That is kinda strange. Of course squirrels can go anywhere, but I have never had squirrels bother the flowers. Sounds like a good web search project if no one else knows what’s happening.
squash
I have planted my first garden, the vegetables are looking great. However, when I look closely at the yellow flowers blooming on my squash plants, it looks like something has been eating them (not the leaves). I don't want to use a pesticide, what do you suggest?
Submitted by BHGPhotoContest
"You're right not to use a pesticide, because that will probably kill the pollinators your need. If only the petals are munched on the edges, there shouldn't be any problem. If the entire flower is missing, it's possible that a squirrel or other small animal is eating them. If the flowers are just shriveled and laying on the ground, they they are falling off naturally, as they usually do.
The male flowers have long skinny stems, and the female flowers have short, fat stems. Male flowers that fall off are just done doing their job. Female flowers that fall off have not been pollinated. If you are having unusually hot weather, that can also cause the plant to drop its flowers. "
I'm guessing that it's either the very hot weather we have had or it's that they're male flowers. My husband has been concerned about his problem, so he's going to be very interested in this info.
Thanks!
Maybe I am speaking too soon, but we have not had any problems with squirrels or bugs, except squash bugs in our three years gardening here. I have assumed it is because my wife has three bird feeders about 15 ft from the garden and all the birds and squirrels are fat and happy. I suspect the birds eat bugs in the garden in addition to the bird feed. We use landscape fabric in the garden and flower beds, but I don’t think that would keep bugs at bay. I don’t know, maybe it is a blessing from the Lord, but we are grateful.