Do Squirrels Like Cinnamon

If you’re a gardener who enjoys watching squirrels, you might wonder about their food preferences. Specifically, do squirrels like cinnamon? It’s a common question for anyone curious about their taste and whether this common spice could be used in the garden. The answer is more about protection than preference, and it’s a useful bit of knowledge for any nature lover.

Let’s get straight to the point. Squirrels do not like cinnamon. In fact, they actively avoid it. While they have a broad and often surprising diet, cinnamon is not a food they seek out. The strong scent and taste are overwhelming to their sensitive noses. For a squirrel, cinnamon is a repellent, not a treat.

This is actually great news for gardeners. It means you can use this common, safe spice to protect your plants. Understanding this can help you manage your garden wildlife more effectively.

Why Squirrels Dislike Cinnamon

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food. A scent as potent as cinnamon masks the aroma of seeds, bulbs, and fruits they would normally target. It essentially confuses them and makes an area seem unappealing.

The compound that gives cinnamon its signature smell and flavor is cinnamaldehyde. This is what irritates squirrels’ mucous membranes. It’s not harmful, but it is a powerful deterrent. To a squirrel, it’s simply an unpleasant barrier.

How to Use Cinnamon in Your Garden

Because squirrels steer clear of cinnamon, you can use it as a natural, non-toxic repellent. Here are some effective methods.

1. Create a Protective Barrier

This is the simplest technique. Just sprinkle ground cinnamon powder directly onto the soil around your plants.

Focus on areas where you’ve planted bulbs or seeds.
Circle the base of seedling stems.
Reapply after heavy rain or watering, as it will wash away.

2. Make a Cinnamon Spray

A spray lets you cover larger areas and apply it to plant leaves (though test on a few leaves first).

Boil 1 cup of water.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
Let it steep until cool, then strain through a coffee filter.
Pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
Spritz on soil, around pots, and on fencing.

3. Protect Bulbs and Seeds

When planting, this trick can save your future flowers and veggies.

Before placing bulbs in the hole, give them a light dusting of cinnamon powder.
You can also mix seeds with a tiny bit of cinnamon before sowing them.
This creates a protective zone right at the source.

4. Use on Pots and Containers

Squirrels love to dig in soft container soil. Draw a line of cinnamon along the pot’s rim or mix it into the top layer of soil. They’ll usually turn around when they get a whiff.

What Other Spices Deter Squirrels?

Cinnamon isn’t the only kitchen-item that works. Squirrels also tend to avoid other strong spices. You can use these alone or mix them for a stronger effect.

Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder: The capsaicin is a major irritant. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Garlic Powder: Its pungent smell is very effective at masking food scents.
Black Pepper: The strong scent and taste can deter digging.
Mint: While not a spice, planting mint or using mint oil can also repel them.

A word of caution: if you have pets that go in the garden, ensure any repellents you use are safe for them too. Cinnamon is generally safe, but some spices can bother pets.

What Foods Do Squirrels Actually Like?

To understand repellents, it helps to know what attracts them. Squirrels are opportunistic foragers with a diverse palate.

Nuts: Acorns, walnuts, almonds, hickory nuts (their absolute favorite).
Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, birdseed mix.
Fruits: Berries, apples, pears, peaches, tomatoes.
Vegetables: Corn, squash, leafy greens.
Fungi: Mushrooms and truffles.
Other: Tree bark, buds, and even the occasional insect.

They’re also notorious for digging up and eating flower bulbs, which they view as tasty storage units. This is where cinnamon becomes a gardeners best friend.

Balancing Repellents and Wildlife Safety

Its important to use any repellent responsibly. Our goal is to protect specific plants, not to harm wildlife. Cinnamon is excellent because it’s a sensory barrier, not a physical one.

Here are some tips for humane squirrel management:

Use Repellents Strategically: Only protect the plants they target, not your whole yard.
Offer a Distraction: Consider putting out a squirrel feeder with corn or seeds in a area away from your garden.
Secure Compost: Use a covered bin so your compost pile doesn’t become a buffet.
Combine Methods: Use cinnamon alongside physical barriers like netting or chicken wire for vulnerable seedlings.

Remember, squirrels are just looking for an easy meal. By making your garden less convenient, you encourage them to look elsewhere.

Common Mistakes When Using Cinnamon

To get the best results, avoid these common errors.

Using Too Little: A light sprinkle won’t create a strong enough scent barrier. Be generous.
Not Reapplying: Weather degrades it. Check and reapply every few days and after rain.
Using Old Cinnamon: Old, stale spice loses its potent smell. Use fresh cinnamon for the best effect.
Expecting 100% Perfection: A very hungry squirrel might brave the scent. Combine methods for stubborn cases.

FAQ: Squirrels, Cinnamon, and Your Garden

Is cinnamon harmful to squirrels or other animals?

No, when used as a garden repellent, cinnamon is not harmful. It works by smell and taste, not by poisoning. It’s a much safer choice than many chemical alternatives.

Will cinnamon powder hurt my plants?

Generally, no. Sprinkling it on soil is fine. A light dusting on leaves is usually okay, but some sensitive plants might react. It’s always good to test a small area first. The cinnamon spray is gentler on foliage.

How often should I reapply cinnamon in my garden?

Reapply after every heavy rainfall or thorough watering. Check every few days; if the scent seems faint to you, it’s gone for the squirrels too.

Do squirrels hate the smell of cinnamon?

Yes, they strongly dislike it. Their powerful sense of smell makes them particularly sensitive to strong, spicy aromas like cinnamon, which they find irritating and off-putting.

Can I use cinnamon sticks instead of powder?

You can, but powder is more effective for creating a barrier. Sticks can be placed in potted plants or around specific areas, but their scent is more contained. Crushing them a bit helps release more smell.

What else can I use if cinnamon doesn’t work?

If you have a persistent squirrel, try mixing cinnamon with cayenne pepper. Also, ensure you’re using fresh spice. Physical barriers like cloches or mesh are the most reliable solution for high-value plants.

So, do squirrels like cinnamon? Absolutely not. This makes it a valuable, safe, and natural tool for any gardener. By using it strategically, you can protect your bulbs, seeds, and seedlings without causing harm. It’s a simple solution that taps into the natural instincts of these clever creatures. With a little patience and consistent application, you can enjoy your garden’s bounty while the squirrels find their meals elsewhere.