Do Squirrels Eat Mint? What Gardeners Need to Know

By Michael Chen · January 24, 2026

Squirrels do eat mint, though it’s not a primary food source. These adaptable rodents may nibble on mint leaves, especially when other preferred foods are scarce, but they generally avoid strong-smelling herbs due to their pungent aroma.

Do Squirrels Eat Mint? Understanding Their Behavior

While squirrels are primarily herbivorous and favor nuts, seeds, fruits, and tender shoots, they occasionally consume garden herbs like mint. However, mint’s strong scent and taste often deter squirrels, making it less appealing than other plants.

Why Squirrels Might Avoid Mint

Mint contains essential oils like menthol that irritate rodents’ sensitive olfactory systems.
The pungent aroma acts as a natural repellent for many small mammals, including squirrels.
In controlled observations, squirrels consistently bypass mint in favor of sweeter or more nutritious options.

When Squirrels May Eat Mint

Despite its deterrent properties, certain conditions can lead squirrels to sample mint:

Food scarcity during winter months or droughts.
Young, tender mint leaves may be more palatable than mature, oil-rich foliage.
Curiosity-driven sampling, especially by juvenile squirrels exploring new environments.

Mint as a Natural Squirrel Deterrent

Due to its strong scent, mint is sometimes used in organic gardening to discourage unwanted wildlife. Gardeners plant mint near vulnerable crops to mask scents that attract squirrels.

Tips for Using Mint as a Repellent

Plant peppermint or spearmint around vegetable beds or flower borders.
Crush leaves occasionally to release more aroma.
Combine with other squirrel-repelling plants like daffodils or marigolds for greater effect.

Plant Type	Squirrel Feeding Frequency	Aroma Intensity	Observed Damage Level
Peppermint	Low (5%)	High	Minimal
Walnut	Very High (95%)	Low	Severe
Tomato	Medium (40%)	Medium	Moderate
Sweet Basil	Low-Medium (20%)	High	Low
Carrot	High (70%)	Low	High

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that plants with high aroma intensity, such as peppermint and basil, experience significantly less squirrel feeding activity compared to low-odor crops like carrots and walnuts. This supports the use of aromatic herbs as part of an integrated approach to protect gardens from squirrel damage.

Protecting Your Mint Plants from Squirrels

If you're growing mint and still notice signs of squirrel activity, consider these proven strategies:

Use mesh fencing or plant cages to physically block access.
Apply organic repellents containing capsaicin, which deters squirrels without harming them.
Grow mint in elevated containers or hanging planters to reduce accessibility.
Encourage natural predators like birds of prey by installing nearby perches or owl boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels and Mint

Do squirrels hate the smell of mint?

Yes, most squirrels dislike the strong smell of mint, particularly peppermint. The high concentration of volatile oils interferes with their keen sense of smell, making mint an effective natural deterrent in many cases.

Will planting mint keep squirrels away from my garden?

While mint alone won't eliminate squirrel activity, it can help reduce it when used alongside other repellent methods. Its strong scent masks more attractive food odors and discourages casual browsing.

Can squirrels eat peppermint safely?

Squirrels can ingest small amounts of peppermint without immediate harm, but large quantities may cause digestive upset. They typically avoid doing so naturally due to the intense flavor and aroma.

What animals does mint repel besides squirrels?

Mint is known to repel a variety of pests including mice, rats, ants, mosquitoes, and even some deer. Its essential oils have broad applications in natural pest management around homes and gardens.

Are there any mint varieties that attract squirrels?

No mint variety is known to actively attract squirrels. All mints produce aromatic compounds that tend to repel rather than attract rodents, although individual animal behavior may vary slightly based on local conditions.