The Ultimate Guide: How to Attract Squirrels to Your Backyard (and Keep Them Happy!)

Squirrels, with their bushy tails and acrobatic antics, are fascinating creatures to observe. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a keen photographer, or simply someone who enjoys wildlife, attracting squirrels to your backyard can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s not as simple as just throwing out some peanuts. Understanding their needs and preferences is key to creating a welcoming and sustainable environment for these energetic little mammals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully attract squirrels, from food choices and shelter options to creating a safe and enjoyable habitat for them.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Before we dive into the specifics of attracting squirrels, it’s important to understand their basic behavior and needs. Here’s a quick overview:

• Diet: Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their primary diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects and bird eggs. They are also opportunistic feeders and will readily scavenge for food.
• Habitat: Squirrels are arboreal, meaning they live primarily in trees. They need a safe place to nest, typically within tree cavities, or in nests they build themselves called dreys.
• Activity Patterns: Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They spend their days foraging for food, burying caches for later, and engaging in social activities.
• Territoriality: While they are not fiercely territorial, squirrels do establish home ranges. They are less likely to compete aggressively over food sources if there is an abundance available.
• Caching Behavior: Squirrels are renowned for their caching behavior, also known as scatter hoarding. They bury food in numerous locations, which helps them survive during periods of scarcity.

Creating the Perfect Squirrel Buffet: Choosing the Right Food

Food is, without a doubt, the most effective way to attract squirrels. However, not all foods are created equal. Here’s a guide to the best options:

Nuts

• Favorites: Acorns, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and hickory nuts are highly favored by squirrels. These are rich in fats and provide essential energy.
• Shells On: Providing nuts in their shells encourages natural foraging behavior. Squirrels will enjoy the challenge of cracking them open and it keeps them entertained.
• Avoid: Salted nuts should be avoided as they can be harmful to squirrels.

Seeds

• Best Options: Sunflower seeds (especially black oil sunflower seeds), pumpkin seeds, and squash seeds are excellent choices. They offer good nutritional value and are readily available.
• Variety: Providing a mix of different seeds will cater to different preferences and ensure a balanced diet.
• Unsalted: Always choose unsalted seeds to avoid health issues.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Suitable Choices: Apples, pears, grapes, berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), melon pieces, and bits of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and corn are good options.
• Natural Treats: Offering fruits and vegetables provides variety and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Fresh is Best: Opt for fresh produce over processed or dried options.

Other Treats

• Corn on the Cob: Offering dried corn on the cob provides entertainment as they nibble away at the kernels.
• Peanut Butter (in small quantities): A small amount of peanut butter on a pinecone or a piece of wood can provide a tasty, protein-rich treat. Ensure it is free of artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to many animals.
• Avoid Junk Food: Do not offer bread, crackers, chips, or other processed foods as these offer little nutritional value and can be harmful.

Feeding Methods:

• Squirrel Feeders: There are various types of squirrel feeders available, including those that dispense nuts, seeds, or corn. These are a good option for keeping food dry and accessible.
• Ground Feeding: You can also scatter food on the ground or on a flat surface like a bird table. However, be aware that this can attract other animals as well.
• DIY Feeders: You can easily make your own squirrel feeders using recycled materials such as old plastic bottles or jars.
• Consistency is Key: Once you start feeding squirrels, try to maintain a consistent feeding schedule to provide them with a reliable food source.

Providing Shelter: Creating a Safe Haven

Squirrels need a safe place to nest and raise their young. Providing suitable shelter options is crucial to attracting and retaining them in your backyard. Here are some ideas:

Natural Shelter: Mature Trees

• Tree Cavities: Natural tree cavities, which occur in older, mature trees, are ideal for squirrels to nest in. If you have mature trees in your yard, avoid removing them unless absolutely necessary.
• Dense Foliage: Trees with dense canopies and plenty of branches offer squirrels protection from predators and the elements.
• Variety: A mix of different tree species can provide a more diverse and suitable habitat.

Artificial Shelter: Squirrel Houses

• Squirrel Houses (Drey Boxes): These are specially designed boxes that mimic natural tree cavities. They should be made of untreated wood and have a small entrance hole (usually about 3-4 inches in diameter).
• Location: Hang the squirrel house securely on a tree trunk or a large branch, preferably at a height of 10-20 feet. Orient the entrance away from prevailing winds.
• Multiple Houses: If you have space, provide multiple squirrel houses as they will often establish their own territories.
• Maintenance: Clean out squirrel houses annually, typically in late winter or early spring, to remove old nesting materials.

DIY Squirrel Shelters

• Simple Boxes: You can create your own simple shelter boxes using untreated wood. A basic box with an entrance hole and a few small ventilation holes will suffice.
• Nesting Material: Provide nesting material like dried grass, leaves, moss, or small strips of natural fiber fabric near the shelter to allow squirrels to improve their home.

Providing Water: A Crucial Element

Like all animals, squirrels need access to fresh water, especially during warmer months. Here are some ways to provide water for squirrels:

Shallow Water Bowls

• Bird Baths: Shallow bird baths are a great option for squirrels to drink from. Place some stones or pebbles in the water to provide easy access.
• Shallow Dishes: Shallow dishes or plant saucers filled with water can also work well.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean the water bowls regularly to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
• Fresh Water: Change the water daily to ensure it’s fresh and clean.

Natural Water Sources

• Ponds and Streams: If you have a pond or stream in your backyard, squirrels will often drink from these natural sources.
• Rainwater: Provide some areas to collect rainwater where they can drink from like a large leaf or a depression in a stone.

Creating a Safe Environment: Protecting Squirrels

Once you’ve attracted squirrels to your yard, it’s important to take steps to ensure their safety. Here are some crucial considerations:

Predator Protection

• Pet Cats and Dogs: Keep pet cats and dogs indoors or in a safe enclosure to prevent them from hunting squirrels.
• Hawks and Owls: Provide adequate cover for squirrels, such as dense shrubs and trees, to protect them from avian predators.
• Avoid Poison: Never use rat poison or other harmful chemicals that could harm squirrels or other wildlife.

Road Safety

• Fencing: If your yard is near a busy road, consider erecting fencing to prevent squirrels from running onto the road.
• Safe Passage: Provide safe passage for squirrels to move around your yard, such as climbing structures or overhanging branches.

Pesticide and Chemical Avoidance

• Natural Garden Care: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden as these can be harmful to squirrels and other wildlife.
• Organic Options: Choose organic pest control methods whenever possible.

Observing and Enjoying Squirrels

Once you’ve created a welcoming habitat for squirrels, you can sit back and enjoy watching their fascinating behavior. Here are some tips for observing squirrels:

• Quiet Observation: Find a comfortable spot where you can observe squirrels without disturbing them.
• Binoculars: Use binoculars to get a closer look at their activities.
• Photography: Capture stunning photos of squirrels at play.
• Patience: Be patient and give them time to adapt to their new environment.

Additional Tips for Attracting Squirrels

• Plant Native Trees: Planting native trees that produce nuts, seeds, and berries will attract squirrels naturally.
• Provide Climbing Structures: Place logs, branches, and other climbing structures in your yard to provide exercise and enrichment.
• Offer Nesting Material: Provide materials such as dried leaves, grass, and moss for squirrels to build their nests.
• Avoid Overfeeding: While it’s good to provide food, avoid overfeeding squirrels, as this can lead to dependence and cause imbalances in the ecosystem.
• Be Patient and Persistent: It may take time for squirrels to discover your backyard and adopt it as their home. Be patient and continue to provide food and shelter.
• Learn their Habits: Observe their behaviors to understand their preferences so you can tailor the offerings to their needs.

Dealing with Unwanted Squirrel Behavior

While attracting squirrels can be delightful, they can sometimes exhibit unwanted behavior, such as digging in gardens or accessing areas where they are not welcome. Here are some tips for managing this:

• Protecting Gardens: Use chicken wire or netting to protect vulnerable plants.
• Repellents: Consider using natural repellents, like citrus peels or predator scents, to deter squirrels from unwanted areas.
• Alternative Feeding: If squirrels are accessing food sources you do not want them to, try placing a food source designed for them in a separate area.
• Exclusion Methods: Seal off any entry points to buildings or sheds to prevent squirrels from nesting or seeking shelter in unwanted spaces.
• Professional Assistance: If you are having serious issues with squirrels, you may want to consider calling a professional wildlife control service for advice and solutions.

Conclusion

Attracting squirrels to your backyard is a fun and rewarding experience that can bring you closer to nature. By understanding their needs and providing the right food, shelter, and water, you can create a thriving habitat that squirrels will love. Remember to always prioritize their safety and wellbeing, and enjoy the charm and beauty these lively creatures bring to your outdoor space. With patience and consistent effort, you can transform your backyard into a squirrel sanctuary!