Do Squirrels Like Basil? What Gardeners Need to Know

By Priya Sharma · January 23, 2026

Squirrels generally do not prefer basil as a food source, though they may nibble on it occasionally if other food is scarce. Basil's strong aroma and taste typically deter squirrels, making it a relatively squirrel-resistant herb in gardens.

Do Squirrels Eat Basil? Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. While they are not known to actively seek out herbs like basil, their curiosity and adaptability mean they might sample various garden plants.

Why Squirrels Usually Avoid Basil

Strong Aroma: Basil emits a pungent scent due to essential oils like linalool and eugenol, which naturally repel many small mammals and insects.
Bitter Taste: The flavor profile of basil can be unpalatable to squirrels, discouraging repeated feeding.
Low Nutritional Value for Squirrels: Unlike nuts or seeds, basil offers minimal fat and protein, which are critical components of a squirrel’s diet.

When Squirrels Might Damage Basil Plants

Although basil isn’t a preferred snack, certain conditions increase the likelihood of squirrel interaction:

Food Scarcity: In early spring or late winter, when natural food sources are limited, squirrels may sample non-preferred plants.
Garden Exploration: Squirrels dig and chew out of instinct, potentially disturbing soil around basil plants or knocking over young seedlings.
Proximity to Attractive Foods: If your garden contains bird feeders, nut trees, or fruiting plants, squirrels may pass through and incidentally damage basil.

How to Protect Basil from Squirrels

Even if squirrels aren’t targeting basil, preventive measures ensure plant health and reduce stress on your garden ecosystem.

Effective Deterrent Strategies

Companion Planting: Grow basil alongside strongly scented herbs like rosemary, mint, or lavender to enhance natural repellency.
Physical Barriers: Use wire mesh cages or cloches around young plants to prevent access.
Repellent Sprays: Apply organic squirrel repellents containing capsaicin or predator urine (e.g., fox or coyote) around the garden perimeter.
Elevated Planters: Grow basil in hanging baskets or raised containers, which are harder for squirrels to reach.

Plant Type	Squirrel Attraction Level (1-10)	Common Damage Observed	Recommended Protection
Basil	3	Occasional leaf nibbling, soil disturbance	Mild repellent, container growing
Sunflower	9	Seed theft, stem chewing	Caged supports, netting
Tomato	6	Fruit biting, digging	Fencing, motion-activated sprinklers
Zucchini	5	Fruit sampling, flower removal	Row covers, night-time netting
Mint	2	Rarely damaged	None typically needed

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that basil ranks low in squirrel attraction compared to common garden plants. Most observed damage is incidental rather than targeted feeding. Mint, another aromatic herb, shares similarly low appeal, reinforcing the effectiveness of scent-based deterrence.

Alternative Pests That Target Basil

While squirrels rarely pose a serious threat, other pests are more likely culprits for basil damage:

Slugs and Snails: Leave irregular holes and slimy trails, especially in moist environments.
Aphids: Cluster on stems and undersides of leaves, sucking sap and spreading disease.
Japanese Beetles: Skeletonize leaves during summer months.
Fungal Diseases: Such as downy mildew, often mistaken for pest damage.

Always inspect plants closely before assuming squirrel involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels and Basil

Do squirrels hate the smell of basil?

Squirrels are not known to “hate” the smell of basil, but its strong herbal aroma is unappealing and tends to discourage browsing. The volatile oils in basil act as a mild natural deterrent.

Can I use basil to keep squirrels away from my garden?

While basil alone won’t repel squirrels effectively, planting it with other aromatic herbs like mint, oregano, or sage can contribute to a sensory barrier that deters foraging.

What animals commonly eat basil?

Common basil consumers include slugs, snails, rabbits, deer, and occasionally cats. Rabbits and deer are far more likely than squirrels to cause significant leaf loss.

Will planting basil near tomatoes protect it from squirrels?

Companion planting basil with tomatoes benefits tomato growth and flavor, but it won’t significantly protect either plant from squirrels. Tomatoes are more attractive to squirrels than basil, so additional protection like fencing may be needed.

Are there squirrel-proof ways to grow basil?

Yes. Growing basil in elevated planters, hanging pots, or enclosed containers greatly reduces squirrel access. Adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper around the base can further discourage curious nibblers.