Squirrels can be mischievous, sure—but they’re not always the villains they seem to be. I used to chase them off constantly, until I realized they were doing more good than harm.
From planting trees without even trying to keeping certain pests in check, these little acrobats actually help out more than you’d expect.
I’ve rounded up 15 reasons to reconsider before sending them packing. You might just see them in a whole new light after this!
1. Natural Gardeners
Squirrels accidentally plant thousands of trees each year by forgetting where they buried their nuts. This absent-minded habit makes them one of nature’s most effective foresters.
Your yard benefits from this free landscaping service as squirrels may plant oak, walnut, or pine trees without you lifting a finger. Their buried-and-forgotten seeds grow into trees that provide shade and beauty.
2. Soil Aerators
Digging is what squirrels do best, and your garden reaps the rewards. Their constant tunneling and burying activities naturally aerate the soil, allowing better water absorption and root growth for your plants.
Think of them as free landscapers working year-round. This natural soil turnover helps prevent compaction and promotes healthier plant life throughout your yard.
3. Pest Controllers
Surprisingly, squirrels help keep certain pest populations in check. They occasionally eat insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and other garden pests that damage your plants.
While not their main diet, this opportunistic insect munching provides a supplemental form of natural pest control. Your garden benefits from fewer harmful bugs without chemical pesticides.
4. Biodiversity Boosters
A yard with squirrels signals a healthy ecosystem. Their presence attracts other wildlife like birds and beneficial insects, creating a more balanced and diverse outdoor space.
This interconnected web of creatures helps your garden thrive naturally. Greater biodiversity means fewer pest outbreaks and more resilient plant life throughout your property.
5. Entertainment Value
Free entertainment comes standard with backyard squirrels. Their acrobatic leaps, playful chases, and comical problem-solving attempts provide hours of amusement right outside your window.
Many homeowners find watching squirrels’ antics more engaging than television. Their natural performances can bring joy and laughter, especially for children and the elderly.
6. Seed Dispersers
Beyond just planting trees, squirrels spread all types of seeds throughout your yard. Their forgotten caches help wildflowers, shrubs, and native plants establish themselves in new areas.
This natural dispersal creates more diverse plant communities. Your landscape benefits from this variety without any effort on your part, creating a more resilient yard.
7. Weather Forecasters
Squirrels can predict weather changes better than some meteorologists. When they frantically gather nuts or build bigger nests, they’re signaling an early or harsh winter ahead.
Observing their behavior provides practical weather insights. Many gardeners use squirrel activity patterns to time their own garden preparations for seasonal changes.
8. Teaching Opportunities
Backyard squirrels offer perfect nature lessons for children. Observing their behaviors teaches kids about wildlife habits, seasonal changes, and basic ecology concepts.
These living science lessons happen right in your yard. Children develop greater environmental awareness and respect for wildlife by watching squirrels’ daily routines and seasonal activities.
9. Natural Pruners
Squirrels naturally trim trees by chewing on small branches and twigs. This unexpected pruning service removes weak growth and stimulates healthier development in trees and shrubs.
Their nibbling habits create better air circulation through your plants. While not as precise as human pruning, this natural maintenance helps keep your woody plants in better condition.
10. Hawk Deterrents
Alert squirrels act as an early warning system for other wildlife. Their distinctive alarm calls when predators approach help protect songbirds and other small creatures in your yard.
This natural security system creates a safer environment for beneficial wildlife. Many bird enthusiasts appreciate how squirrels’ vigilance helps protect their feathered visitors from hawks and other predators.
11. Mushroom Spreaders
Squirrels help spread beneficial fungi throughout your yard. They eat mushrooms and distribute the spores through their droppings, establishing networks of mycorrhizal fungi that benefit plants.
These underground fungal networks improve soil health dramatically. Your trees and plants gain better nutrient access thanks to the squirrels’ fungal distribution services.
12. Habitat Indicators
Healthy squirrel populations indicate your yard is free from harmful chemicals. Their presence suggests your outdoor space is safe for other wildlife and even your pets and family.
Consider them living environmental monitors. When squirrels thrive in your yard, it’s a good sign you’re maintaining a healthy, non-toxic outdoor environment.
13. Compost Contributors
Leftover nuts, partially eaten fruits, and squirrel droppings all contribute to natural compost. Their feeding habits create small pockets of organic material that enrich your soil.
This free fertilization happens continuously throughout your yard. Garden areas frequently visited by squirrels often show improved soil quality and plant growth over time.
14. Seasonal Rhythms
Squirrels connect us to nature’s calendar through their predictable seasonal behaviors. Their activities mark the changing seasons more reliably than any calendar.
Watching their spring nest-building or fall nut-gathering helps us tune into natural cycles. Many gardeners use squirrel behavior as reliable timing cues for their own seasonal garden activities.
15. Joy Providers
Research shows that connecting with wildlife improves mental health. Daily squirrel-watching sessions can reduce stress and increase feelings of joy and well-being.
Their playful presence offers a mindful break from busy routines. Many people report that observing squirrels provides a form of nature therapy that brightens their day and improves their mood.