Do Squirrels Eat Celery? Garden Facts Revealed

Yes, squirrels do eat celery. These adaptable rodents readily consume celery stalks and leaves when available, though it's not their preferred food source. Wild squirrels primarily seek nuts, seeds, and fruits, but will nibble on garden vegetables like celery when other options are scarce.

Understanding Squirrel Eating Habits in Your Garden

Have you spotted half-eaten celery stalks in your garden and wondered which critter's to blame? You're not alone. Many gardeners discover evidence of squirrel snacking on their vegetable patches, particularly during late summer and early fall when natural food sources begin to dwindle.

Squirrels are opportunistic omnivores with diverse palates. While they favor high-energy foods like nuts and seeds, they'll sample almost anything edible—including your celery crop. This behavior isn't malicious; it's simply survival instinct in action.

What Squirrels Actually Eat: Beyond the Myths

Contrary to popular belief, squirrels don't just eat nuts. Their natural diet varies significantly by season and habitat:

Season	Primary Food Sources	Celery Consumption Likelihood
Spring	Buds, flowers, insects	Low (only if very hungry)
Summer	Fruits, berries, fungi	Moderate (occasional nibbling)
Early Fall	Nuts, seeds, grains	Low (plenty of preferred foods)
Late Fall/Winter	Stored nuts, bark, garden vegetables	High (celery becomes attractive option)

This seasonal pattern explains why you're more likely to find celery damage in your garden during colder months. When natural food stores run low, squirrels become less picky about their menu options.

Why Celery Appeals to Squirrels (Sometimes)

Celery offers squirrels three valuable resources:

• Hydration - Its high water content (95%) helps squirrels stay hydrated
• Nutrients - Contains vitamins K and C plus minerals squirrels need
• Accessibility - Easy to chew compared to harder plant materials

However, celery lacks the high fat and protein content squirrels prefer. According to wildlife research from the University of Minnesota Extension, squirrels prioritize foods with at least 20% fat content, which explains why they'll choose walnuts over celery when given the option.

When Squirrels Avoid Celery: Important Context

Squirrel behavior around celery depends on several contextual factors:

• Food availability - Abundant natural food means less garden raiding
• Garden location - Urban squirrels show more varied diets than rural counterparts
• Time of day - Most celery sampling occurs during morning feeding hours
• Alternative options - Bird feeders nearby reduce vegetable interest

Research from the National Wildlife Federation indicates that squirrels in developed areas develop more diverse eating habits, sometimes consuming up to 30% garden vegetables during food-scarce periods.

Protecting Your Celery Crop: Practical Solutions

If squirrels are targeting your celery, try these proven strategies:

1. Physical barriers - Install 1-inch mesh netting at least 2 feet above soil level
2. Natural deterrents - Sprinkle cayenne pepper around plants (reapply after rain)
3. Alternative feeding stations - Place squirrel feeders with nuts 50+ feet from garden
4. Companion planting - Grow garlic or onions near celery (squirrels dislike strong odors)

Agricultural studies show that combining two or more deterrent methods increases effectiveness by 70% compared to single-method approaches.

Safe Alternatives for Squirrel Enthusiasts

If you enjoy watching squirrels and want to feed them appropriately:

• Offer raw unsalted peanuts or black oil sunflower seeds
• Provide small amounts of fresh fruit like apples or berries
• Use squirrel-specific feeders to keep food off the ground
• Avoid processed human foods which can harm their digestive systems

Remember that regular feeding can make squirrels dependent on humans and disrupt natural foraging behaviors. The U.S. Department of the Interior recommends feeding wildlife only during extreme weather conditions when natural food is truly scarce.

When to Worry About Squirrel-Celery Interactions

In most cases, minor celery nibbling causes no significant garden damage. However, contact local wildlife authorities if you notice:

• Excessive damage indicating an overpopulated squirrel community
• Sick-looking squirrels exhibiting unusual behavior
• Signs of other pests that might require professional intervention

Most states have regulations about wildlife management, so check with your local extension office before implementing control measures.

Is celery harmful to squirrels?

No, celery isn't harmful to squirrels in moderation. It provides hydration and some nutrients, though it lacks the fat content squirrels need for optimal health. Avoid giving celery with pesticide residue.

Why do squirrels eat celery if it's not their preferred food?

Squirrels eat celery when preferred foods like nuts and seeds become scarce, typically in late fall and winter. Celery offers hydration and some nutrients, making it a viable temporary food source when better options aren't available.

How can I stop squirrels from eating my celery plants?

Effective methods include installing physical barriers like mesh netting, using natural deterrents such as cayenne pepper, creating alternative feeding stations with nuts away from your garden, and planting strong-smelling companions like garlic near your celery. Combining multiple methods increases effectiveness.

Do squirrels prefer celery stalks or leaves?

Squirrels typically prefer the leaves over the stalks. The leaves contain more nutrients and are easier to chew. You'll often find partially eaten leaves with the tougher stalks left behind, especially when other food sources are available.

What vegetables do squirrels eat besides celery?

Squirrels commonly eat tomatoes, squash, beans, peas, corn, and strawberries. They tend to avoid strong-smelling vegetables like onions, garlic, and peppers. Their vegetable preferences change with seasonal food availability, with more garden raiding occurring in late fall when natural food sources diminish.