Squirrels in the garden: attracting, feeding and placing the feeder

Written by Nova | May 28, 2026

Squirrels are active animals that you may sometimes come across in the garden, especially in a green environment. Would you like to see squirrels more often? Then it is important to know what attracts them and how you can feed them in the right way. In this blog, you can read how to attract squirrels to your garden, what you can feed them and where best to place a feeder.

What attracts squirrels to your garden?

Squirrels feel most at home in an environment that resembles their natural habitat. They are mainly found in wooded areas, but also appear in gardens with enough food and shelter. Gardens with trees such as oaks, beeches and hazels are attractive because they provide nuts and seeds. Other trees and shrubs that bear berries can also attract squirrels. It helps if squirrels can move around easily, for example by jumping from tree to tree. Peace and quiet also play an important role. Squirrels are shy animals and are more likely to choose gardens where they feel safe and are rarely disturbed.

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What can you feed squirrels?

Squirrels have a varied diet and eat both plant-based and animal-based food. In the garden, you can offer them supplementary food in different forms. Suitable food includes nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts, and seeds such as sunflower seeds. Fruit such as apples, pears and berries, and vegetables such as carrots and sweetcorn, are also eaten. Squirrels also sometimes eat insects.

You can also choose special squirrel food. Make sure it consists of unroasted and unsalted nuts and seeds. Peanuts can be given occasionally, but not as the main food. Too many can cause health problems. Therefore, choose unsalted and unroasted peanuts and offer them in moderation. Also make sure that fresh drinking water is always available in a shallow bowl in a sheltered spot.

How do you attract squirrels safely?

To attract squirrels to your garden, it is important to combine food and surroundings. Offering food alone is often not enough. By designing your garden with trees and plants that provide food, you increase the chance of squirrels visiting. In autumn, it can help to offer extra food so they can build up enough reserves for winter. Water also plays a role, especially during warm periods. A bowl of fresh water can encourage squirrels to visit your garden more often. Also pay attention to safety. Make sure the food is placed somewhere that other animals, such as cats, find difficult to reach.

Where should you place a squirrel feeder?

Place a squirrel feeder in a quiet and sheltered spot in the garden. The right height is important: hang or place the feeder at about 1.5 to 2 metres high. Make sure the feeder is not in direct sunlight, so the food stays fresh for longer. It can help to create several feeding spots, so squirrels get in each other’s way less. Preferably choose a spot near trees, so squirrels can easily reach the feeder. A feeder with a hinged lid helps protect the food from rain and other animals.

Feeding squirrels in your garden

By feeding squirrels in the right way and making your garden attractive to them, you increase the chance that they will return regularly. Choose suitable food, offer it safely and provide a quiet environment.

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