Will Squirrels Eat Lavender Plants

Squirrels will eat lavender plants, but it’s usually not their first choice on the menu.
 
These bushy-tailed critters are opportunistic feeders, and while they prefer nuts, seeds, and fruits, they won’t turn their noses up at a lavender plant if they’re hungry enough.
 
So if you’ve been asking, “will squirrels eat lavender plants?”, the short answer is yes, they might, but it’s not a guaranteed death sentence for your garden.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why squirrels eat lavender plants, what makes lavender a target, and how you can protect your precious purple blooms from becoming a squirrel snack.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Squirrels Will Eat Lavender Plants

Squirrels will eat lavender plants, and there are a few good reasons why:

1. Lavender Is Not Toxic to Squirrels

Lavender isn’t poisonous to squirrels, so there’s nothing stopping them from taking a nibble.
 
Unlike some plants that are naturally repellent or dangerous, lavender is safe for squirrels to consume.
 
That means if a squirrel is curious or hungry, it can munch on your lavender without any immediate consequences.
 
So the plant’s safety actually makes it more likely to be eaten when other food sources are scarce.
 

2. Squirrels Are Opportunistic Eaters

Squirrels don’t follow a strict diet, and they’ll eat almost anything they can find.
 
While they love acorns, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, they’ll also nibble on buds, leaves, and even the stems of lavender plants.
 
This opportunistic behavior means your lavender is just another item on their buffet.
 
If a squirrel is passing through your yard and spots a lavender plant, it might take a bite just to see what’s on offer.
 

3. Young Shoots and Buds Are Tender and Tasty

Squirrels will eat lavender plants more often when the plants are young and tender.
 
New growth, fresh leaves, and unopened flower buds are softer and easier to chew than mature, woody stems.
 
That’s why you might notice damage on your lavender right after you plant it or in early spring when new shoots emerge.
 
To a squirrel, those young lavender tips are like a fresh salad.
 

4. Drought or Food Scarcity Drives Them to Lavender

When natural food sources dry up, squirrels will eat lavender plants as a fallback.
 
During hot, dry summers or harsh winters, acorns and other favorites become scarce.
 
That’s when squirrels turn to garden plants, including lavender, to fill their bellies.
 
So if you’ve noticed sudden damage during a tough season, it’s likely because the squirrel was desperate.
 

Do Squirrels Eat Lavender Plants Often?

Squirrels will eat lavender plants, but it’s not usually their go-to meal.
 
Lavender has a strong scent and contains natural oils that many animals find off-putting.
 
However, that doesn’t make it squirrel-proof.
 
Some squirrels develop a taste for lavender and will return to it again and again.
 
Others might only nibble when they’re really hungry.
 
So while squirrel damage on lavender isn’t as common as damage on tulips or tomatoes, it definitely happens.
 

1. Squirrels May Eat the Flowers First

When squirrels eat lavender plants, they often go for the flower buds and blooms first.
 
Those purple spikes are packed with moisture and nutrients, making them an attractive snack.
 
If you notice your lavender’s flowers disappearing overnight, a squirrel is a likely culprit.
 

2. Leaves and Stems Can Also Be Chewed

Squirrels will also chew on lavender leaves and stems, especially if they’re after the moisture inside.
 
You might see ragged edges, stripped leaves, or even broken branches.
 
This type of damage won’t always kill the plant, but it can set it back and make it look messy.
 

3. Container Lavender Is Especially Vulnerable

Squirrels will eat lavender plants grown in containers more easily because they’re within easy reach.
 
Potted lavender on a balcony, deck, or windowsill is a tempting target.
 
And since squirrels are excellent climbers, no pot is truly safe unless you take protective measures.
 

How to Stop Squirrels from Eating Lavender Plants

If you want to keep squirrels from eating lavender plants, you’ve got options.
 
Here are the most effective ways to protect your lavender:

1. Use Physical Barriers

Wrap your lavender plants in netting or place wire mesh around them.
 
For potted lavender, a simple cage or cloche can keep squirrels out.
 
Just make sure the barrier allows sunlight and airflow so your lavender stays healthy.
 

2. Apply Squirrel Repellents

Commercial repellents that taste or smell bad to squirrels can be sprayed on and around your lavender.
 
You can also make a homemade spray with garlic, chili powder, and water.
 
Reapply after rain or watering since the scent fades over time.
 

3. Plant Lavender Near Other Deterrent Plants

Squirrels will eat lavender plants less often if they’re surrounded by plants squirrels hate.
 
Try planting lavender near daffodils, alliums, or marigolds.
 
These plants have strong smells or tastes that squirrels avoid, creating a natural protective border.
 

4. Keep Squirrels Well-Fed Elsewhere

Sometimes the easiest way to stop squirrels from eating lavender plants is to give them something else to eat.
 
Set up a feeding station with nuts, seeds, or corn far away from your lavender.
 
If squirrels have an easy food source, they’re less likely to bother your garden plants.
 

5. Harvest Lavender Early

If you cut your lavender flowers before they fully open, you reduce the window of opportunity for squirrels.
 
Harvesting early also gives you the chance to dry the stems for sachets, oils, or crafts.
 
That way, even if a squirrel does nibble, you’ve already saved the best parts.
 

So, Will Squirrels Eat Lavender Plants?

Squirrels will eat lavender plants, but it’s rarely their first choice.
 
They’ll nibble on the buds, leaves, and stems when other food is scarce or when the plant is young and tender.
 
The good news is that lavender isn’t toxic to squirrels, so there’s no danger if they do take a bite.
 
And with a few simple barriers, repellents, and smart planting choices, you can keep your lavender safe and looking its best.
 
So don’t panic if you see a squirrel near your lavender, just take action and enjoy your garden.