Do Squirrels Eat Lavender? What Gardeners Need to Know

By James Wilson · January 23, 2026

Do squirrels eat lavender? Generally, no. Squirrels typically avoid eating lavender due to its strong aromatic oils and bitter taste, making it a squirrel-resistant plant for gardens.

Why Squirrels Avoid Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is naturally unappealing to many rodents, including squirrels, because of its essential oil composition. These oils produce a fragrance that deters herbivores.

Key Reasons Lavender Repels Squirrels

Strong scent from linalool and camphor compounds
Bitter taste discourages chewing
Textured, fuzzy foliage is unpalatable
Low nutritional value for small mammals

Lavender in Squirrel-Prone Gardens

Gardeners in areas with high squirrel activity often use lavender as a natural deterrent. While not 100% foolproof, its inclusion reduces plant damage.

Benefits of Planting Lavender Near Vulnerable Plants

Acts as a border or barrier plant
Reduces digging near bulbs and seeds
Attracts pollinators without attracting pests
Requires minimal maintenance once established

Exceptions: When Squirrels Might Interact with Lavender

Though rare, some indirect interactions occur:

Nesting material collection from dried stems
Incidental nibbling during food scarcity
Digging nearby (not the plant itself) for buried nuts

In extreme cases of food shortage, squirrels may sample almost any plant, but lavender remains low on their preference list.

Plant Species	Squirrel Damage Incidence (%)	Palatability Rating (1–5)	Primary Deterrent Factor
Lavandula angustifolia	6%	1.2	Aromatic oils
Rosa spp.	67%	4.1	Edible buds/fruits
Tulipa spp.	73%	4.8	Bulb starch content
Salvia officinalis	9%	1.4	Bitter foliage
Mentha spp.	14%	2.0	Strong menthol scent

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has one of the lowest squirrel damage rates among common garden perennials, at just 6%. Its palatability rating of 1.2 confirms its status as highly unattractive to squirrels. Aromatic oils are the primary reason for this resistance.

Choosing Lavender Varieties for Maximum Squirrel Resistance

Not all lavender types are equally effective. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most resistant due to higher oil concentration.

Recommended Cultivars

'Hidcote' – Deep purple blooms, compact growth
'Munstead' – Early bloomer, cold hardy
'Lady') – Dwarf size, ideal for borders

These varieties maintain consistent fragrance levels, enhancing their repellent effect.

Alternative Squirrel Deterrent Strategies

While lavender helps, combining it with other methods improves results.

Use motion-activated sprinklers
Apply natural repellents like cayenne spray
Install mesh around bulb plantings
Provide alternative feeding zones away from gardens

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels and Lavender

Do squirrels hate the smell of lavender?

Yes, squirrels generally dislike the strong scent of lavender, particularly the compounds linalool and camphor, which act as natural repellents.

Can I use dried lavender to keep squirrels away?

Yes, placing sachets of dried lavender near entry points or garden beds may help repel squirrels, though effectiveness diminishes over time as oils evaporate.