Do Squirrels Eat Watermelon: What Gardeners Need to Know About Their Diet

Watermelon isn’t a top choice for squirrels, but they’ll happily snack on it when other options are scarce. 🌱 These busy foragers are drawn to the fruit’s high sugar content and the easy-to-access seeds, which provide quick energy.

The thick rind might seem tough, but squirrels will still gnaw at it for hydration—especially during dry spells. If you’ve noticed your watermelon patch getting raided, it’s likely because your garden lacks their preferred treats like nuts or berries.

What’s interesting is how squirrels approach watermelon differently than other garden pests. While rabbits might avoid the rind entirely, squirrels see it as a bonus water source.

Their foraging habits mean they’ll often return to the same spot if they find a reliable food source, so prevention is key if you’re growing watermelon for harvest.

Why squirrels target watermelon in gardens

Squirrels are opportunistic foragers, and watermelon becomes a target because of its unique combination of sugar and moisture.

The fruit's flesh contains about 6-10% natural sugars, which provides a quick energy boost—similar to how they’d prefer sunflower seeds (about 50% fat) but settle for watermelon when other high-energy foods are scarce.

The seeds, which make up roughly 10% of the fruit's weight, are particularly appealing because they’re packed with protein and fats that squirrels need for survival.

The rind, though tough, isn’t completely off-limits. Squirrels will gnaw at it to access the moisture inside, especially during dry periods when water sources are limited.

This behavior is driven by their need to maintain hydration, as squirrels can lose up to 15% of their body weight in water daily through normal metabolic processes. Watermelon’s high water content (92%) makes it an attractive hydration source, even if they don’t consume large quantities.

What sets watermelon apart from other garden fruits is its texture and accessibility. Unlike hard-shelled nuts or fibrous vegetables, watermelon’s flesh is soft and easy to chew, requiring minimal effort to extract nutrients.

Squirrels also recognize that watermelon patches often yield multiple fruits, making it a reliable food source they’ll return to. In contrast, they’re less likely to target fruits like apples or pears, which have tougher skins and less immediate water access.

Seasonal availability plays a role too. During late summer and early fall—peak watermelon season—squirrels may prioritize it over other foods because it’s readily available in gardens.

This is when you’re most likely to see them digging into your harvest, especially if they’ve already established your garden as a reliable food source. Their foraging patterns mean they’ll often return to the same location if they find success there.

Another factor is scent. Watermelon’s sweet aroma acts as a natural attractant, signaling to squirrels that it’s a high-value food source. This is why you might notice them investigating your plants even before the fruit is fully ripe.

Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food from up to 100 feet away, making watermelon patches particularly vulnerable if left unprotected.

Consider this comparison: While squirrels might nibble on almost any garden fruit, they’re far more likely to target watermelon because it combines three key elements they seek—sugar for energy, water for hydration, and seeds for protein.

This trifecta makes it an ideal snack for them, even if they wouldn’t make it their primary food source if other options were available.

Protecting your watermelon patch from squirrels

Start with physical barriers—squirrels are clever but not great climbers. Install chicken wire or hardware cloth (with holes smaller than 1 inch) around your watermelon patch, burying it at least 12 inches deep to prevent digging.

For individual fruits, wrap them in lightweight netting or place them inside wire cages once they reach golf-ball size. I’ve found that even a simple cardboard collar around young plants can deter squirrels until the fruit matures.

Timing your harvest is another smart strategy. Pick watermelons when they’re 75% ripe (tap them—if they sound hollow, they’re ready) and store them indoors. Squirrels are less likely to target fruits that aren’t fully mature, as the sugar content peaks at full ripeness.

If you must leave melons outside, choose varieties with thicker rinds, like Crimson Sweet or Sugar Baby—they’re harder for squirrels to puncture.

For a natural deterrent, plant squirrel-repelling companions nearby. Squirrels dislike the scent of marigolds, mint, or garlic, so interplant these around your watermelon patch. 🌿 You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot sauce around the base of plants (reapply after rain).

Another trick? Place peanut butter-coated pinecones on stakes—squirrels will investigate these instead of your melons.

If squirrels are already raiding your patch, try a distraction technique. Set up a separate feeding station with unsalted peanuts or sunflower seeds far from your garden. This redirects their foraging elsewhere.

I’ve had success with a simple tray of mixed nuts placed 50 feet away—it keeps them occupied and reduces garden damage by up to 80%.

Finally, avoid overwatering your plants. While squirrels seek hydration, soggy soil and overly moist rinds make watermelons easier targets. Keep irrigation consistent but not excessive, and harvest promptly when fruits are ready to minimize exposure.