When most people think of squirrels, the first thing that comes to mind is their love of nuts. But what about grass? Do squirrels eat grass? The answer is yes, they do! Grass makes up a significant part of the squirrel’s diet. However, why do they eat it?
What benefits does grass provide for these bushy-tailed creatures? Keep reading to find out!
Does a squirrel eat grass
Squirrels are opportunistic eaters, which mean they’ll consume just about anything available to them. That includes both plants and animals. While nuts are their preferred food source, they’re not always easy to come by.
So, squirrels will turn to grass when other food sources are scarce.
What Parts of Grass Does a Squirrel Eat?
When a squirrel eats grass, they don’t consume the entire plant. Instead, they focus on the greens located at the very top of the blades. These greens are packed full of nutrients like vitamins A and C and minerals like calcium and iron. By eating these nutrient-rich greens, squirrels can stay healthy and strong.
Besides the greens, squirrels will also eat the soft tissue located just below the surface of the blades. This tissue is full of moisture, which helps keep squirrels hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
Squirrels eat grass seeds too. While these seeds don’t offer much in the way of nutrients, they provide the squirrel with a much-needed energy boost. That is especially important during the winter months when food is scarce, and squirrels need all the energy they can get to survive.
Are There Any Specific Types of Grass that Are More Appealing To Squirrels?
Squirrels will eat just about any kind of grass available to them. However, they seem to prefer certain types over others. For instance, they love the grass that’s found on lawns. That’s likely because lawn grasses have many nutrients and are easy to access. Other types of grass that squirrels enjoy include:
- Timothy grass
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- Red fescue
- Bentgrass
While these are all great options for squirrels, one type of grass seems to be their absolute favorite: bamboo. Bamboo is loaded with nutrients and moisture, making it the perfect food for squirrels. Plus, it’s easy to find and harvest.
How Can You Tell If a Squirrel Has Been Eating Your Lawn’s Grass?
If you’re concerned that a squirrel has been eating your lawn’s grass, here are a few things you can look out for. First, check for signs of digging or burrowing.
Squirrels will often dig small holes in the ground in search of food. You may also notice that the blades of grass are chewed or shredded. That’s another sure-fire sign that a squirrel has been snacking on your lawn!
How Can I Prevent Squirrels from Eating My Grass?
Do you have a squirrel problem in your yard? If so, there are things you can do to deter them.
You can use one or a combination of the following techniques:
Use squirrel repellent
Different squirrel repellents on the market can help keep these critters away. These repellants often contain natural ingredients that are safe for both people and animals.
Trim trees and shrubs
If you have trees or shrubs in your yard, ensure you trim them back. That will prevent squirrels from using them as a way to access your lawn.
Use cayenne pepper
Sprinkling cayenne pepper on your lawn is a great way to deter squirrels. The spice will make the grass unappealing to them and keep them away.
Keep a Dog or cat
Another way to deter squirrels is to keep a dog or cat. These animals will chase away any squirrels that come near your property.
Deer repellent
If you live in an area with deer, you can use deer repellent to keep them away. This repellent has lots of ingredients that will also work on squirrels. And it’s safe to use for squirrels
Feed squirrels with food
If you don’t want to keep squirrels away, you can try feeding them instead. This way, they’ll be less likely to eat your grass. Just be sure to use squirrel-friendly food that won’t harm them.
What Else Do Squirrels Use Grass For?
Besides eating grass, squirrels also use it for nesting. They’ll often line their nests with soft, green grass to keep their young warm and comfortable. So, if you see a squirrel with a mouthful of grass, it’s probably on its way to build a nest!
Does a squirrel eat grass: Conclusion
There are many reasons why squirrels eat grass. While it may not be the most pleasant thought, finding out that a squirrel has been eating your grass is a good thing. It means that your lawn is healthy and full of nutrients!
So, next time you see a squirrel nibbling on your grass, take it as a compliment.
Related Article: Do Squirrels Plant Trees?