Do Squirrels Eat Hostas

If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably asked: do squirrels eat hostas? The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding yes. These bushy-tailed visitors can turn your beautiful shade garden into a ragged mess overnight. But don’t despair. Understanding why they do it and how to stop them is the first step to reclaiming your plants.

Hostas are like a salad bar for many woodland creatures. Their tender shoots, succulent leaves, and sometimes even the flower stalks are tempting targets. While deer and slugs are common culprits, squirrels present a unique challenge. They don’t just eat the leaves; they dig, they nibble, and they can cause damage at any time of year.

Yes, squirrels absolutely eat hostas. They are most destructive in early spring when the fresh, tender shoots first emerge from the soil. These young leaves are packed with moisture and nutrients, making them a prime target. Squirrels may also dig around hostas to bury or retrive food, damaging the root system in the process.

Why Squirrels Target Your Hosta Plants

Squirrels aren’t being malicious; they’re just following their instincts. Here are the main reasons they find your hostas so appealing:

Thirst: In dry periods, the juicy leaves and stems provide a crucial source of water.
Food Source: The young leaves are tender and easy to eat. They might also be attracted to the plant’s seeds later in the season.
Digging Behavior: Squirrels are natural diggers. The soft soil around hostas is perfect for burying nuts or searching for bulbs, often uprooting plants by accident.
Pest Activity: If slugs or insects are already munching on your hostas, the damaged areas release plant smells that can attract squirrels.

Identifying Squirrel Damage vs. Other Pests

It’s important to correctly identify the pest so you can choose the right solution. Here’s how to tell if squirrels are the problem:

Bite Marks: Squirrels leave rough, jagged edges on leaves. Deer leave a more torn look, while slugs and insects create smooth holes or chewed edges.
Missing Shoots: Entire young shoots may be bitten off cleanly at the base.
Digging: Small, shallow holes in the soil around the plant are a classic sign of squirrel activity.
Time of Damage: Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day). If damage appears overnight, rabbits or deer are more likely.

Effective Strategies to Protect Your Hostas

Protecting your hostas requires a layered approach. What works for one gardener might not for another, so be prepared to try a few methods. Consistency is key.

Physical Barriers and Deterrents

These methods physically prevent squirrels from reaching your plants.

Chicken Wire Cages: Create a simple cage from wire mesh placed over the plant in early spring. Anchor it well so squirrels can’t lift it.
Cloches or Row Covers: Use these to protect individual shoots as they emerge. Remember to remove them once leaves toughen up.
Bird Netting: Drape netting over the plants, but ensure it’s secured tightly to the ground so squirrels don’t get tangled.

Natural Repellents and Smell Deterrents

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell. You can use this against them by making your garden smell unappealing.

Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce Spray: Mix a tablespoon of hot sauce or cayenne with a gallon of water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray liberally on leaves, reapplying after rain. The soap helps the mixture stick.
Garlic or Onion Spray: Soak chopped garlic or onion in water for a day, strain, and spray the liquid around your plants.
Predator Urine: Granules or sprays containing fox or coyote urine can be effective, but their smell can be strong for humans too.
Blood Meal: Sprinkling this around plants adds nitrogen to the soil and deters squirrels with its scent. Reapply frequently.

Tactical Garden Management

Changing your garden’s environment can make it less inviting.

Remove Alternate Food Sources: Keep bird feeders far away from your hosta beds. Use squirrel-proof feeders or clean up spilled seed regularly.
Provide a Water Source: Place a shallow birdbath away from your hostas. If squirrels are thirsty, they may choose the easy water over your plants.
Plant Deterrents: Interplant hostas with plants squirrels dislike, such as daffodils, alliums, hyacinths, or fritillarias. Their strong scents can mask the smell of hostas.

A Step-by-Step Protection Plan for Spring

Early spring is the most critical time. Follow these steps as soon as you see shoots.

Clean the Area: Clear away old leaves and debris where squirrels might hide or find cover.
Apply Repellent: As soon as shoots peek through, spray them with your chosen natural repellent.
Install Barriers: Place wire cages or cloches over the most vulnerable plants. Make sure they are secure.
Monitor and Reapply: Check plants daily. Re-spray repellents after any rainfall or watering.
Remove Barriers Gradually: Once leaves are larger and tougher (usually late spring), you can remove physical covers.

What to Do With Already Damaged Plants

If squirrels have already attacked, don’t panic. Hostas are remarkably resilient.

Trim off badly damaged leaves at the base to encourage new growth.
Water the plant well and consider a light application of balanced fertilizer to help it recover.
Ensure the crown (the center of the plant) isn’t damaged. If it is, the plant may not regrow this season but will likely return next year.

Long-Term Considerations and Plant Selection

If squirrels are a constant battle, you might consider these long-term strategies.

Choose Less Palatable Varieties: Thicker, waxier, or more heavily textured leaves are less appealing. Varieties like ‘Halcyon’, ‘Sum and Substance’, or ‘Blue Angel’ are often reported to be more resistant.
Strategic Placement: Plant hostas in containers on patios or closer to high-traffic areas of your home where squirrels are more wary.
Adopt a Pet: The presence of a dog or cat in the yard is one of the most effective natural deterrents.

FAQ: Common Questions About Squirrels and Hostas

Do squirrels eat hosta roots?

Squirrels typically don’t eat the roots. However, they will dig in the soil around them, which can disturb or expose the roots, causing significant stress or even killing the plant.

Will coffee grounds keep squirrels away from hostas?

Used coffee grounds are a popular home remedy. While they may offer some deterrence due to texture and smell, their effect is mild and temporary. They are better used as a soil amendment.

Do rabbits and squirrels eat hostas?

Yes, both animals eat hostas. Rabbit damage often looks like clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves, usually lower to the ground. Squirrel damage is more random and often includes digging.

What is the best squirrel repellent for hostas?

There is no single “best” repellent. A combination of a physical barrier (like wire) in early spring and a consistent rotation of smell-based repellents (like hot pepper spray) tends to be most reliable. You’ll need to switch repellents occasionally so the squirrels don’t get used to one.

Do hostas come back after being eaten?

In almost all cases, yes. As long as the plant’s crown and root system are intact, hostas will send up new leaves. It may take a few weeks, but the plant will usally recover fully by midsummer.

Protecting your hostas from squirrels takes patience and persistence. By starting early in the season and using a mix of methods, you can greatly reduce the damage. Remember, the goal is to make your garden less appealing than the neighbors. With these strategies, you can enjoy the lush, beautiful hostas you planted without feeding the local wildlife. Your shade garden will thank you for the effort.