As a backyard gardener, you may have caught a sneaky squirrel nibbling on your green bean plants. These bushy-tailed rodents have voracious appetites and aren’t picky about what they eat. But do squirrels actually enjoy feasting on fresh green beans? Let’s take a closer look at the squirrel diet to find out.
An Overview of the Squirrel Diet
Squirrels are omnivorous animals, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. Their diverse diet allows them to adapt to different environments.
Typical foods squirrels eat include:
- Nuts (acorns, walnuts, almonds)
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Fungi
- Tree bark
- Eggs
- Insects
- Baby birds
- Small reptiles
Squirrels will also nibble on plants, flowers, and veggies when other food sources are scarce They are notorious for raiding gardens and bird feeders.
Do Squirrels Really Eat Green Beans?
Yes, squirrels do eat green beans! Both wild and domesticated squirrels will happily munch on green beans when given the chance.
Green beans provide squirrels with beneficial vitamins A, C, and K. The beans also contain protein and fiber to help provide energy.
Some other vegetables squirrels enjoy include
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
Squirrels particularly love freshly planted vegetable gardens, as the seeds provide a tasty, high-calorie snack.
Signs Squirrels Have Been Eating Your Beans
If squirrels have invaded your vegetable patch, you may see some of these signs:
- Half eaten green beans scattered on the ground
- Bite marks on bean pods
- Dug up areas around bean plants
- Missing seeds or seedlings
- Chewed up green bean vines
- Stripped bean leaves
- Holes in fencing around the garden
Squirrels tend to eat the bean pods when they are young and tender. Keep an eye out for damage early in the growing season.
Preventing Squirrels from Eating Green Beans
While squirrels eating the occasional green bean won’t devastate your crop it’s best to limit their garden raids. Here are some tips
- Install wire fencing or mesh covers over plants
- Use motion-activated sprinklers and lights
- Apply natural repellents like hot pepper spray
- Provide alternative food sources away from the garden
- Eliminate places squirrels can nest or hide
- Use traps as a last resort if damage is severe
Be vigilant about keeping squirrels out of your vegetable garden right from the start. Don’t give them a chance to form a habit of feasting on your crops.
Can You Feed Green Beans to Squirrels?
While wild squirrels will eat garden green beans, you shouldn’t intentionally feed them to your backyard squirrels.
Domesticated squirrels’ diets should primarily consist of:
- Nutrient-rich pellets
- Fresh vegetables like carrots and broccoli
- Occasional treats like walnuts or sunflower seeds
Too many green beans could lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and nutritional imbalances. Talk to your exotic vet before introducing new foods.
The Verdict on Green Beans and Squirrels
Squirrels do enjoy munching on garden-fresh green beans when given the access. Their diverse palates and insatiable appetites mean vegetables are fair game.
If you value your green bean crop, protective measures will be needed to keep squirrels at bay. But for wild squirrels, green beans can be a tasty supplemental snack as part of a balanced diet.
So while you don’t want to intentionally feed too many beans to your pet squirrel, rest assured that wild squirrels can safely enjoy this garden treat in moderation as nature intended. Just be prepared to share some of your veggie bounty with these furry, fast-eating foragers!
Protect Green Beans from Animals
FAQ
Can you feed squirrels green beans?
What vegetables do squirrels not eat?
What are squirrels favorite vegetables?
Do squirrels eat beans?
After all, a happy chicken means a chicken with less destructive behavior. Squirrels are attracted to your bean seedlings because of the amount of protein that they contain. The more protein in a food source, the fuller the squirrel can get in a shorter amount of time. Squirrels will eat the beans off your bean plant and the shoots.
What vegetables can squirrels eat?
As for vegetables, you can offer carrots, broccoli, spinach, and zucchini. They’re packed with fiber and crucial micronutrients, facilitating better digestion and healthy growth. Watch out though! Avoid giving squirrels raw green beans, raw potatoes, or any veggies belonging to the nightshade family.
Can squirrels eat berries?
It is also important to remember not to give them treats or food scraps and instead leave natural food sources such as nuts and berries for the squirrels to find on their own. Is it safe to give food to a wild squirrel? Feeding wild squirrels can be a rewarding experience, however it is important to be fully aware of the risks.
Can squirrels eat food?
Balance the foods your squirrels love with foods that are good for their health. Occasional treats are fine, but the bulk of your squirrel diet should be protein-packed dishes that encourage them to exercise. When an animal eats out of your hand, your heart grows three sizes. And you feel like a Disney Princess.