Do Squirrels Eat Gerbera Daisies? Exploring Squirrel Feeding Habits.
Squirrels are known for their love of nuts but also notorious for their love of flowers. Gardeners who have spent hours planting and tending to their gardens may find that these furry creatures have destroyed their hard work. One of the flowers that squirrels are known to eat is the Gerbera Daisy.
Squirrels eat Gerbera Daisies, and squirrels are opportunistic feeders, meaning they consume a wide variety of food sources depending on availability. Although their primary diet consists of nuts, seeds, and fruits, they are also known to eat flowers, including Gerbera Daisies.
Squirrels are attracted to the bright colors of Gerbera Daisies and may damage the flower heads while searching for a meal. They chew on the petals, tender stems, buds, and even the seeds of these flowers due to their curiosity or to balance their diet with minerals and other nutrients.
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How to Protect Gerbera Daisies from Squirrels
Natural Deterrents
A few natural deterrents can be used to keep squirrels away from gerbera daisies. These include:
● Planting garlic or onions around the gerbera daisies
● Using a spray made from hot peppers and water on the leaves
● Placing mothballs or human hair around the plants
While these methods may work to some extent, they are not foolproof and must be combined with physical barriers for maximum effectiveness.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are the most effective way to keep squirrels away from gerbera daisies. Here are a few options:
| Barrier Type | Pros | Cons |
| Chicken wire cage | Relatively inexpensive | May be unsightly |
| Netting | Can be easily removed for watering and maintenance | May be difficult to install |
| Hardware cloth | Durable and long-lasting | May be more expensive |
When using physical barriers, it is important to ensure that they are securely in place and that squirrels can get through no gaps or holes. Additionally, it is important to regularly check the barriers for any damage or wear and tear.
Using a combination of natural deterrents and physical barriers, gardeners can protect their gerbera daisies from squirrels and enjoy their beautiful blooms all season long.