrels to eat. Spinach contains oxalic acid, the same toxic compound found in rhubarb. Squirrels may experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if they consume spinach in large amounts.
If you have spinach plants in your garden, make sure to keep them away from squirrels. You can also use natural repellents, such as planting garlic or thyme nearby, to deter squirrels from eating your crops.
In conclusion, there are several vegetables that squirrels should avoid eating. Onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, rhubarb, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and spinach can all be harmful to squirrels if consumed in large amounts. If you have a vegetable garden, make sure to keep these vegetables away from your squirrel visitors and use natural repellents to deter them from eating your crops.
Freequently Asked Questions
As we all know, squirrels are notorious for stealing and eating just about anything they can get their paws on. However, there are certain vegetables that squirrels tend to avoid. Here are some common questions and answers about what vegetables squirrels do not eat.
What vegetables do squirrels not eat?
Squirrels are known to be herbivores and they love to eat vegetables, fruits, and nuts. However, there are some vegetables that squirrels do not prefer to eat such as:
1. Peppers: Squirrels do not like to eat spicy vegetables like peppers. Capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers spicy, can irritate squirrels’ mouths and stomachs, so they tend to avoid them.
2. Cucumbers: Squirrels do not like the bitter taste of cucumbers, so they do not eat them. However, they may nibble on the leaves or stems of cucumber plants.
Do squirrels eat broccoli?
Yes, squirrels do eat broccoli, but it is not their favorite vegetable. Squirrels prefer sweeter vegetables like corn or carrots. However, if they are hungry, they will eat almost anything, including broccoli.
It is important to note that squirrels can be destructive to gardens and crops, so it is recommended to use protective measures to keep them away from your vegetables.
What vegetables can I plant that squirrels will not eat?
If you want to plant vegetables in your garden that squirrels are less likely to eat, consider planting:
1. Tomatoes: Squirrels are not particularly fond of tomatoes, although they may try to eat them if they are hungry enough. You can protect your tomato plants by covering them with netting or using a squirrel repellent.
2. Onions: Squirrels do not like the strong smell of onions and will generally leave them alone.
By planting these vegetables, you can reduce the likelihood of squirrels eating your crops.
Do squirrels eat sweet potato vines?
Yes, squirrels do eat sweet potato vines. Sweet potato vines are a favorite food of squirrels, especially in the fall when other food sources are scarce. If you want to protect your sweet potato vines, you can cover them with netting or use a squirrel repellent.
It is important to note that squirrels are persistent creatures and can find a way to get to almost any food source, so it is best to take preventative measures to protect your plants.
What is the best way to keep squirrels from eating my vegetables?
There are several ways to keep squirrels from eating your vegetables:
1. Use a physical barrier: You can use netting or fencing to keep squirrels out of your garden.
2. Use a squirrel repellent: There are many types of squirrel repellents available, including sprays and granules.
3. Plant vegetables that squirrels do not like: As mentioned earlier, squirrels do not like the taste of onions or the smell of tomatoes. Planting these vegetables can help deter squirrels from your garden.
By using these methods, you can protect your vegetables and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
What Squirrels Eat, Their Diet, and What Not to Feed Them
In conclusion, squirrels are known for their love of nuts and seeds, but they also enjoy munching on a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, there are some vegetables that squirrels tend to avoid.
One such vegetable is the onion. Squirrels are not particularly fond of the strong smell and taste of onions, making them less likely to eat them. Additionally, garlic is also a vegetable that squirrels tend to stay away from.
Another vegetable that squirrels are not too keen on is the pepper. The spicy taste of peppers can be too much for our little furry friends to handle, leading them to avoid them altogether.
Overall, while squirrels are known to be curious and adventurous eaters, there are some vegetables that they tend to avoid. So, next time you’re trying to keep squirrels out of your garden, consider planting some onions, garlic, and peppers to deter them from snacking on your veggies.
