Do Squirrels Eat Crepe Myrtle

Squirrels do eat crepe myrtle, and they can cause noticeable damage to these beloved landscape trees.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself, “do squirrels eat crepe myrtle?” the short answer is yes, they absolutely do.
 
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll nibble on just about anything that looks or tastes appealing, and crepe myrtle fits that bill in several ways.
 
While squirrels won’t typically devour the woody trunk or main branches, they are known to strip bark, chew on tender shoots, and even dig up bulbs or roots around the base of the tree.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the specific ways squirrels eat crepe myrtle, why they’re attracted to it, and how you can protect your tree from these furry garden raiders.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can keep your crepe myrtle healthy and beautiful all season long.
 

Why Squirrels Eat Crepe Myrtle

Squirrels eat crepe myrtle for a few key reasons, and understanding these motives helps you figure out the best protection strategies.
 

1. Bark Stripping for Nesting Material and Teeth Maintenance

One of the most common ways squirrels eat crepe myrtle is by stripping the thin, papery bark from the trunk and branches.
 
Squirrels have ever-growing incisor teeth that they must constantly wear down, and chewing on bark helps file those teeth naturally.
 
The peeling bark of crepe myrtle is particularly enticing because it comes off in long, easy strips that squirrels can carry away to line their nests.
 
While this bark stripping doesn’t always kill the tree, it can expose the inner cambium layer to pests and diseases, leaving your crepe myrtle vulnerable.
 

2. Eating Tender Shoots and Young Buds

In the spring, squirrels eat crepe myrtle’s new growth, including tender shoots, flower buds, and young leaves.
 
These soft plant parts are packed with moisture and nutrients, making them a tasty snack, especially when other food sources are scarce.
 
If you notice freshly clipped twigs or buds scattered around the base of your tree, there’s a good chance a squirrel has been dining on the upper canopy.
 
The damage is often cosmetic but can reduce flowering if squirrels aggressively target the buds before they bloom.
 

3. Digging Around the Root Zone

Squirrels also eat crepe myrtle indirectly by digging in the soil around the tree’s base.
 
They’re searching for insects, grubs, and buried seeds, but their digging can disturb shallow roots and disrupt moisture uptake.
 
This behavior is more common in the fall when squirrels are busy caching food for winter, and the loose soil around a crepe myrtle makes an easy digging spot.
 

Signs That Squirrels Are Eating Your Crepe Myrtle

You’ll want to confirm squirrels are the culprit before taking action, since other pests like deer or rabbits can cause similar damage.
 

1. Visible Bark Damage on the Trunk

If squirrels eat crepe myrtle bark, you’ll see gnaw marks that look like narrow, vertical scrapes or small patches of missing bark.
 
Unlike deer, which leave ragged, torn edges with their teeth, squirrel damage tends to be cleaner and more uniform, almost like the bark was peeled away with a tool.
 
You might also spot tiny claw marks on the trunk from squirrels climbing up and down the tree repeatedly.
 

2. Clipped Branches and Twigs on the Ground

Squirrels often nibble on the tips of crepe myrtle branches, causing them to snap off and fall to the ground.
 
Check for small, uniformly cut twigs with chew marks on the ends, which is a classic sign of squirrel feeding rather than wind damage.
 
These fallen pieces will often have buds or young leaves still attached, showing you exactly what the squirrel was after.
 

3. Disturbed Mulch or Soil Around the Base

If squirrels are digging around your crepe myrtle, you’ll notice scattered mulch, small holes in the soil, and disturbed root zone areas.
 
Squirrels aren’t shy about returning to the same spot, so the damage will likely get worse over several days if left unchecked.
 

How to Protect Your Crepe Myrtle From Squirrels

Now that we’ve answered “do squirrels eat crepe myrtle?” it’s time to look at practical solutions to keep them away.
 

1. Install Physical Barriers

One of the most effective ways to stop squirrels from eating crepe myrtle bark is to wrap the trunk with a metal or plastic guard.
 
You can use aluminum flashing, a spiral tree guard, or even a sheet of galvanized metal wrapped loosely around the lower trunk.
 
Make sure the barrier extends at least two feet above ground level, since squirrels can jump surprisingly high from the grass.
 
This simple barrier makes it difficult for squirrels to climb the trunk and access the bark and buds they love to chew.
 

2. Apply Taste Deterrents

Commercial squirrel repellents containing capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers hot) work well because squirrels hate the burning sensation.
 
Spray the repellent directly on the trunk, branches, and buds of your crepe myrtle, especially after rain or heavy dew when the product might wash away.
 
You can also make a homemade spray with hot pepper flakes, garlic, and water, but just know you’ll need to reapply it often for it to stay effective.
 

3. Keep the Area Clean and Uninviting

Squirrels eat crepe myrtle more readily when they feel safe and comfortable in your yard, so reducing their hiding spots helps.
 
Keep the ground under the tree clear of fallen fruit, seeds, and debris that might attract squirrels in the first place.
 
Trim overhanging branches from nearby trees that squirrels use as launching pads to reach your crepe myrtle.
 
You might also consider installing a motion-activated sprinkler near the tree; the sudden burst of water will scare squirrels off without causing them any harm.
 

So, Do Squirrels Eat Crepe Myrtle? The Bottom Line

Yes, squirrels eat crepe myrtle in several ways, from stripping bark to nibbling buds and digging around the roots.
 
The good news is that the damage is rarely fatal, and with a few simple prevention methods, you can keep your tree looking its best.
 
Remember that squirrels are persistent little critters, so you may need to combine multiple strategies to see lasting results.
 
Start with a physical trunk guard, add a taste deterrent, and reduce nearby squirrel hiding spots for maximum protection.
 
If you notice damage early and act quickly, your crepe myrtle will recover and continue to produce those beautiful summer blooms you planted it for in the first place.
 
So don’t let these furry bandits ruin your landscaping; take action today and enjoy a thriving crepe myrtle all year round.