Squirrels are one of the most charming animals you can be visited by in the garden. They are fast, curious, and very active – and if the garden gives them the right conditions, you can experience them all year round 🌿.
In this guide, you’ll get a practical overview of the common squirrel: how it lives, what it eats, how you can attract squirrels in a sensible way, and what you should pay attention to.
In short: Squirrels thrive best where there are trees, shelter, and food. Conifers, shrubs, and a quiet corner of the garden increase the chance of visits.
The squirrel we typically see is also called the European squirrel or common squirrel. It is a tree-dwelling animal in the squirrel family, which also includes other types of rodents (e.g., ground squirrels and flying squirrels), but it is the common species that has settled in forests, parks, and gardens.
A common squirrel can typically reach about 22 cm in body length, and the tail can be around 17 cm. The large tail is not just “decoration” – it works for balance, steering, and stability when the squirrel jumps between branches or runs quickly.
In gardens, you may encounter squirrels in several color variants, especially red, brown, and black. The color depends, among other things, on genetics and local populations.
Squirrels spend most of their waking hours:
They have sharp eyesight and good hearing, and together with their sense of smell this makes them very effective at both finding food and detecting danger.
💡 Tip: Squirrels often return to the same routes in the garden (fences, trees, gutters, and branches). If you see one squirrel, it often comes back if there is peace and food.
Squirrels are primarily herbivores and live especially on energy-rich food. In nature, the menu typically consists of:
Occasionally, squirrels may also take bird eggs or chicks, but it is not their main diet. This typically happens if they lack protein, or if the opportunity arises.
Want to increase the chance of squirrels in the garden? Conifers such as spruce and pine can make the garden more attractive because the seeds are an important food source.
If you’d like visits from squirrels, it’s first and foremost about giving them safety, food, and access routes. Squirrels prefer gardens where they can move at height and quickly get into cover.
The best “squirrel-friendly” elements:
The less stress (loud noise, many pets in the area, constant activity), the greater the chance that squirrels will feel at home.
Squirrels can be fed, but it should be done in a way that doesn’t create mess or unnecessary conflicts with birds and other animals. Squirrels like to eat:
⚠️ Avoid: Salted, roasted, or seasoned nuts. Also avoid moldy or wet food. It can make animals sick and attract unwanted pests.
If you want to reduce birds emptying the food first, a more enclosed feeding solution can help. Squirrels quickly learn fixed routines and remember feeding spots.
💡 Tip: Feed small amounts regularly rather than large amounts at once. It is more hygienic and attracts fewer “unwanted guests”.
Squirrels often build a nest (called a “drey”) in trees from twigs, moss, and soft materials. They can also take over old nests or cavities if they are safe. In gardens, a nest box can make the area more attractive, especially if there are fewer natural cavities.
Place a nest box in a quiet area, high up, and preferably with a clear escape route via branches. Avoid placing it close to places where cats can easily reach it.
Squirrels are typically solitary and meet primarily in connection with mating. The mating season is often in late winter or spring. The female is pregnant for about 36–42 days and can have 3–7 young.
The young are cared for by the female for about 2–3 months before they become independent and leave the nest. In good conditions, squirrels can live up to around 7 years, but many live shorter due to predators, traffic, and harsh winters.
Most people enjoy squirrels in the garden, but sometimes they can create challenges, for example if they empty bird feed, gnaw on insulation near the roof, or become very dependent on feeding.
Squirrels mainly eat nuts, seeds, mast, and fungi. In the garden, you can often see them eating sunflower seeds and hazelnuts, but they primarily live on natural food from trees.
As a rule, it is possible, but feed thoughtfully. Use small amounts, keep the feeding area clean, and avoid attracting rats or making squirrels dependent on feed.
Conifers such as spruce and pine are particularly attractive because they provide seeds and good places to stay. Hazel and other nut trees can also increase the chance of visits.
Give them safety, access routes at height, and food. Trees and shrubs close enough that they can move safely, a quiet area, and fresh water make the garden more attractive.
Use feeders that are harder for squirrels to access, and place bird feed where squirrels have poorer access. You can also offer squirrels their own feeding spot elsewhere in the garden.
Avoid salted, roasted, or seasoned nuts and any moldy/wet food. Instead, feed nature-like food such as unsalted nuts and seeds in small amounts.
Mating typically occurs in late winter or spring. The female is pregnant for about 36–42 days and often has 3–7 young, which are cared for for 2–3 months.
Squirrels often build dreys in trees, but can also use cavities. A nest box can help, especially in gardens without old trees, if it is placed high up and in a quiet spot.
Usually not seriously, but they can empty feed, dig a bit, and in rare cases gnaw on exposed items. Small amounts of feed, good placement, and a clean feeding area prevent problems.
Activity depends on food availability in nature, weather, and how quiet the area is. When there are many seeds and nuts in forest and park, squirrels may be less dependent on gardens.
