Do Squirrels Eat Figs

If you have a fig tree, you’ve probably noticed some visitors. Do squirrels eat figs? They absolutely do, and they often beat you to the ripest ones. For a squirrel, a sweet, soft fig is a perfect energy source. This can be frustrating for a gardener, but understanding their behavior is the first step to managing it.

We’ll look at why figs are so attractive and what you can do to protect your harvest. With a few smart strategies, you can enjoy your figs while the squirrels get by on other foods in your yard.

Yes, squirrels are big fans of figs. Both the common gray squirrel and others will seek them out. Figs are a high-sugar, high-energy food, which is ideal for these active animals. They provide quick calories, especially important in late summer and fall when squirrels are fattening up for winter.

Squirrels don’t just eat the fruit. They may also sample tender new growth or even peel bark from young branches, though this is less common. Their primary target is the soft, sweet interior of the fig.

Why Your Figs Are a Target

Figs become a magnet for squirrels for a few key reasons:

High Sugar Content: The natural sugars in ripe figs are a powerful attractant. Squirrels have a keen sense of smell and can detect this sweetness from a distance.
Soft Texture: Unlike nuts with hard shells, figs are easy to eat. Squirrels can quickly take a few bites and move on, often sampling multiple fruits.
Seasonal Timing: Figs ripen in late summer, a critical time when squirrels are actively foraging to build fat reserves. Your tree is a reliable food source right when they need it most.
Accessibility: If your tree is near a fence, roof, or other structures, it gives squirrels an easy highway to reach the fruit.

Signs Squirrels Are Eating Your Figs

How can you tell if it’s squirrels and not birds or insects? Look for these clues:

Half-eaten figs left on the tree or ground, often with ragged edges.
Figs that are completely missing, as squirrels will sometimes carry whole smaller fruits away.
Small bite marks and scratches on the fruit’s skin.
Seeing the squirrels themselves! They are often active in early morning and late afternoon.
Fig stems and leaves scattered on the ground beneath the tree from their activity.

How to Protect Your Fig Harvest

You don’t have to surrender your entire crop. A combination of methods usually works best. Start with the least invasive options and escalate as needed.

1. Physical Barriers (Most Effective)

Blocking access is the surest way to save your figs.

Bird Netting: Drape netting over the entire tree, securing it tightly at the trunk. Use a mesh size of 1/2 inch or smaller to prevent squirrels from getting their heads through. Check it regularly to ensure no animals are trapped.
Individual Fruit Bags: For smaller trees, bagging individual fig clusters works well. Use mesh bags designed for fruit. This protects from insects and birds too.
Tree Collars: Wrap a wide, smooth metal collar around the trunk to prevent squirrels from climbing up. It must be at least 2 feet wide and placed high enough that they can’t jump over it from the ground.

2. Distraction and Feeding

Sometimes, offering an easier alternative can steer them away.

Place a squirrel feeder stocked with corn, peanuts, or sunflower seeds on the opposite side of your yard from the fig tree.
This gives them a preferred food source that’s less damaging to your garden. It’s not a guarantee, but it can reduce pressure on your figs.

3. Habitat Modification

Make the area around your tree less inviting and accessible.

Trim back branches that are within 6-8 feet of fences, roofs, or other trees. This removes their aerial pathways.
Keep the ground clean of fallen figs, which attract them to the area in the first place.
Use motion-activated sprinklers near the tree. The sudden spray of water will startle them and condition them to avoid the spot.

4. Natural Deterrents

These methods can help but often need frequent reapplication.

Capsaicin Spray: Create a homemade spray using water and a few tablespoons of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Spray it directly on the figs and leaves. Squirrels dislike the spicy taste, but rain will wash it off.
Predator Scents: Commercial granules or sprays that use the scent of fox or coyote urine can create a sense of danger. Reapply after rain.
Remember, strong smells might be unpleasant for you as well, especially if you like to sit near your tree.

What About Sharing? A Gardener’s Perspective

Some gardeners adopt a “share the harvest” philosophy. If your tree is very productive, you might decide to tolerate some loss. You can even intentionally harvest a bit early for yourself and leave the rest. Squirrels tend to prefer fully ripe, softer fruit, so picking figs when they are just ripe can sometimes mean you get the best ones.

Observing wildlife can be part of the joy of gardening. Setting a personal threshold for damage—like agreeing to share 20% of the crop—can reduce frustration. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you and your local ecosystem.

Are Figs Good for Squirrels?

In the wild, figs are a natural and safe food for squirrels. They provide:

Essential carbohydrates for energy.
Dietary fiber, which aids there digestion.
Small amounts of calcium and potassium.

However, figs should only be a part of their diverse, wild diet. They are high in sugar, so too many could potentially cause issues, but in a garden setting, this is rarely a concern. The squirrels are getting food from many sources.

Quick Tips for a Peaceful Coexistence

Start Early: Put netting or other barriers in place just before the figs start to ripen and change color.
Be Consistent: If you use deterrent sprays, reapply them every few days and after every rainfall.
Combine Tactics: Use a tree collar with netting for a double-layer of defense on smaller trees.
Harvest Promptly: Pick ripe figs as soon as possible to minimize the attractant.
Inspect your tree regularly for any new access points you may have missed.

FAQ

Will squirrels eat green figs?

They usually wait until figs are ripe and sweet. However, in times of scarce food or out of curiosity, they might take a bite from a green fig and discard it, causing waste.

Do racoons eat figs too?

Yes, raccoons are also attracted to sweet fruits like figs. The signs are similar, though raccoons might cause more branch breakage due to their weight.

What other fruits do squirrels eat?

Squirrels will eat berries, apples, pears, peaches, and citrus. They are opportunistic feeders in the orchard.

Is it bad to have squirrels in your garden?

Not necessarily. They help with seed dispersal and are part of the local wildlife. The problems arise when there favorite foods conflict with your gardening goals.

How do I keep squirrels out of my fig tree naturally?

The most effective natural method is physical exclusion with well-secured bird netting. Habitat modification, like trimming access branches, is also a permanent solution.

Protecting your figs from squirrels takes a bit of effort, but it’s very achievable. By understanding what draws them in and using a persistent, layered approach, you can secure a good portion of your harvest. Remember, every garden is different, so you might need to try a couple methods to see what works best in your space. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying more of your own nutritious and sweet treats.