Do Squirrels Eat Mealworms?
Squirrels are those quick, playful animals you see in your backyard, always on the move. While they usually snack on nuts, seeds, and fruits, sometimes their diet can be surprising. Believe it or not, squirrels might enjoy eating something a little different—mealworms. In this post, we’ll explore why squirrels might munch on mealworms and what it means for their diet. You might be surprised by what these furry little creatures are willing to eat!

Do Squirrels Eat Mealworms?
Yes, squirrels do eat mealworms. While mealworms aren’t a major part of their diet, squirrels enjoy them as a protein-rich snack, especially when other food sources are scarce.
Nature’s Opportunistic Eaters
Squirrels are known for their diverse diet and adaptability when it comes to food choices. These bushy-tailed critters are primarily herbivores, munching on nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi. However, they’re not opposed to the occasional protein boost!
Squirrels require a balanced diet to maintain their energetic lifestyle, and protein plays a crucial role in their nutrition. This is where the question of mealworms comes into play!
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Do Squirrels Eat Mealworms?
Yes, squirrels do eat mealworms. They enjoy both live and dried mealworms as a protein-rich snack, though mealworms are not a major part of their diet​.

Mealworms: A Nutritious Snack
Mealworms are not actually worms at all, but the larval stage of the darkling beetle. These little critters are packed with protein and are a popular food source for many animals, including birds and reptiles.
While squirrels don’t always enjoy eating insects, I have observed squirrels showing interest in mealworms, especially when they’re placed in bird feeders.
- Food Scarcity
- Breeding Season
- Individual Preference
- Protein Needs
It’s important to note that while squirrels may nibble on mealworms occasionally, they shouldn’t form a significant part of their diet.
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Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms for Squirrels
Mealworms are packed with essential nutrients that can benefit squirrels. These include high levels of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are crucial for muscle development, energy production, and overall health.
- Protein: Helps build and repair muscle tissues.
- Fats: Provide a high-energy source, essential for the squirrel’s active lifestyle.
- Vitamins: Includes B-complex vitamins that aid in metabolic processes.
- Minerals: Essential for bone health and enzymatic functions.
These nutritional benefits are particularly important during breeding and gestation periods when squirrels require additional energy and nutrients.
Behavioral Observations

Squirrels’ interest in mealworms can be influenced by various factors, including food scarcity, breeding seasons, and individual preferences. Observations have shown that squirrels are more likely to consume mealworms when other food sources are limited or when they require a protein boost for reproductive purposes.
Feeding Guidelines and Safety
If you’re considering offering mealworms to the squirrels in your backyard, here are some guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being:
- Acquire fresh and healthy mealworms from reputable suppliers.
- Use a shallow dish or bowl to place the mealworms, ensuring it’s easy to clean.
- Gradually introduce mealworms to the squirrels’ diet, monitoring their response.
- Always provide fresh water nearby for hydration.
- Avoid overfeeding and ensure mealworms complement a balanced diet, rather than replacing natural food sources.
- Handle mealworms with gloves to prevent contamination and store them in cool, dry places away from moisture and sunlight.
Feeding Mealworms to Backyard Squirrels: Pros and Cons
If you’re considering offering mealworms to the squirrels in your backyard, here are some things to keep in mind:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Provides additional protein | Can attract unwanted pests (like insects) |
Adds variety to their diet | May cause dependency on human-provided food |
Helps during food scarcity or winter | Can upset their natural foraging habits |
Encourages close observation of wildlife | Might lead to overfeeding if not managed |
High in essential nutrients | Not a natural part of a squirrel’s regular diet |
Alternative Protein Sources for Squirrels

If you want to provide a protein boost for your backyard squirrels without using mealworms, consider these alternatives:
- Unsalted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Small pieces of avocado (occasional treat)
The Verdict on Squirrels and Mealworms
While squirrels may occasionally snack on mealworms, it’s not a significant part of their natural diet. If you’re looking to attract and observe squirrels in your backyard, stick to their preferred foods like nuts and seeds. Remember, the best way to enjoy wildlife is to observe them in their natural habitat, foraging for their usual food sources.
So, next time you’re out in your backyard, keep an eye out for these curious creatures. You never know what unexpected snacks they might be interested in!
For more information on backyard wildlife and feeding tips, check out our “What Do City Squirrels Eat” page or “Do Squirrels Eat Bugs.”
Really appreciated the insights on squirrels and mealworms. I’ve noticed squirrels around my yard but hadn’t considered mealworms as a potential food source for them. Your article opened up a new perspective for me, thanks!
Just started offering mealworms to the squirrels in my yard after reading about it here. They seem to love it! It’s fascinating seeing how quickly they’ve taken to this new snack. Always thought they were strictly nut and seed lovers. Goes to show nature’s always full of surprises.
I’ve observed squirrels in my backyard for years and I’ve noticed they aren’t picky eaters. The section on mealworms being a nutritious snack was enlightening. It makes me wonder what other unconventional foods they might enjoy.
Merideth Sweeney, I’m curious about the nutritional analysis you mentioned regarding mealworms. Could you provide more specifics on the vitamins and minerals they offer to squirrels? I’m considering this as an addition to my backyard feeding regimen but want to ensure a balanced diet.
Following this. Wanted to know more about what’s actually good for the squirrels beyond just what they’ll eat. Don’t want to mess up their diet or anything.
Isn’t there a concern about dependency on human-provided food for wild animals? Saw a doc mentioning how it could alter their foraging behavior.
Just curious if feeding squirrels mealworms might make them less likely to raid my bird feeders? Anyone tried this?
never thought about giving mealworms to squirrels. Does this affect their natural diet badly in any way? Cool article though, Merideth Sweeney.
I love this! Been trying to find ways to support our local wildlife better. Mealworms seem like a great addition to my current setup. Thanks for the idea!
Great insights! Been trying to attract more wildlife to my garden for photography. Seems like adding mealworms to the menu might just do the trick. Thanks for the tip!
feeding squirrels in the backyard might not be the best idea. attracts more than just squirrels, right? could end up with a whole ecosystem out there you weren’t bargaining for.
So, if I start feeding squirrels mealworms, does that make me a squirrel chef? Hope they leave some Yelp reviews.
While the concept is intriguing, I’m wondering about the long-term effects on squirrel dietary habits. Could habitual feeding alter their natural foraging behavior detrimentally?
That’s a valid concern. Habitual feeding might indeed affect their natural behaviors, yet occasional feeding in moderation could benefit them, especially in urban areas where natural food sources are scarce.
Appreciate the follow-up, Elise. Moderation and consideration of urban vs. natural settings could be key then.
The nutritional analysis of mealworms provided in the article is accurate and aligns with my own research. It’s fascinating to see this discussed in a public forum. Great job, Merideth Sweeney, on highlighting the importance of understanding wildlife diet.
Not so sure about this. Wouldn’t feeding mealworms to squirrels attract more rodents and other pests?
While I understand the intention behind feeding squirrels, isn’t there a risk of them becoming too accustomed to human interaction? This could potentially lead to unwanted situations for those of us trying to maintain a certain distance from wildlife.
If squirrels start demanding mealworms on their menu, I’m opening a fast-food chain for them. ‘McSquirrels’ anyone?
I’d invest in that, start the franchise!
I found the section on alternative protein sources for squirrels particularly interesting. It’s vital to consider the ecological impact of what we feed to backyard animals. Promoting natural foraging habits ensures a healthier ecosystem.
Great to know! Planning to add a feeding station in my garden specifically for squirrels. This info about mealworms is super helpful.
Enlightening read on the impact of supplementing squirrels’ diets with mealworms. It’s refreshing to see the encouragement of balanced feeding practices. Good going, Merideth Sweeney!
Been mixing up the feed I give to backyard critters and adding mealworms after your suggestion. Lil guys are all over it. Seems like a win in my book.
It’s heartwarming to learn about the benefits of mealworms for squirrels! This article encourages thoughtful and responsible feeding practices. I’m looking forward to trying this out.
Merideth Sweeney, a brilliantly written article that offers an insightful look into the diet of squirrels and the potential benefits of mealworms. It’s refreshing to see such well-researched content.
I saw squirrels eating stuff in my yard but didnt know about mealworms before. maybe I’ll try it, seems like it could be good for them?
Anyone know if it’s okay to let my dog near the feeding area if I decide to try this out? Worried about whether it’s safe.
While the article supports the use of mealworms as a protein source for squirrels, wouldn’t alternative protein sources be more sustainable in the long run? I believe variety in their diet reflects a more natural intake and encourages healthier wildlife.
Interesting read. Never really thought much about what squirrels eat beyond the usual seeds and nuts. Mealworms seem like a good option but I guess moderation is key, as with everything.
Suddenly feeling like a fast-food joint for squirrels with all these mealworm menu options we’re discussing here. Drive-thru window next?
From a vet tech’s perspective, the nutritional benefits of mealworms for squirrels mentioned here are on point. It’s great seeing such informative content encouraging balanced diets for wildlife care.
Imagine a world where squirrels evolved to farm their own mealworms. This article made me picture a tiny squirrel with a farmer’s hat, tending to a mealworm farm. A funny thought but insightful read on their diet!
The section on alternative protein sources is especially useful. Promoting biodiversity in our feeding habits not only benefits the squirrels but also the environment as a whole. Nicely done.
Sure, let’s all turn our backyards into squirrel diners. Next, we’ll be booking reservations for them. Feeding them mealworms? Might as well hand them the menu and ask for their order.