It ’s finally springtime , and you are excited to start sour on your lawn . You head to the store , invest in some high - lineament grass seed , till up the grime , cautiously spread the germ , water gently , and wait for those first shoot of new dope to glint through .
But then , you notice unpredictable bare patches . Upon close inspection , you see squirrels ransacking your lawn , digging up and eating your fresh plant grass seed ! Has this happened to you ? If so , you ’re not alone . Many householder deal with squirrels eating Gunter Wilhelm Grass seminal fluid , delay lawn projects and forcing them to constantly re - seed bald situation .
In this article , we will hash out why squirrel search out grass semen , how to forbid them from eating it , and tips for regrowing grass after seed theft .
Why Squirrels Eat Grass Seed
squirrel are make love for their boundless vitality and curious nature They are invariably explore , foraging , and search for food for thought This can take them to saucily seeded lawns , where grass seed becomes an easy collation . Here are some of the main reasons squirrels eat supergrass source
It ’s an abundant , concentrated food source When you seed forage seed , you by and large spread it fairly thick to insure upright sprouting rate This represents a jackpot of food to foraging squirrel .
The seed is eminent in nutriment . Grass source contains circle of proteins , sizable fats , vitamins , and mineral . It provides aliment squirrels need .
They bask the taste . squirrel seem to truly wish the flavor of grass seed . The compounding of nutrient and sense of taste makes eating it rewarding .
It ’s an easy repast . Gunter Grass seed is not bury deeply in the soil , so squirrel can quick dig out it up and eat it without much effort .
They cache seeds to eat by and by . Squirrels are recognise for hiding or “ caching ” food for thought like nut and seeds to retrieve and consume later . Your grass semen may become part of their stockpile .
Knowing why squirrels target grass source can help you take step to break them . But first , permit ’s look at precisely how much damage squirrels induce to seed lawn .
How Much Grass Seed Do Squirrels Eat?
squirrel can eat a surprisingly large amount of smoke seed in a little period . One study published inThe American Midland Naturalistobserved a single squirrel eat about 3 ounces of seeded player per Clarence Day , establish on research lab experiments .
In the wild , squirrels may eat even more than that . Multiple squirrels can decimate new planted grass ejaculate , leaving unsightly unembellished or slight patches where dense , uniform greensward should be growing .
If you open come at a normal rate of 5 - 10 pounds per 1,000 square base , squirrels have more than enough to banquet on . Large sphere can demand 50 Ezra Loomis Pound of germ or more , giving squirrels an unlimited , all - you - can - eat come buffet !
The amount of damage and seed eaten will depend on element like :
Catching the problem early on is key to prevent total loss of seed . So permit ’s look at useful solutions .
How to Stop Squirrels From Eating Grass Seed
monish squirrels from care for your lawn like an limitless salad saloon is an important part of seed success . Here are some in force tactic and products to prevent semen theft :
Use a Squirrel Repellent
Applying a squirrel repellent around the border of newly seed domain may deter them from insert . Look for repellent containing castor oil , garlic oil , or capsaicin . Reapply after rain .
Some selection are Dr. T ’s All Natural Squirrel Repellent or Liquid Fence Squirrel Repellent .
Install Physical Barriers
Barriers like fencing , netting , and wire mesh can block squirrels from get to the seed . Bury edges several inches into the land to prevent squirrel from burrowing underneath .
Some ideas are poulet wire , hardware cloth , and charge card bird netting . check that opening are 1/2 column inch or smaller so seeds do n’t fall through .
Scare Them Away
utilize predator decoys , sprinkler , noise makers , and other panic tactics to frighten squirrels off . Vary fix and exchange up method acting regularly so they do n’t get used to them . Motion touch off sprinkler are especially effective .
Apply Seed with a Starter Fertilizer
Starter fertilizer incorporate morning star which help accelerate germination . The fast seeds can sprout , the less chance squirrel have to eat them . Look for weed and feed products or special seeding fertilizers .
Use Lower Quality Filler Seed
Put down some tinny “ filler ” seed like yearly ryegrass first to give up squirrel to occupy up on those . Then once ryegrass has sprouted , overseed with your desire higher timbre grass seed . The filler seed acts as a sacrificial distraction .
Feed Squirrels Away from the Lawn
Try luring squirrels away from newly seeded country by supply full tasting intellectual nourishment like ear of corn , peanuts in the carapace , or even bird seed infeeders on the polar side of your cubic yard . This may perturb them from grass germ temporarily .
Apply Seed before Rain
Squirrels are less probable to dig for ejaculate in wet soil . clock time seed right before a beneficial soaking pelting to warn digging . The pelting will also naturally work seed into the soil , protecting it .
Allow Dog Access
If you have a wienerwurst , appropriate it approach to areas where germ is spread . Most squirrel will avoid yards patronise by dogs . Just be sure your dog does n’t damage the lawn .
Trap Problem Squirrels
For severe squirrel infestation , trapping and removing offenders may be necessary . ensure local regulations first and use humane trap . Then release squirrels at least 5 miles away to foreclose them rejoin .
Reseeding After Squirrel Damage
If damage is far-flung , you may need to till up the lawn and commence over . It can be frustrating , but do n’t get discouraged . With persistence and the right deterrents , you could overcome germ thieving squirrels !
A beautiful unexampled lawn is deserving the effort . Just remember it ’s normal for squirrels to take an pursuit in grass seed . With some planning and adaptability , you’re able to still achieve lawn winner . Do n’t rent occasional squirrel raids stop you from doing new seeding project .
The Bottom Line
Squirrels can quickly put down the metre and money you ’ve invested in grass seed , thanks to their gumptious forage . But there are many good solutions to prevent seed loss .
The key are taking prophylactic measures straight off after seeding , adapting if squirrels overreach your deterrents , and pronto reseeding any damage areas . With a scrap of creativity and commitment , you’re able to have the lush lawn of your dream .
So next fourth dimension you see a squirrel suspiciously eyeball your newly sow railway yard , take action right away . Discourage seed theft from the start using the tips in this clause , and you ’ll keep your projection on track for success .
How to plant your grass seed without the birds eating it
How to prevent squirrel from eating grass seminal fluid ?
To prevent squirrel from rust your newly planted skunk semen you’re able to use galvanized wire , plastic netting , motion sensing element sprinkler or set up a friendly squirrel area to keep them at alcove . Even if you are an fauna lover , you need to forbid them from tearing up your properly , plants , flowers , and grass .
Do squirrel eat birdseed ?
The squirrels will be more attracted to the bird feeder because of how much more nutritive and easier it is to eat the bird food . Grass seed is not as alimentary for squirrel , so this will lead to the squirrels being drawn to the bird food where they will remain to scrounge from while you await for your supergrass seed to polish off originate .
Do squirrel eat eatage ?
Sometimes , squirrels may eat grass immediately , while in other situation , they may habituate it for nest material or as disguise . Grass can provide squirrel with shelter and protective cover , specially when constructing nests or hide from potential predators . You may have spot some squirrels foraging on your lawn . But can they damage your grass ?
Do squirrels eat plants ?
squirrel are omnivore . omnivore eat both plant matter and other animals or insect , while herbivores solely bet on plants , fruits , nuts and seeds for their dieting . That being said , squirrels lean to eat mostly works matter , but will feed other animals , eggs , or insects on occasion . What do squirrels find to eat in the grass ?
