For “do squirrels eat figs,” consider this: Squirrels often raid fig trees when the fruit reaches peak ripeness. The short answer is yes, squirrels definitely eat figs, and they can be quite persistent about it. If you have a fig tree in your yard, you have probably seen these furry visitors helping themselves to your harvest.
Figs are sweet, soft, and full of energy—exactly what a squirrel looks for in a snack. These clever animals are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is available and tasty. Figs fit that description perfectly.
Do Squirrels Eat Figs
Yes, squirrels eat figs without hesitation. They are attracted to the sweet smell and soft texture of ripe figs. A squirrel can strip a fig tree of its fruit in just a few days if left unchecked. This behavior is most common in late summer and early fall when figs are at their peak.
Squirrels are not picky eaters. They will eat both fresh figs from the tree and dried figs that have fallen to the ground. The high sugar content in figs gives squirrels a quick energy boost, which is why they target them so aggressively.
Why Squirrels Love Figs So Much
Figs are a natural source of sugar, fiber, and moisture. For a squirrel, this combination is hard to beat. The fruit is easy to open and digest, making it a low-effort meal. Squirrels also remember where they found food before, so they will return to the same fig tree day after day.
- Figs are soft and require little effort to eat
- The sweet taste is highly appealing to squirrels
- Figs provide quick energy for active squirrels
- Ripe figs are easy to spot and smell from a distance
Once a squirrel finds a fig tree, it will often bring its friends and family. This can turn a minor nuisance into a major problem for your harvest.
How Squirrels Access Figs On Trees
Squirrels are excellent climbers. They can scale a fig tree trunk quickly and move along thin branches with ease. Their sharp claws and strong hind legs allow them to reach even the highest figs. They often hang upside down or stretch out to grab fruit that seems out of reach.
You might notice half-eaten figs on the ground under your tree. Squirrels often take a few bites and then drop the fruit if it is not perfectly ripe. This wastes a lot of figs and can attract other pests like ants and wasps.
- Squirrels climb the tree trunk using their claws
- They move along branches to reach fig clusters
- They sniff or bite the fig to check ripeness
- They eat the fig on the spot or carry it away
Signs That Squirrels Are Eating Your Figs
You do not have to catch a squirrel in the act to know they are visiting your tree. There are clear signs to look for. The most obvious sign is missing figs. If you notice fruit disappearing faster than you can pick it, squirrels are likely the culprits.
Another sign is partially eaten figs on the ground. Squirrels often drop fruit after taking a few bites. You might also see small bite marks on figs still hanging on the tree. These marks are usually neat and clean, unlike the ragged damage from birds.
- Figs vanish overnight or within a few hours
- Half-eaten figs scattered under the tree
- Small, clean bite marks on remaining fruit
- Hearing chattering or rustling in the tree
- Seeing squirrels near the tree during the day
If you see any of these signs, it is likely that squirrels have discovered your fig tree. Acting quickly can help you save some of your harvest.
Do Squirrels Eat Dried Figs Too
Yes, squirrels will eat dried figs just as eagerly as fresh ones. Dried figs are even sweeter and more concentrated in sugar. If you have dried figs stored in a pantry or outdoor shed, squirrels can smell them from a distance. They may chew through bags or containers to get to the fruit.
This is why it is important to store dried figs in airtight containers made of metal or thick plastic. Squirrels can easily tear through paper bags or thin plastic. Keeping dried figs indoors in a sealed container is the safest option.
How To Protect Your Fig Tree From Squirrels
Protecting your fig tree from squirrels requires a combination of methods. No single solution works perfectly every time, but using several strategies together can greatly reduce damage. Start by making the tree harder to access.
One common method is to wrap the tree trunk with a metal band or sheet. This prevents squirrels from climbing up from the ground. The band should be at least 2 feet wide and placed 4 to 5 feet above the ground. Make sure it is smooth so squirrels cannot get a grip.
- Install a metal band around the trunk at least 4 feet high
- Trim branches that are close to fences, roofs, or other trees
- Use netting or mesh to cover the entire tree canopy
- Apply taste deterrents like hot pepper spray to the fruit
- Set up motion-activated sprinklers near the tree
Netting is one of the most effective barriers. Use a fine mesh netting that squirrels cannot squeeze through. Secure the netting tightly around the base of the tree so squirrels cannot enter from below. Check the netting regularly for holes or gaps.
Using Repellents To Keep Squirrels Away
Repellents can help, but they need to be reapplied often. Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, so strong scents can deter them. Hot pepper spray is a popular choice. Mix cayenne pepper or chili flakes with water and a drop of dish soap. Spray this on the figs and leaves.
You can also use commercial squirrel repellents that contain predator urine or bitter tastes. These products are available at garden centers and online. Remember that rain washes away sprays, so you will need to reapply after heavy rain.
- Hot pepper spray: mix 2 tablespoons cayenne with 1 quart water
- Garlic spray: blend garlic cloves with water and strain
- Predator urine granules: sprinkle around the tree base
- Commercial bitter sprays: apply directly to fruit
Some people swear by ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds. These devices are meant to annoy squirrels without harming them. Their effectiveness varies, and squirrels may get used to the sound over time.
Providing Alternative Food Sources
One strategy that sometimes works is to give squirrels their own food source away from your fig tree. Set up a feeding station with nuts, seeds, or corn in a different part of your yard. The idea is that squirrels will prefer the easy food over climbing your fig tree.
This method is not foolproof. Squirrels are greedy and may still go for your figs anyway. But it can reduce the pressure on your tree, especially if you keep the feeding station well-stocked. Place the station at least 30 feet from your fig tree.
Do Squirrels Eat Fig Seeds
Yes, squirrels eat the entire fig, including the seeds. Fig seeds are tiny and soft, so squirrels do not bother to separate them from the flesh. The seeds pass through the squirrel’s digestive system and are deposited elsewhere. This actually helps fig trees spread in the wild.
Squirrels are considered seed dispersers for many plants. When they eat figs and move to other areas, they drop seeds in their droppings. This can lead to new fig trees growing in unexpected places. However, this is not much comfort if you are trying to protect your own tree.
Do Squirrels Eat Fig Leaves
Squirrels generally do not eat fig leaves. The leaves are tough and contain a milky sap that can be irritating. Squirrels prefer the soft, sweet fruit over the leaves. However, in times of extreme hunger, they might nibble on young leaves or bark. This is rare and usually not a problem for healthy trees.
If you see damage to fig leaves, it is more likely from insects or other animals. Check for caterpillars, beetles, or fungal infections before blaming squirrels. Squirrel damage is almost always focused on the fruit itself.
Seasonal Patterns Of Squirrel Fig Eating
Squirrel activity around fig trees changes with the seasons. In late summer and early fall, when figs ripen, squirrel visits increase dramatically. This is when you will see the most damage. During winter, when figs are gone, squirrels rely on stored food and other sources.
In spring, squirrels may check fig trees for early buds or small figs. But the main feeding frenzy happens when the fruit is fully ripe. Understanding this pattern helps you plan your protection efforts. Focus your energy on the peak season when figs are most vulnerable.
- Late summer: figs begin to ripen, squirrels start visiting
- Early fall: peak ripeness, heaviest squirrel activity
- Late fall: figs drop, squirrels scavenge fallen fruit
- Winter: no figs, squirrels eat stored food
- Spring: squirrels check for early fruit but less active
If you live in a warm climate where figs ripen earlier or later, adjust your protection schedule accordingly. Pay attention to when your specific tree produces fruit.
Do Squirrels Eat Figs From Potted Trees
Yes, squirrels will eat figs from potted trees just as readily as from in-ground trees. Potted fig trees are often placed on patios or balconies, which can make them easier targets. Squirrels are bold and will climb onto decks, railings, or even furniture to reach the fruit.
To protect a potted fig tree, move it to a location that is harder for squirrels to access. If possible, bring the tree indoors or into a screened porch during fruiting season. You can also place the pot on a smooth, slippery surface that squirrels cannot climb.
- Move the potted tree to a screened porch or indoors
- Place the pot on a smooth metal or plastic base
- Use a cage or wire enclosure around the tree
- Apply repellent sprays regularly
- Harvest figs as soon as they ripen
Harvesting figs early is one of the best strategies for potted trees. Pick figs when they are fully colored but still firm. They will continue to ripen indoors. This way, you get the fruit before squirrels do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels And Figs
Will squirrels eat unripe figs?
Squirrels prefer ripe figs but will eat unripe ones if food is scarce. Unripe figs are less sweet and firmer, so squirrels usually leave them alone until they soften. If you see damage to green figs, it may be from birds or other animals.
Do squirrels eat fig trees or just the fruit?
Squirrels mainly eat the fruit. They do not typically damage the tree itself. However, they may break small branches while climbing or reaching for figs. This is usually minor and does not harm the tree long-term.
How can I tell if squirrels or birds are eating my figs?
Squirrel bites are clean and neat, like a small knife cut. Bird pecks leave ragged, torn edges. Squirrels also leave half-eaten figs on the ground, while birds usually eat the entire fig or peck holes in multiple fruits.
Do squirrels eat figs at night?
Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They do most of their feeding in the morning and late afternoon. If figs are disappearing at night, the culprit is likely raccoons, opossums, or rats instead.
Will feeding squirrels keep them away from my fig tree?
Feeding squirrels elsewhere can sometimes reduce pressure on your fig tree, but it is not guaranteed. Squirrels may still prefer the sweet figs over nuts or seeds. It is worth trying, but do not rely on this method alone.
Final Thoughts On Squirrels And Figs
So, do squirrels eat figs? Absolutely. They love them and will go to great lengths to get them. Understanding their behavior is the first step to protecting your harvest. Use a combination of barriers, repellents, and early harvesting to keep your figs safe.
Remember that squirrels are persistent and clever. What works for one person may not work for another. Be prepared to try different methods and adjust as needed. With a little effort, you can enjoy your own figs while sharing only a few with your furry neighbors.
If you have a fig tree, start your protection plan early in the season. Check for signs of squirrel activity regularly. And do not forget to store any harvested figs in a secure place. Squirrels are always watching, and they know exactly when your figs are ready.