Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro

Squirrels rarely target cilantro because its strong scent and taste deter most rodents. But if you’ve ever wondered, “Do squirrels eat cilantro?” the short answer is: it’s not their first choice, but they might nibble it if they’re desperate. Let’s break down exactly what happens when a squirrel meets your cilantro patch.

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, has a pungent, soapy smell that many humans either love or hate. Turns out, squirrels feel pretty much the same way. They tend to avoid strong-smelling herbs, and cilantro tops that list. But no plant is 100% squirrel-proof.

So, if you’re growing cilantro in your garden, you’re probably safe from major squirrel damage. But there are exceptions. Hungry squirrels, young squirrels, or those living in areas with scarce food might give cilantro a try. They’re opportunistic eaters after all.

Let’s get straight to the point. The exact question is: Do Squirrels Eat Cilantro? In most cases, no. Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and taste. Cilantro’s volatile oils—like linalool and geranyl acetate—create a sharp, citrusy, almost soapy flavor that squirrels find unappealing.

Think of it like this: if you hate cilantro, you’re basically a squirrel. The same compounds that make cilantro taste like soap to some people also repel squirrels. It’s a built-in defense mechanism for the plant.

But here’s the nuance: squirrels are not picky eaters when food is scarce. In late winter or early spring, when nuts and seeds are hard to find, they might sample your cilantro. They’ll usually take one bite and move on. But that one bite can still ruin a leaf or two.

Why Cilantro Repels Most Squirrels

Cilantro belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsley, and dill. Many herbs in this family produce strong scents that deter herbivores. Squirrels rely heavily on smell to find food. When they sniff cilantro, they get a blast of aldehydes—the same chemicals that make cilantro smell “soapy” to some people.

Strong aroma: Squirrels have sensitive noses. Cilantro’s pungent odor is a red flag.
Bitter taste: Even if they take a bite, the bitter, soapy flavor makes them stop.
Low nutritional value: Cilantro is mostly water and fiber. Squirrels prefer calorie-dense foods like acorns or sunflower seeds.

So, while no herb is 100% squirrel-proof, cilantro is about as close as you can get. It’s a natural deterrent.

When Squirrels Might Eat Cilantro

There are a few scenarios where a squirrel might actually eat your cilantro. These are rare, but worth knowing:

Extreme hunger: During droughts, harsh winters, or after a wildfire, squirrels eat anything green.
Young squirrels: Juveniles are less experienced and might try unfamiliar plants.
Mixed plantings: If cilantro is growing right next to a squirrel favorite like lettuce or strawberries, they might accidentally nibble it.
Potted cilantro: Squirrels sometimes dig in pots looking for buried seeds, and they might sample the leaves.

In these cases, the damage is usually minor. A few chewed leaves, maybe a stem snapped. It’s not like a full-scale invasion.

How To Protect Your Cilantro From Squirrels

Even though squirrels rarely eat cilantro, you might still want to protect it. Maybe you have a persistent squirrel that digs up pots. Or maybe you’re growing cilantro near other plants that attract them. Here are practical steps:

Use Physical Barriers

The most reliable method is a physical barrier. Squirrels are agile but they hate crawling under things.

Netting: Use bird netting or floating row covers. Drape it over your cilantro bed and secure the edges.
Cloches: Use plastic or glass cloches for individual plants. They look cute and work great.
Chicken wire: Make a cage around your cilantro patch. Squirrels can squeeze through small gaps, so use 1-inch mesh.

Use Scent Deterrents

Squirrels rely on smell. You can use that against them.

Garlic spray: Blend garlic cloves with water, strain, and spray on and around cilantro. Reapply after rain.
Pepper flakes: Sprinkle cayenne or red pepper flakes on the soil. Squirrels hate the heat.
Predator urine: You can buy coyote or fox urine granules. Sprinkle them around the garden. It sounds gross but it works.

Provide Alternative Food

Sometimes the best defense is a distraction. If you give squirrels something they prefer, they’ll leave your cilantro alone.

Sunflower seeds: Put a feeder far from your garden.
Corn: A small ear of corn on a stake can keep them busy.
Water source: Squirrels often nibble plants for moisture. Provide a shallow dish of water.

Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Squirrels hate sudden water sprays. A motion-activated sprinkler near your cilantro bed will scare them away. It’s humane and effective. Just remember to turn it off when you water.

What Other Herbs Do Squirrels Avoid?

Cilantro isn’t the only herb that squirrels dislike. If you’re planning a squirrel-resistant garden, consider these:

Mint: Strong, pungent smell. Squirrels stay away.
Rosemary: Woody, pine-like scent. Very unappealing.
Thyme: Small leaves, strong aroma. Squirrels ignore it.
Oregano: Another strong-smelling herb they avoid.
Sage: Fuzzy leaves and a potent smell. Not on their menu.
Basil: Sweet but still too aromatic for most squirrels.

Planting these around your cilantro can create a “scent wall” that confuses and repels squirrels. It’s like a natural fortress.

What Herbs Do Squirrels Actually Eat?

On the flip side, there are some herbs squirrels do like. If you grow these, expect visits:

Parsley: Mild flavor, tender leaves. Squirrels will eat it.
Dill: Soft, feathery leaves. They’ll nibble it.
Chives: Mild onion taste. Some squirrels like it.
Cilantro flowers: Once cilantro bolts and flowers, the scent changes. Squirrels might eat the flowers and seeds.

So, if you have a squirrel problem, avoid planting these near your cilantro. Keep them in a separate area or in containers.

Does Cilantro Attract Other Pests?

While squirrels avoid cilantro, other critters might not. Here’s what you should watch for:

Aphids: They love cilantro’s tender new growth. Check the undersides of leaves.
Slugs and snails: They’ll eat cilantro leaves, especially in damp weather.
Whiteflies: Small, white flying insects that suck sap.
Rabbits: They sometimes eat cilantro, though they prefer softer greens.

If you see holes in your cilantro leaves, it’s more likely a slug or aphid than a squirrel. Inspect the plant closely before blaming the furry culprit.

How To Tell If A Squirrel Ate Your Cilantro

Not sure what’s eating your cilantro? Here’s how to identify squirrel damage vs. other pests:

Squirrel damage: Clean, sharp cuts on leaves or stems. Leaves may be missing entirely. You might see small footprints or droppings nearby.
Slug damage: Irregular holes with smooth edges. Slime trails on leaves or soil.
Aphid damage: Curled, yellowing leaves. Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves.
Rabbit damage: Clean, angled cuts at a 45-degree angle. They nibble close to the ground.

If you see clean cuts and no slime, it could be a squirrel. But again, it’s rare. Most cilantro damage is from insects or weather.

Can Squirrels Eat Cilantro Safely?

If a squirrel does eat cilantro, is it safe? Yes, cilantro is not toxic to squirrels. It won’t harm them. But it also won’t provide much nutrition. Cilantro is mostly water, fiber, and a few vitamins. Squirrels need fats, proteins, and carbs from nuts and seeds.

So, if you see a squirrel eating cilantro, don’t panic. It’s not dangerous. It’s just a curious or hungry squirrel making a poor food choice. They’ll probably move on to something better.

Does Cilantro Repel Squirrels In The Garden?

Some gardeners plant cilantro specifically to repel squirrels. Does it work? Partially. Cilantro’s strong smell can deter squirrels from an area, but it’s not a guaranteed repellent. Squirrels are smart and adaptable. They might avoid the cilantro itself but still raid your tomatoes.

For best results, use cilantro as part of a multi-pronged strategy. Plant it near squirrel favorites like lettuce or strawberries. The smell might confuse them. But also use barriers and deterrents.

Common Myths About Squirrels And Cilantro

Let’s clear up some misinformation:

Myth: Squirrels love cilantro. False. They strongly dislike it.
Myth: Cilantro is poisonous to squirrels. False. It’s safe but not preferred.
Myth: Planting cilantro will keep all squirrels away. False. It helps but isn’t foolproof.
Myth: Squirrels only eat nuts. False. They eat fruits, vegetables, flowers, and sometimes herbs.

Knowing the facts helps you make better gardening decisions. Don’t rely on cilantro alone. Use it as one tool in your squirrel-deterrent toolbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will squirrels eat cilantro if they are starving?
A: Yes, in extreme hunger, squirrels may eat cilantro. But they’ll stop as soon as they find better food.

Q: Do squirrels eat cilantro seeds (coriander)?
A: Yes, squirrels might eat coriander seeds. Once cilantro flowers and produces seeds, the scent changes and becomes more appealing. Protect seed heads with netting.

Q: Does cilantro keep squirrels away from other plants?
A: It can help. Planting cilantro near squirrel-favorite plants may deter them due to the strong smell. But it’s not 100% effective.

Q: Can I spray cilantro juice to repel squirrels?
A: Yes, you can blend cilantro leaves with water and spray it on other plants. The smell may deter squirrels temporarily. Reapply after rain.

Q: Do squirrels eat cilantro in pots on a balcony?
A: Less likely, but possible. Squirrels are climbers. If they can reach the pot, they might investigate. Use netting or move pots to a sheltered spot.

Final Thoughts On Squirrels And Cilantro

So, do squirrels eat cilantro? In most cases, no. The strong smell and taste keep them away. But no plant is 100% squirrel-proof. If food is scarce, or if you have a particularly bold squirrel, they might take a nibble.

To protect your cilantro, use physical barriers, scent deterrents, and provide alternative food sources. Plant cilantro near other strong-smelling herbs for extra protection. And remember, if you see damage, check for slugs or aphids first—they’re more likely culprits.

Grow your cilantro with confidence. Squirrels are not your enemy here. They’ll probably leave it alone and go after your sunflowers instead. Happy gardening.