Perennial flowers with tender shoots sometimes attract more attention than gardeners expect. If you’ve been wondering, do squirrels eat daylilies, the short answer is yes—but not always in the way you might think. Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and daylilies offer both snacks and nesting material.
Daylilies are tough plants, but their buds, shoots, and even roots can become targets. Squirrels dig up bulbs, nibble tender new growth, and sometimes strip flower buds before they bloom. This behavior peaks in spring when other food is scarce.
Understanding why squirrels target daylilies helps you protect your garden. Let’s break down the evidence, the damage patterns, and the most effective solutions.
Do Squirrels Eat Daylilies
Yes, squirrels do eat daylilies, but their feeding habits vary by season and location. They prefer the succulent parts: young shoots, flower buds, and occasionally the fleshy roots. Unlike deer, which eat the entire plant, squirrels are more selective.
Here’s what typically happens:
- In early spring, squirrels dig up newly planted daylily bulbs or corms.
- During budding, they snip off flower stems to reach the tender buds.
- In dry summers, they may chew on daylily roots for moisture.
- They rarely eat mature leaves unless desperate.
Damage often looks like clean cuts or small holes in buds. You might find half-eaten flowers on the ground. Squirrels also leave behind scattered soil from digging.
Signs Squirrels Are Eating Your Daylilies
Not all garden damage comes from squirrels. Check for these specific clues:
- Flower buds missing with stems still attached.
- Small, tooth-marked holes in unopened buds.
- Shoots snapped off at the base.
- Soil disturbed around the plant crown.
- Piles of discarded petals or bud pieces.
If you see these signs, squirrels are likely the culprits. Rabbits and voles leave different damage patterns—rabbits make clean angled cuts, while voles tunnel underground.
Why Squirrels Target Daylilies
Squirrels are driven by hunger, curiosity, and habit. Daylilies provide:
- Moisture during dry spells.
- Tender protein from buds and shoots.
- Easy access since they grow low to the ground.
- Nesting material from dried leaves.
In urban areas, squirrels learn quickly that gardens are reliable food sources. Once they discover your daylilies, they’ll return daily until the food runs out or you deter them.
How To Protect Daylilies From Squirrels
You have several options, from physical barriers to natural repellents. Start with the simplest methods first, then escalate if needed.
Physical Barriers
Barriers are the most reliable solution. They block access without harming the squirrel.
- Chicken wire or hardware cloth: Lay it flat over newly planted areas. Remove once plants are established.
- Row covers: Lightweight fabric that lets light through but keeps squirrels out. Use during budding season.
- Cage around individual plants: Use wire cylinders for prized daylilies.
- Netting over flower beds: Secure edges with rocks or stakes.
For bulbs, plant them under a layer of wire mesh. Squirrels hate digging through it.
Natural Repellents
Repellents work by smell or taste. They need reapplication after rain.
- Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes: Sprinkle around plants. Reapply weekly.
- Garlic spray: Blend garlic cloves with water and a drop of dish soap. Spray on buds and leaves.
- Predator urine: Fox or coyote urine granules. Available at garden centers.
- Commercial squirrel repellents: Look for products with capsaicin or putrescent egg.
Test repellents on a small area first. Some plants may react to strong sprays.
Scare Tactics
Squirrels are cautious creatures. Motion-activated devices can frighten them away.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: Sudden water spray startles squirrels.
- Ultrasonic repellers: Emit high-frequency sounds humans can’t hear.
- Decoy predators: Plastic owls or snakes. Move them every few days to maintain effectiveness.
- Reflective tape or pinwheels: Flashing light confuses squirrels.
Combine scare tactics with barriers for best results. Squirrels adapt quickly to static decoys.
Habitat Modification
Make your garden less inviting. Remove what attracts squirrels in the first place.
- Clean up fallen nuts, seeds, and birdseed.
- Trim tree branches that overhang your daylily bed.
- Remove bird feeders or place them far from flowers.
- Keep compost bins covered.
- Block access to attics or sheds where squirrels might nest.
When squirrels have easy food elsewhere, they’re less likely to bother your daylilies.
Do Squirrels Eat Daylily Bulbs
Yes, squirrels dig up and eat daylily bulbs, especially in fall and early spring. They store bulbs for winter food caches. Daylily bulbs are not their favorite—acorns and walnuts rank higher—but they’ll take them when other food is scarce.
To protect bulbs:
- Plant bulbs deeper than recommended (4–6 inches).
- Cover with wire mesh before mulching.
- Use bulb cages made from hardware cloth.
- Apply a layer of sharp gravel on top of the soil.
Bulb damage often goes unnoticed until spring when plants fail to emerge. Check for hollowed-out bulbs or disturbed soil.
What About Daylily Roots
Squirrels occasionally chew on daylily roots during drought. The roots store water, making them a target. Damage appears as chewed, frayed root ends. Healthy daylilies usually recover, but repeated root damage weakens the plant.
Water your daylilies deeply during dry spells. Well-hydrated plants are less appealing to thirsty squirrels.
Other Animals That Eat Daylilies
Squirrels aren’t the only garden visitors. Identify the real culprit before taking action.
- Deer: Eat entire plants, leaving ragged stems.
- Rabbits: Clean cuts on stems and leaves.
- Voles: Tunnel underground and eat roots.
- Slugs and snails: Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails.
- Birds: Peck at buds for insects.
If you see damage but no squirrels, check for these other pests. Daylilies are tough but not invincible.
Do Squirrels Eat Daylily Flowers
Yes, squirrels eat daylily flowers, especially the buds. They nip off buds before they open, sometimes carrying them away. Open flowers are less appealing but may get nibbled.
Flower damage is frustrating because you lose the bloom. To protect flowers:
- Harvest buds early for indoor blooming.
- Use row covers during peak budding.
- Apply repellent sprays directly to buds.
- Plant early-blooming varieties to avoid peak squirrel activity.
Some gardeners report that squirrels prefer certain colors or varieties. There’s no scientific evidence, but anecdotal reports suggest red and orange flowers get targeted more.
Do Squirrels Eat Daylily Leaves
Rarely. Squirrels prefer tender, nutrient-rich parts. Mature daylily leaves are tough and fibrous. If you see chewed leaves, check for rabbits or deer instead.
Young, tender leaves in early spring might get nibbled. But this is uncommon and usually minor.
Natural Squirrel Deterrents That Work
Some gardeners swear by home remedies. Here are the most effective ones:
- Hot pepper wax: Spray on plants. Capsaicin repels squirrels.
- Garlic and onion mix: Blend, strain, and spray.
- Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray around plants.
- Blood meal: Sprinkle on soil. Smells like predator to squirrels.
- Hair clippings: Human or pet hair scattered around beds.
Reapply after rain or every 7–10 days. Rotate repellents to prevent squirrels from getting used to one scent.
Planting Companion Plants
Certain plants naturally deter squirrels. Interplant them with daylilies.
- Daffodils: Squirrels avoid their toxic bulbs.
- Alliums: Strong onion scent masks daylily smell.
- Marigolds: Pungent odor repels many pests.
- Lavender: Calming to humans, confusing to squirrels.
- Fritillaria: Unpleasant smell underground.
Companion planting isn’t foolproof, but it adds diversity to your garden while reducing pest pressure.
Long-Term Strategies For Squirrel Control
One-time fixes rarely work. Squirrels are persistent. Build a long-term plan.
- Assess your garden layout. Identify entry points and attractants.
- Start with habitat modification. Remove food sources and cover.
- Install physical barriers. Focus on vulnerable areas.
- Apply repellents consistently. Rotate types monthly.
- Monitor and adjust. Check plants weekly for new damage.
- Consider trapping only as last resort. Check local laws first.
Patience is key. Squirrels may test your defenses for weeks before giving up.
When To Call A Professional
If squirrels damage structures like siding or attics, call a wildlife control expert. For garden damage alone, DIY methods usually suffice. But if you have a large infestation, professional exclusion services may be worth the cost.
Signs you need help:
- Squirrels entering your home.
- Persistent damage despite multiple methods.
- Large numbers of squirrels (more than 3–4 visible daily).
- Nesting in attics or walls.
Professionals can seal entry points and remove squirrels humanely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do squirrels eat daylily bulbs in winter?
Yes, squirrels dig up and cache bulbs in fall for winter food. Protect bulbs with wire mesh before the ground freezes.
Will cayenne pepper hurt my daylilies?
No, cayenne pepper is safe for plants. It may irritate your skin, so wear gloves when applying.
Do squirrels eat daylilies more than other flowers?
Not necessarily. They prefer tender shoots and buds, which daylilies produce abundantly. But they’ll eat many flower types.
Can I use mothballs to repel squirrels?
No. Mothballs are toxic and not approved for outdoor garden use. They can harm pets, children, and beneficial insects.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away from daylilies?
Some gardeners report success. Coffee grounds have a strong smell and gritty texture. They also add organic matter to soil. Try it, but don’t rely on it alone.
Protecting your daylilies from squirrels takes effort, but it’s possible. Start with the simplest methods and escalate as needed. Your garden can thrive even with curious squirrels nearby.