Will Animals Eat My Cilantro

Animals will eat your cilantro, and unfortunately, they often will.

 

If you’ve been asking yourself, “will animals eat my cilantro,” the short answer is yes, and several different critters will happily munch on it.

 

Cilantro is a tender, fragrant herb that gives off a scent many animals find irresistible.

 

In this post, we’ll look at which animals eat cilantro, why they’re drawn to it, and how to protect your crop so you can enjoy it before they do.

 

Let’s dig in.

 

Why Animals Eat Cilantro

Animals eat cilantro for the same reasons we do.

 

It’s soft, leafy, and packed with moisture, which makes it an easy snack for a wide range of creatures.

 

Here’s what draws them in.

 

1. Cilantro Is Tender and Easy to Chew

Cilantro leaves are delicate and lack the tough fibers found in many other plants.

 

That soft texture makes cilantro an easy meal for small mouths like rabbits, mice, and even certain insects.

 

There’s no tough stem or waxy leaf to fight through, so animals eat cilantro without much effort.

 

2. The Aroma Attracts Them

Cilantro has a strong, distinctive smell, and many animals pick up on that scent from a distance.

 

Critters that rely on smell to find food, like raccoons and squirrels, will follow their nose straight to your cilantro patch.

 

That same aroma that makes cilantro great in salsa is what makes animals eat your cilantro before you get the chance.

 

3. It’s Nutrient-Rich and Hydrating

Cilantro contains vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water, which makes it a valuable food source for wildlife.

 

During dry spells especially, animals eat cilantro to stay hydrated.

 

For rabbits, deer, and groundhogs, your garden bed is basically a fresh salad bar.

 

Which Animals Will Eat Your Cilantro

A surprising number of creatures will eat cilantro if given the chance.

 

Here are the most common culprits.

 

1. Rabbits and Groundhogs

Rabbits love tender greens, and cilantro tops their list.

 

Groundhogs will also eat cilantro, often mowing down an entire patch in a single visit.

 

If you’ve noticed your cilantro disappearing overnight with clean, angled cuts, these are likely your visitors.

 

2. Deer

Deer browse on a wide range of plants, and cilantro is fair game.

 

They usually nibble the tops first, leaving behind short stems.

 

When deer eat your cilantro, the damage can look like someone took a pair of shears to the plant.

 

3. Squirrels and Chipmunks

These little foragers will eat cilantro leaves and sometimes dig up the surrounding soil.

 

Squirrels often sample a bit of everything, but cilantro’s scent and soft leaves make it a favorite.

 

4. Insects and Slugs

Aphids, caterpillars, and slugs all eat cilantro too.

 

Slugs leave behind ragged holes and slimy trails, while aphids cluster on new growth and suck the juices out.

 

Caterpillars will chew through leaves fast, so check the undersides of your cilantro regularly.

 

How to Stop Animals From Eating Your Cilantro

You can’t always keep wildlife away, but you can make your cilantro a lot less appealing.

 

Here are the methods that work best.

 

1. Use Physical Barriers

Row covers, netting, and low fencing are the most reliable ways to protect cilantro.

 

Make sure the barrier is tall enough for rabbits and buried slightly for groundhogs.

 

Floating row covers also keep insects from landing on your plants.

 

2. Plant Cilantro in Containers

Growing cilantro in pots on a patio or balcony keeps it out of reach for many ground animals.

 

Raised beds work well too, since they add height and make access harder.

 

3. Use Repellents and Companion Planting

Natural repellents like garlic spray, cayenne, or commercial wildlife deterrents can help.

 

Planting cilantro near strong-smelling herbs like mint or lavender may also discourage animals from wandering in.

 

Just reapply repellents after rain, since they wash off quickly.

 

4. Harvest Early and Often

Pick your cilantro leaves as soon as they’re ready.

 

The less time it sits in the garden, the less chance animals have to eat your cilantro first.

 

Regular harvesting also encourages new growth and keeps the plant productive.

 

So, Will Animals Eat My Cilantro?

Animals will eat your cilantro, and plenty of them will.

 

Rabbits, deer, groundhogs, squirrels, insects, and slugs all find cilantro tasty and easy to reach.

 

But with barriers, containers, repellents, and smart planting, you can keep most of them out and still enjoy a healthy harvest.

 

So yes, animals eat cilantro, but that doesn’t mean you have to share.