How to Attract Squirrels to Your Backyard: A Comprehensive Guide

Squirrels, with their bushy tails and energetic antics, are a delightful addition to any backyard. Watching them scamper, bury nuts, and playfully chase each other can bring hours of joy. If you’re hoping to see more of these furry acrobats in your outdoor space, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the detailed steps and instructions you need to create a squirrel-friendly environment. We’ll delve into their dietary preferences, habitat needs, and how to set up your yard to become a squirrel haven. Prepare to become a squirrel magnet!

Understanding Squirrels: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of attracting squirrels, it’s helpful to understand their basic needs and behaviors. Squirrels are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They are omnivores, with a diet consisting mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects and bird eggs. Squirrels are also avid hoarders, burying food for later consumption – a behavior that contributes significantly to seed dispersal and forest regeneration. They are territorial and communicative, using a variety of chirps, barks, and tail movements to interact with each other.

Types of Squirrels You Might Encounter

The specific types of squirrels you might attract will depend on your geographic location. However, some common species include:

• Eastern Gray Squirrel: The most common squirrel in many parts of North America, easily identified by its gray fur and bushy tail.
• Fox Squirrel: Larger than the gray squirrel, with reddish-brown fur and a slightly bushier tail.
• Red Squirrel: A smaller, more energetic squirrel with reddish fur and a smaller tail, often found in coniferous forests.
• Flying Squirrel: Nocturnal and less commonly seen, these squirrels have a membrane between their legs that allows them to glide between trees.

Knowing which species are common in your area can help you tailor your efforts to attract the right kind of squirrels.

Creating a Squirrel-Friendly Habitat

The key to attracting squirrels is to create an environment that provides them with food, water, shelter, and safety. Here’s how to do it:

1. Provide a Diverse Food Source

Squirrels have a varied diet, and offering a range of options will make your yard more appealing. Here’s a breakdown of what they love to eat:

• Nuts: This is perhaps the most classic squirrel food. Walnuts, hazelnuts, acorns, pecans, and peanuts are all favorites. Offer them in their shells to provide enrichment and encourage natural foraging behaviors.
• Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and birdseed mixes are all readily enjoyed by squirrels.
• Fruits: Apple slices, grapes, berries, and even small pieces of melon can be a welcome treat. Be sure to offer only small amounts of fruit to avoid attracting unwanted pests.
• Corn: Dried corn on the cob is a great option, especially for providing a longer-lasting food source. You can even buy corn specifically designed for feeding wildlife.
• Vegetables: While not their preferred food, squirrels may nibble on small pieces of carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
• Avoid: Processed human foods, salty snacks, chocolate, and foods with artificial sweeteners can be harmful to squirrels.

Feeding Strategies:

• Squirrel Feeders: Consider purchasing a squirrel-specific feeder. These are often designed to hold nuts, seeds, or corn cobs and are usually designed to prevent birds and other animals from stealing the bounty. There are numerous types available including those that mount to a tree or stand independently, or even entertaining feeders that require squirrels to use a bit of ingenuity to get to the food.
• Scatter Feeding: You can also scatter food on the ground or on a dedicated feeding platform. This encourages foraging behavior, which is both enjoyable for you to watch and enriching for the squirrels.
• Consider Variety: Don’t rely on just one type of food. A mix will attract a wider range of squirrels and keep them coming back for more.
• Consistency: Try to keep feeders filled regularly, especially during the colder months when food sources are scarce.

2. Provide Access to Water

Like all living creatures, squirrels need access to fresh water. Especially during the warmer months, a reliable water source can be a significant draw for your backyard squirrels. Here are a few options:

• Bird Baths: A shallow bird bath can also serve as a great watering hole for squirrels. Be sure to keep the water clean and refreshed regularly.
• Shallow Dishes: You can place a shallow dish or bowl of water on the ground or on a raised platform. Again, be sure to clean it regularly.
• Water Features: If you have a small pond or other water feature, squirrels may drink from it. Ensure the water is accessible and not too deep, and provide an easy way for them to exit if they fall in.

Important Note: Dehydration can be a serious issue for squirrels. Providing clean, accessible water, especially during dry periods, is a simple yet crucial way to help them thrive.

3. Offer Shelter and Nesting Sites

Squirrels need safe places to rest, nest, and raise their young. Providing these will encourage them to stay in your yard. Here’s how you can help:

• Trees: Mature trees are the most natural shelter for squirrels. They use the branches to travel and often nest in cavities in the trunk or the forks of branches. Planting a variety of native trees to provide cover and natural food sources is beneficial. Oak, maple, pine, and hickory are some of their favorites.
• Squirrel Houses: Consider installing a few squirrel houses in your backyard. These are wooden boxes specifically designed for squirrels to nest in. They should be placed high up in a tree, away from predators, facing away from prevailing winds, and should have a relatively small entrance hole (2-3 inches) to keep out larger animals.
• Brush Piles: A carefully placed brush pile can provide shelter and hiding places for squirrels. They often use these piles for emergency cover or to store nuts temporarily. Place a mixture of branches, logs, and leaves in a designated area of your yard. Be mindful of where you place the pile to avoid accidentally creating a nesting area for other undesirable creatures.
• Dense Shrubs and Bushes: Planting dense shrubs and bushes provides squirrels with cover and protection from predators. Conifers, such as pines and junipers, are particularly good options.

4. Ensure Safety and Security

Creating a safe environment is just as important as providing food and shelter. Here are some tips to minimize threats to squirrels in your yard:

• Pet Safety: If you have pets, particularly dogs and cats, be sure to supervise them when they are in the yard. Cats are natural predators of squirrels, and dogs may chase and harass them, which can be stressful and dangerous for the squirrels. You might consider installing a fence around your squirrel feeding or shelter areas.
• Pest Control: Avoid using poisons or traps, which can harm not only squirrels but other wildlife as well. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, use humane methods of control or consider consulting a professional.
• Tree Pruning: Avoid excessive pruning of trees during nesting season (typically early spring and late summer). If you need to prune, be mindful of potential nests and avoid disturbing them. If a nest does get disturbed, contact a local wildlife rescue for proper guidance on handling the situation.
• Traffic: If your yard is near a busy road, be aware that squirrels may be at risk from traffic. Consider planting dense vegetation along the edge of your yard to create a natural barrier.

Specific Steps to Attract Squirrels

Now that you understand the core principles, here are some detailed steps to follow:

1. Assess Your Yard: Evaluate what you already have in terms of trees, shrubs, and water sources. Identify areas that could be improved to be more squirrel-friendly.
2. Choose the Right Feeders: Select squirrel feeders that are sturdy, weather-resistant, and easy to fill. Consider several types for variety and try different places in your yard.
3. Start with Small Amounts: Begin by offering small amounts of food and increase gradually as you see the squirrels become more comfortable.
4. Locate Feeders Strategically: Place feeders in areas that are relatively sheltered from the elements and predators, near trees or shrubs. Ensure that they are accessible to squirrels and not easily tipped over by other animals.
5. Offer a Variety of Foods: Provide a mix of nuts, seeds, fruits, and other options to meet their nutritional needs and preferences. Rotate items to maintain a squirrel’s interest.
6. Provide Water Regularly: Keep water sources clean and full, particularly during dry periods and hot weather.
7. Place Squirrel Houses Properly: Mount squirrel houses high up in trees, away from predators and in a sheltered location facing away from the main wind direction.
8. Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean up spilled food and debris to prevent attracting unwanted pests and diseases.
9. Be Patient: It may take some time for squirrels to discover your offerings. Be patient, and keep your feeders and water sources stocked.
10. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to the squirrels’ behavior, adjust the types of food and locations of your feeders based on their preferences.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips for Squirrel Attraction

Once you have the basics in place, here are some advanced tips to enhance your squirrel attraction efforts:

• Create a Squirrel Playground: Install ropes, branches, or platforms between trees to provide them with fun and exercise. This can help attract squirrels to your yard and offer them an area for playful activities.
• Plant Native Trees and Shrubs: Choose native species that provide both food and shelter for squirrels. These plants are also better adapted to your climate and require less maintenance.
• Consider a Dedicated Squirrel Garden: Create a section of your yard dedicated to squirrels, with a variety of plants, feeders, and water sources.
• Use a Squirrel-Friendly Bird Feeder: Certain bird feeder designs can make it easier for squirrels to access birdseed. Look for those, or find ways to ensure they can access the food you put out.
• Set up a Squirrel-Safe Watering System: Design a shallow watering system that allows squirrels to easily drink without risk of drowning. A tray with pebbles to keep the water shallow is a good option.
• Document Their Behavior: Take photos or videos of the squirrels and document their behaviors. This will give you a deeper appreciation for their fascinating lives and could be something fun you can share on social media.
• Engage in Educational Outreach: Educate your neighbors about the importance of squirrels and their role in the ecosystem. Encourage others to create their own squirrel-friendly spaces.

The Joy of Squirrel Watching

Attracting squirrels to your yard can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Watching these fascinating creatures interact with their environment can bring hours of entertainment. From their acrobatic feats to their curious nature, squirrels are truly remarkable creatures. By providing them with food, water, shelter, and safety, you can create a welcoming haven for them in your backyard and contribute to the health of your local ecosystem. Remember to be patient and enjoy the simple pleasures that come with observing these delightful visitors.

So, get ready to become a squirrel magnet! Follow these steps, and you’ll soon be enjoying the company of these bushy-tailed acrobats in your own backyard. Happy squirrel watching!