Which Flower Bulbs Are Squirrels Most Likely to Eat in Home Gardens?

Essential Concepts for Squirrels and Flower Bulbs in Home Gardens

• Squirrels most often eat tulip bulbs and crocus corms, especially right after planting and again during early spring thaw periods. (PlantTalk)
• Freshly disturbed soil is a major trigger because it “advertises” digging spots and can expose hidden bulbs while squirrels search for cached food. (University of Maryland Extension)
• Daffodils are usually left alone because the bulbs contain unpleasant, toxic compounds; they are widely used as a lower-risk choice in squirrel-heavy yards. (PlantTalk)
• Physical barriers are the most reliable protection, including wire mesh over beds and hardware-cloth cages or baskets around bulbs. (Yard and Garden)
• Avoid bone meal at planting time if rodents are an issue, since it can attract digging and make bulb theft worse. (Extension | University of New Hampshire)

Why Squirrels Dig Up Flower Bulbs in Home Gardens

Squirrels are not “targeting” your garden in the way it can feel. They are doing what squirrels do: locating calorie-dense foods, burying them, and then returning later when they remember the general area. A flower bed that has just been worked is soft, easy to dig, and full of scent clues.

That combination matters. Even when squirrels are not hungry enough to eat every bulb they uncover, the act of digging can still ruin planting plans by exposing bulbs to freezing, drying, and rot. And once a bed is disturbed, it can become a repeat visit.

It also helps to separate two problems that look similar. Sometimes squirrels eat bulbs. Other times they dig and move bulbs, or they dig while searching for nuts they buried earlier and accidentally uncover bulbs along the way. Shallow plantings, loose soil, and uncovered beds all raise the odds of damage. (University of Maryland Extension)

Which Bulbs Are Squirrels Most Likely to Eat in Home Gardens?

In most home landscapes, squirrels show the strongest and most consistent interest in a small group of spring-flowering “bulbs” (some are technically corms). If you want the clearest answer, start here.

Tulip bulbs are a top target for squirrels

Tulips are repeatedly identified as a common food target. Squirrels will dig up newly planted tulip bulbs and can remove them entirely from beds. (PlantTalk)

Tulips also tend to be planted in fall when squirrels are active and the soil is easy to work. And tulip bulbs are a good size for carrying. That means damage can be both visible (holes and disturbed soil) and invisible (bulbs simply gone).

Crocus corms are highly vulnerable, especially because they are planted shallow

Crocus is often mentioned alongside tulips as a common target. The key difference is depth. Crocus corms are usually planted much more shallowly than tulip bulbs, making them easier to detect and remove. (PlantTalk)

If squirrels are active in your yard, crocus can be one of the first spring displays to get hit hard because a small amount of digging exposes the whole planting.

Hyacinth bulbs may be dug up, but they are less consistent as “food”

Hyacinths show up in advice about squirrel damage because squirrels do dig them up in newly planted beds. (Wildlife Damage Management)

At the same time, many bulb-protection guides place hyacinths in the “usually avoided” category due to taste, irritation, or toxicity, depending on the source and local conditions. (This Old House)

The practical takeaway is simple: hyacinths can still be disturbed in a messy dig, especially right after planting, even if they are not the first choice for eating in many yards.

Why Tulip Bulbs and Crocus Corms Attract Squirrels So Often

Several factors stack the odds against tulips and crocus.

First, they are among the most commonly planted showy spring bloomers, so squirrels “learn” that these plantings often exist. Second, they sit in freshly worked soil at the exact time squirrels are doing a lot of burying and digging. Third, these bulbs and corms tend to be relatively easy to bite into and carry away compared with tougher, more irritating, or more toxic options.

There is also a detection piece that many gardeners underestimate. A tidy planting bed can still smell strongly of soil disturbance, bulb skins, and planting debris. Squirrels are skilled at locating buried items and can be triggered as much by the bed conditions as by the bulb itself. (University of Maryland Extension)

Bulb Basics for Home Gardeners: Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, and Rhizomes

Garden advice often uses “bulb” as a catch-all term. But from a pest and protection point of view, it helps to know what is actually underground, because shape and depth influence risk.

True bulbs and why “tunicate” bulbs can be easy to pull up

True bulbs include tulips and many other spring bloomers. Some have a papery protective covering, and many have a single, fairly compact body. Tulips are commonly described as tunicate bulbs. (University of Minnesota Extension)

A smooth, compact bulb can be easier for an animal to grip and lift than a more irregular underground structure, especially when soil is loose.

Corms and why crocus is often a squirrel problem

Crocus and gladiolus are examples of corms, which are swollen underground stems used for storage. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Corms are often planted shallower, especially small ones like crocus. When squirrels are digging for anything edible or interesting, shallow corms are simply in the danger zone.

Tubers and why some “bulb” damage is really tuber damage

Tubers, including dahlias, store energy differently and often have “eyes” or buds. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Squirrels can disturb tubers in beds and containers, but damage patterns can overlap with other animals. If you grow tubers and see consistent digging, treat the situation like a general wildlife digging problem, not only a bulb problem.

Rhizomes and why shallow placement can invite disturbance

Rhizomes, such as many irises, are underground stems that grow close to the surface. (University of Minnesota Extension)

When squirrels are actively digging for cached food, shallowly placed rhizomes and bulbs can be disturbed even if they are not eaten. (University of Maryland Extension)

Which Flower Bulbs Are Less Likely to Be Eaten by Squirrels?

No bulb is perfectly protected in every yard, especially during drought, extreme cold, or high wildlife pressure. But many gardeners can reduce losses by choosing bulbs that squirrels tend to avoid.

Daffodils are a low-risk choice because the bulbs are toxic and unpalatable

Daffodils are commonly recommended for squirrel-heavy gardens because the bulbs contain toxic compounds, including lycorine. The bulb has the highest concentration, and ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms. (Poison Control)

In practical garden terms, daffodil bulbs are often left untouched compared with tulips and crocus. (PlantTalk)

Allium-type bulbs are often avoided due to strong odor and taste

Many gardeners have success with ornamental onion relatives because the smell and flavor tend to be unattractive to foraging animals. Bulb-protection guidance commonly includes these as a more squirrel-resistant option. (This Old House)

Even so, freshly worked soil can still invite digging, so protection during the first weeks after planting can still matter.

Other spring bulbs often listed as “usually avoided”

Several other bulbs are frequently included in lists of plants squirrels tend to avoid. These commonly include snowdrops, certain squills, grape hyacinths, and fritillarias, among others. (This Old House)

These plants are not magic shields. But if your goal is to reduce the chance that bulbs become food, these choices can shift the odds in your favor while still giving a true spring-bulb look.

When Squirrel Bulb Damage Happens Most Often

Timing matters because squirrel behavior changes through the year.

Fall planting season is the highest-risk window for newly planted bulbs

Fall is when many spring bloomers go into the ground, and it is also a period of heavy squirrel digging. Newly planted beds are soft, scented, and easy to work. (Wildlife Damage Management)

If you plant large areas of tulips or crocus, the first couple of weeks after planting can be the most important time to protect the bed.

Late winter and early spring can trigger a second round of digging

As soils begin to thaw and scents move through the soil again, squirrels may return to beds where they previously found food or where they buried nuts. Digging at this time can expose bulbs just as they are trying to root and push growth. (University of Maryland Extension)

In many yards, this is when a bed that “seemed fine” in fall suddenly shows damage.

How to Identify Squirrel Damage to Flower Bulbs

Accurate diagnosis saves time. Different animals leave different clues, and the best fix depends on the cause.

What squirrel digging usually looks like in bulb beds

Squirrel digging often shows as scattered, cone-shaped holes and churned soil. The digging may be spread across a bed rather than neatly concentrated in one tunnel line. You may see bulbs tossed onto the surface or missing entirely.

If bulbs are eaten, you may find fragments of outer bulb skins or rough, gnawed edges on what remains. If bulbs are carried away, there may be no bulb remains at all.

How squirrel damage differs from underground feeders

Some animals eat bulbs below the surface and leave less obvious soil disturbance. When plants fail to emerge with no signs of digging, the problem is less likely to be squirrels alone. In those cases, it can help to gently check a small area to confirm whether bulbs are missing, hollowed out, or rotted.

Squirrels are also known to disturb shallowly planted bulbs and seedlings while searching for cached food, even when they are not feeding on the planted material itself. (University of Maryland Extension)

Why “one-time digging” can still cause losses

Even a single disturbance can matter. A bulb that gets pulled up and then reburied too shallow may dry out, freeze, or fail to root correctly. A bulb left exposed after rain can rot. So you do not need constant digging to see noticeable spring losses.

How to Protect Flower Bulbs From Squirrels Without Harming Wildlife

There is no single solution that works everywhere. But some methods are consistently more reliable than others.

Start with planting technique: depth, firmness, and water

Planting depth is not just about bloom quality. It also affects how easy bulbs are to find and remove. Guidance for common spring bulbs often places tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths around 6 to 8 inches deep, and smaller bulbs like crocus and grape hyacinths around 3 to 4 inches deep. (Yard and Garden)

After placing bulbs, firm the soil and water the planting area. This reduces air pockets and makes digging harder. (Yard and Garden)

Depth will not stop a determined squirrel, but it reduces easy wins, especially when combined with barriers.

Reduce scent cues: keep planting areas clean

Bulb skins, bag scraps, and loose soil can draw attention. Clean up planting debris promptly, and avoid leaving exposed bulb material on the soil surface.

A neatly finished bed with tamped soil gives squirrels fewer scent and texture cues that something was buried recently.

Use physical barriers for the most reliable protection

Physical barriers are widely recommended because they block the behavior instead of trying to “convince” squirrels to change it.

Covering a planting area with chicken wire or similar mesh can prevent squirrels from reaching bulbs. For tulips specifically, a wire cover over the bed is often described as the best prevention method when squirrels are persistent. (Yard and Garden)

For small plantings, wire baskets or cages placed over or around the bulbs can work well. Larger beds can be covered with hardware cloth or sturdy wire mesh anchored at the edges. (Wildlife Damage Management)

How wire covers work with spring growth

Most spring bulbs can push through the openings of wire mesh as they emerge. The goal is to stop digging paws, not plant growth. If you use a temporary cover, plan to remove it before shoots become tall enough to snag. Tulip guidance commonly suggests removing wire in early spring before foliage emerges strongly. (Yard and Garden)

Why hardware cloth matters in high-pressure yards

Light wire can be bent or lifted. Sturdier hardware cloth resists chewing and prying and is more likely to stay in place through freeze-thaw cycles, pets, and foot traffic.

If you use containers, lining the top of pots or creating a wire “lid” can also help. Containers can be easier targets because the soil is loose and elevated.

Surface texture can help, but treat it as a supporting method

Some gardeners use sharp or rough topdressings to make digging unpleasant. Gravel, coarse sand, or rocky mulch can reduce casual scratching, especially over a wire barrier. (Southern Living)

On its own, a surface layer is often inconsistent. But as part of a layered approach, it can add friction to the process and reduce repeat visits.

Repellents can reduce digging, but they require realism

Scent and taste deterrents are often suggested, but results vary. They also wash away and must be reapplied, especially after rain or snow melt. (Southern Living)

Some guidance includes pepper-based deterrents, garlic-based sprays, or other strong scents. (Southern Living)

Cinnamon is sometimes suggested as a scent deterrent during fall planting, with the idea that it overwhelms smell cues and discourages pawing at treated soil. (Gardening Know How)

If you try repellents, treat them as a short-term layer for the most vulnerable period right after planting, not as the main defense.

Avoid “helpful” soil additives that can attract rodents

Bone meal is a common planting-time add-on, but it can attract rodents and increase digging. Many soils already contain adequate phosphorus, and unnecessary additions can create a problem where none existed. (Extension | University of New Hampshire)

If rodents are a recurring issue where you garden, skipping bone meal is one of the simplest ways to remove an attractant.

Do not scatter household chemicals in bulb beds

Some household products are sometimes suggested online for repelling animals. Many are not designed for outdoor use in soil and can create unnecessary risks to pets, wildlife, and the garden itself. For bulb protection, focus on proven physical barriers and clean planting practices first.

Protecting Bulbs in Containers, Raised Beds, and Small Spaces

Bulbs in containers and raised beds can be more vulnerable because the soil is typically lighter, drier, and easier to dig. A squirrel can also access the planting level without much effort.

For containers, the most reliable approach is a physical barrier at the soil surface. A fitted piece of wire mesh, secured so it cannot be lifted, is often more effective than loose toppings. It also avoids constant reapplication problems that come with repellents.

For raised beds, you can treat the entire bed like a protected planting zone. A wire layer anchored at the top, or a barrier integrated into the bed design, can prevent repeated digging without changing how you plant.

What to Do If Squirrels Dig Up Bulbs After Planting

If you catch damage early, you can often save the planting.

First, check whether bulbs are still firm and intact. Bulbs that are sliced, hollowed, or badly chewed are unlikely to perform well. Bulbs that are simply exposed can often be replanted immediately.

Second, restore correct depth and orientation. Depth matters for root development and for reducing future disturbance. When replanting, firm the soil and water to settle it.

Third, add protection right away. If you replant without a barrier, the disturbed spot often attracts a return visit. A wire cover installed immediately after replanting can prevent repeated losses. (Yard and Garden)

Long-Term Bulb Planning That Reduces Squirrel Losses

If squirrels are a yearly issue, the most effective “fix” is often a change in bulb strategy rather than a constant battle.

Build spring color around lower-risk bulbs

Daffodils, ornamental onion relatives, and other commonly avoided bulbs can provide a strong spring display with less risk of becoming food. (This Old House)

This approach does not require chasing squirrels away. It relies on plant choices that usually do not match their preferences.

Use higher-risk bulbs only where you can protect them well

If tulips and crocus are must-haves, plan for protection as part of the planting, not as a reaction. A wire cover laid at planting time is usually easier and more effective than trying to fix the problem after the bed has been repeatedly disturbed. (Yard and Garden)

This also makes bulb planting more predictable year to year.

Make beds less inviting to dig

Bare, freshly turned soil is an invitation. Tamped soil, stable mulch, and fewer exposed planting cues reduce casual digging. None of this is a guarantee, but it shifts the odds.

It also helps to remember that squirrels may dig even when they are not feeding. They can disturb shallow plantings while searching for cached food. A garden layout that keeps bulb beds from doubling as a prime digging zone can reduce damage over time. (University of Maryland Extension)

Safety Notes: Bulb Toxicity, Pets, and Children

Some of the bulbs that squirrels avoid are avoided for a reason. Daffodils, in particular, contain toxic compounds in all parts of the plant, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and more serious effects are possible with large exposures. (Poison Control)

If you garden where pets or young children may dig or mouth plants, treat bulbs like any other potentially hazardous garden material. Store bulbs securely before planting, clean up dropped bulb pieces, and avoid leaving bulbs where they can be handled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels Eating Flower Bulbs

Do squirrels actually eat bulbs, or are they only digging for fun?

They do eat certain bulbs, and they also dig while searching for buried food. In many home gardens, tulips and crocus are common food targets. (PlantTalk)

Even when they are not eating, digging alone can expose bulbs and cause failures.

Are tulips and crocus the main bulbs squirrels go after?

In many regions, yes. They are repeatedly identified as common targets, especially right after planting. (PlantTalk)

Local conditions matter, but if you are trying to predict risk, these are the first bulbs to protect.

Are daffodils truly squirrel-resistant?

They are often lower risk because the bulbs contain toxic and unpleasant compounds, and many sources note they are generally left alone compared with tulips and crocus. (PlantTalk)

But “resistant” does not mean “impossible to disturb.” A squirrel can still dig in a bed of daffodils if the soil conditions invite it.

What is the single most reliable way to protect tulip bulbs from squirrels?

A physical barrier over the planting area is the most consistently recommended and dependable approach. Wire mesh or hardware cloth secured over the bed prevents digging access to the bulbs. (Yard and Garden)

Depth and cleanup help, but barriers change the outcome.

Should I plant bulbs deeper than recommended to stop squirrels?

Plant at the recommended depth first because depth is tied to plant health and long-term performance. Proper depth, firming, and watering can make digging harder. (Yard and Garden)

If you want extra protection, add a barrier rather than relying on extreme depth changes.

Why do squirrels dig up bulbs right after I plant them?

Freshly disturbed soil is easy to dig and signals that something was buried. Squirrels also dig while searching for cached food, so a newly worked bed can overlap with their normal behavior patterns. (University of Maryland Extension)

Cleaning up debris, tamping soil, watering, and using a wire cover immediately after planting can reduce these repeat visits.

Is bone meal worth using when planting bulbs if squirrels are a problem?

If rodents are an ongoing issue, bone meal can be counterproductive because it can attract digging animals. Many soils already have adequate phosphorus, so adding it may not be necessary. (Extension | University of New Hampshire)

If you want to improve bulb performance, focus on good drainage, correct depth, and soil structure rather than attractant amendments.

Will repellents solve squirrel bulb problems on their own?

Repellents can reduce digging in some situations, but they are typically inconsistent and require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. (Southern Living)

They work best as a short-term layer during the most vulnerable period, paired with barriers and good planting technique.

If squirrels dug up my bulbs once, will they come back?

They often return to places where they have found food or where digging was easy. Replanting without changing the conditions can lead to repeat damage.

That is why adding a barrier right after replanting is so important. (Yard and Garden)

The Practical Bottom Line for Home Gardeners

If you want the simplest, most accurate way to think about squirrel risk with bulbs, treat tulips and crocus as high-risk plantings that deserve protection in many yards. (PlantTalk)

Treat daffodils and several other spring bulbs commonly described as unpalatable as lower-risk foundations for spring color. (This Old House)

And if you are tired of guessing, lean on the method that keeps working across climates and yard types: physical barriers installed at planting time, plus clean, firm planting practices that make the bed less attractive to dig. (Yard and Garden)