Do Squirrels Like Lavender Plants

Squirrels do like lavender plants, but not in the way you might think.
 
They aren’t drawn to lavender as a primary food source, but they will investigate it, nibble on it occasionally, and sometimes dig around it.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether squirrels like lavender plants in your garden, the short answer is yes, they show interest, but it’s usually mild curiosity rather than a full-on feast.
 
Lavender contains natural compounds that most squirrels find unappealing, so it rarely becomes their go-to snack.
 
However, squirrels like lavender plants enough to poke around them, especially when other food is scarce or when the plant is young and tender.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why squirrels like lavender plants, when they’re most likely to bother them, and how you can protect your lavender without harming the squirrels.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Squirrels Like Lavender Plants

Squirrels like lavender plants for a few simple reasons, and none of them are about a deep love for the plant itself.
 
Here’s what’s really going on.
 

1. Curiosity and Exploration

Squirrels are naturally curious creatures, and they explore their environment by sniffing, pawing, and tasting almost everything.
 
When a squirrel encounters a lavender plant, it doesn’t know right away whether it’s food, so it investigates.
 
That investigation often includes a quick nibble, which is why you might see chewed tips or missing flower buds.
 
This doesn’t mean squirrels like lavender plants as a meal, it just means they’re checking them out.
 

2. Tender New Growth Is Appealing

Young lavender shoots and soft new leaves are much more appealing to squirrels than mature, woody stems.
 
The tender growth contains more moisture and less of the strong aromatic oils that give lavender its distinctive scent.
 
So when squirrels like lavender plants, they’re usually going after the softest, freshest parts.
 
This is especially common in spring when everything is putting out new growth.
 

3. Scent Confusion and Digging

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell, and lavender’s strong fragrance can actually confuse them.
 
They may dig near lavender plants because they smell something interesting underground, like buried nuts or bulbs.
 
The digging damages roots and disturbs the soil, even though the squirrel wasn’t trying to eat the lavender itself.
 
So when people ask if squirrels like lavender plants, the digging is often mistaken for eating.
 

4. Hydration in Dry Conditions

During hot, dry spells, squirrels look for moisture wherever they can find it.
 
Lavender leaves and stems hold a small amount of water, and a thirsty squirrel might nibble on them.
 
This behavior is more about survival than preference, so it tends to happen only when water is scarce.
 
That’s one reason squirrels like lavender plants more in summer than in cooler, wetter months.
 

Do Squirrels Like Lavender Plants More Than Other Plants?

Squirrels like lavender plants far less than they like tulip bulbs, sunflower seeds, or young vegetable seedlings.
 
Lavender’s strong essential oils, like linalool and camphor, give it a natural bitterness that most squirrels avoid.
 
In fact, many gardeners plant lavender specifically because deer, rabbits, and squirrels tend to leave it alone.
 
That said, no plant is completely squirrel-proof, especially when food is scarce.
 
So while squirrels like lavender plants less than many other garden options, they won’t ignore it entirely.
 

How to Keep Squirrels Away From Lavender Plants

If squirrels like lavender plants a little too much in your yard, there are gentle ways to protect your garden.
 
Here are the most effective approaches.
 

1. Use Physical Barriers

A simple wire cloche or mesh cover around young lavender plants keeps squirrels from nibbling the tender growth.
 
You can also wrap the base of larger plants with hardware cloth to stop digging.
 
Just make sure the barrier allows sunlight and airflow so the lavender stays healthy.
 

2. Mulch With Sharp or Scented Materials

Squirrels dislike walking on sharp mulch like crushed gravel or pine cones.
 
You can also add a layer of coffee grounds or citrus peels around the base, since squirrels find those smells unpleasant.
 
This won’t stop a determined squirrel, but it discourages casual digging.
 

3. Offer an Alternative Food Source

Sometimes the easiest fix is to give squirrels something they like better than lavender.
 
A small dish of unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds, or corn placed far from your garden can redirect their attention.
 
When squirrels have an easy meal, they’re less likely to bother your lavender plants.
 

4. Plant Lavender in Groups

Squirrels like lavender plants more when they’re isolated and easy to reach.
 
Planting lavender in dense clusters, especially alongside other strongly scented herbs like rosemary or sage, makes them less inviting.
 
The combined aromas overwhelm a squirrel’s sense of smell, and the dense foliage feels less safe to explore.
 

5. Keep the Area Clean

Fallen seeds, birdseed, and fruit from nearby trees attract squirrels to your garden in the first place.
 
Rake up debris regularly and clean under bird feeders to reduce the traffic near your lavender.
 
Fewer squirrels passing through means fewer chances for them to nibble your plants.
 

So, Do Squirrels Like Lavender Plants?

Squirrels do like lavender plants, but only mildly and mostly out of curiosity rather than hunger.
 
They may nibble tender new growth, dig around the roots, or sample leaves when thirsty, but lavender is rarely a preferred food.
 
With a few simple barriers and a little redirection, you can enjoy your lavender while keeping squirrels happily occupied elsewhere.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand whether squirrels like lavender plants and how to protect your garden without harming these busy little visitors.