Since squirrels tend to bury nuts and forget where they put them, they’ll definitely enjoy discovering new nuts, like walnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns. [1] X Research source Give squirrels nuts that are in their shells—these give their jaws a great workout. That way, squirrels can eat foods with hard shells or tough skin. [2] X Research source If you’d like to mix up their diet and give them nutritious goodies, drop veggies—like broccoli, squash, and mushrooms—under your trees. [3] X Research source While you’ll find a lot of places selling dried corn cobs for squirrels, corn isn’t great for their gut health and doesn’t offer these critters any nutritional value. Squirrels also enjoy making a feast out of any fruit that falls off of trees or bushes. [4] X Research source
If you want to show squirrels your love with homemade nut balls, combine:[6] X Research source 1 cup (240 mL) infant rice cereal 1⁄2 cup (120 mL)ground pecans 1 tablespoon (15 mL) brewer’s yeast powder 1 teaspoon (5 mL) lecithin 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 mL) KAL brand dolomite powder (for calcium) 1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) iodized salt 1 1/2 teaspoon (7 mL) Cod liver oil (for vitamin A and vitamin D) 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) olive oil 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) unsweetened applesauce Mix the ingredients into a dough, roll it out so it’s flat, and cut out squares. Dry the squares in a food dehydrator at 160 °C (320 °F). As another option, let the squares dry in the sun for 2 days. Store homemade nut balls in the freezer to avoid mold or rancid oil. Feed each squirrel 1-2 nut balls a day.
You can find squirrel or bird feeders at garden or hardware stores. Some pet stores or outdoor stores also carry squirrel feed. Skip “squirrel-proof” bird feeders since they’re designed to keep squirrels away. Refill the feeders once a week or when squirrels empty them out.
A bowl, basin, or bird bath is a cheap and easy way to give squirrels water since they need little to no setup. If you already have a fountain installed, it’ll provide a constant stream of fresh, running water that’s convenient for squirrels.
Some good shrubs for squirrels include hazelnut plants, hedgerows, and any berry bush, including those that grow mulberries, elderberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
Choose trees that grow well in your climate so squirrels can depend on them for hiding and nesting spots. Squirrels especially like trees that produce nuts and have hollows that they can nest in. Good trees include willows, aspens, spruces, and pine trees. When food isn’t immediately available, squirrels will even chew on tree bark.
To encourage squirrels to use the nesting boxes, you can place nuts or sunflower seeds inside. Remember birds and other rodents might be drawn to the snacks, too. If pests, like rats, are a problem for you, then keep all food tightly secure inside a feeder. Rats and other vermin won’t be able to smell it. [12] X Research source
If you’re worried about whether keeping a dead tree is safe or not, contact an arborist—or tree trimmer—in your area, who can evaluate the tree for you. [14] X Research source
Supervise your pets whenever you see squirrels feasting on the snacks you’ve left outside.
Look towards trees, shrubs, and other plants since these are popular places for squirrels to hide. Then, turn slightly away so you’ll keep these critters calm. [17] X Research source Tap the squirrel call to activate its sounds. Using one hand, hold the call by the wooden end and tap the rubber end against the palm of your other hand. Each of your taps will make a squirrel noise. Tap it repeatedly to make a unique series of sounds that squirrels feel naturally drawn to. When you use a squirrel call and make a sound similar to the way a squirrel eats, squirrels may think it is safe to come out.
