Do Squirrels Like Lavender Plants

Squirrels do like lavender plants, but not in the way you might think.
 
They aren’t drawn to lavender the way they are to tulip bulbs or sunflower seeds.
 
Instead, squirrels like lavender plants mostly for the dense, bushy cover they provide, and sometimes for the tender new growth they can nibble on.
 
If you’ve been asking, “do squirrels like lavender plants,” the short answer is yes, they can be interested in them, but lavender isn’t a squirrel magnet the way some other garden plants are.
 
Lavender’s strong scent actually deters many pests, which is why gardeners love it, yet squirrels don’t seem bothered by that fragrance at all.
 
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at whether squirrels like lavender plants, why they might visit your lavender, and how to protect your plants if the digging gets out of hand.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Squirrels Like Lavender Plants

Squirrels like lavender plants for a few practical reasons, even if lavender isn’t their favorite snack.
 
Here’s why these bushy purple plants attract squirrel attention.
 

1. Dense Foliage Makes Great Cover

Lavender grows into a thick, shrubby mound, and squirrels love dense cover.
 
That tight growth gives them a safe place to hide from hawks, cats, and other predators.
 
So when you wonder, do squirrels like lavender plants, remember that sometimes it’s about shelter, not food.
 
A squirrel darting through your garden will happily pause in a lavender bush to feel secure.
 

2. Tender Shoots Are Edible

Squirrels are opportunistic eaters, and they’ll nibble on plenty of plants you’d rather they leave alone.
 
Lavender’s soft new shoots and flower buds are technically edible for squirrels.
 
They don’t provide much calories, so squirrels like lavender plants for a quick snack rather than a full meal.
 
You might notice chewed tips or missing buds after a squirrel visit.
 

3. The Soil Is Easy to Dig

Lavender thrives in loose, sandy, well-draining soil.
 
Unfortunately, that’s exactly the kind of soil squirrels love to dig in.
 
They bury nuts and dig them back up, and your lavender bed becomes an easy target.
 
So even if squirrels don’t eat lavender plants, they can still wreck the bed around them.
 

4. Mild Scent Doesn’t Bother Them

Many people assume lavender’s strong smell keeps every animal away.
 
But squirrels rely heavily on sight and memory, and they aren’t put off by lavender’s fragrance.
 
That’s a big reason squirrels like lavender plants enough to keep visiting.
 
The scent that repels mosquitoes and moths simply doesn’t have the same effect on squirrels.
 

Do Squirrels Eat Lavender Plants?

Squirrels eat lavender plants occasionally, but it’s rarely their first choice.
 
Here’s what actually happens when squirrels encounter lavender in your yard.
 

1. They Prefer Bulbs and Seeds

Squirrels would much rather dig up tulip bulbs, crocus corms, or sunflower seeds.
 
Those foods are rich in fat and calories, which squirrels need to survive.
 
Lavender just can’t compete with that kind of energy payoff.
 
So squirrels eat lavender plants only when better options aren’t around.
 

2. Bitter Oils Discourage Heavy Feeding

Lavender contains natural oils like linalool and camphor.
 
These compounds give lavender its signature scent and a slightly bitter taste.
 
Most squirrels take a nibble and move on.
 
That’s why squirrels like lavender plants for cover more than for food.
 

3. Damage Is Usually Minor

Unless you have a hungry squirrel population and very little else to eat, lavender damage stays small.
 
A few chewed stems or dug-up patches are the usual signs.
 
Healthy, established lavender plants bounce back quickly from light browsing.
 

How to Keep Squirrels Away From Lavender Plants

If squirrels like lavender plants a little too much in your garden, you have plenty of gentle options.
 
Here are the most effective ways to protect your lavender.
 

1. Add Physical Barriers

Chicken wire or mesh laid just below the soil surface stops squirrels from digging.
 
You can also wrap pots with hardware cloth or place them on raised stands.
 
These barriers keep squirrels away from lavender plants without harming them.
 

2. Use Mulch They Dislike

Squirrels dislike digging through sharp or rough materials.
 
Try gravel, crushed shell, or coarse bark mulch around your lavender.
 
This makes the soil harder to paw through and discourages constant visits.
 

3. Offer a Distraction

Plant a small patch of sunflower seeds or provide a squirrel feeder far from your lavender.
 
When squirrels have an easier food source, they’ll usually leave your lavender plants alone.
 
It’s a simple trade that keeps everyone happier.
 

4. Trim and Maintain Regularly

Pruning lavender keeps it tidy and reduces the dense cover squirrels crave.
 
Good airflow also keeps the plant healthier and less appealing as a hideout.
 

So, Do Squirrels Like Lavender Plants?

Squirrels do like lavender plants, mostly for the shelter and the easy digging, and only sometimes for a light snack.
 
They aren’t obsessed with lavender the way they are with bulbs or seeds, so your plants usually survive with minor damage.
 
If squirrels like lavender plants too much in your yard, simple barriers, rough mulch, and a nearby distraction will keep them at bay.
 
With a little patience, you and the squirrels can share the garden just fine.