Animals eating tulip bulbs

(Question)

My tulip bulbs have been eaten by animals. I was wondering what animals eat them . How to prevent them from eating tulips. Thank you

(Answer)

Oh dear! How very disappointing to have lost some of your tulips. I am glad to see from your photograph that at least a few have been left for your enjoyment.

Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, mice, voles, moles and deer are just some of the animals that that like to snack on flower bulbs – both the bulbs as well as the flowers.

My strongest suggestion is in the Fall, when you are planting bulbs again, plant bulbs that rodents do not eat. Most rodents will avoid eating daffodils, snowflakes, snowdrops, fritillaries, allium, and squill (bluebells). You could plant only these or try interplanting the unpalatable bulbs with the more vulnerable bulbs like tulips, crocus, and gladioli. Also, would it be possible to plant your bulbs in a very public place where there is a lot of foot traffic, like the street boulevard? That will also deter the rodents.

I have found other suggestions, but I do not strongly recommend them. One suggestion is to enclose your bulbs in chicken wire; that seems counterproductive to enjoying their lovely display of colour. When you plant your bulbs, you can avoid them being dug up by the squirrels by adding blood meal to the soil.

I hope that you have a better display of Spring bulbs next year.

For further suggestions, click here

May 6, 2021