There are many different pests in corn, but in this blog post, I’ll focus on squirrels. Squirrels can be destructive corn pests, especially right after planting. If you’re planting near areas with high squirrel populations, they can dig up and eat corn seed before it even germinates. This leads to poor stand establishment and significantly reduces final plant populations, which directly impacts your corn yield.
How Squirrel Damage Affects Corn Yield
Squirrels target newly planted seeds, often within 24–48 hours after planting. A reduced plant population of even 20% can cut yields by more than 15 bushels per acre. For a grower aiming for 200 bushels per acre, that’s a potential loss of $75–$100 per acre at today’s corn prices.
When and Where Squirrel Damage Is More Severe
Damage is typically worse in these scenarios:
- Fields bordering fallowed land, where squirrel populations thrive undisturbed
- Locations near natural habitats like rivers, deserts, and forested areas
- Fields planted early, before other food sources are available
- Fields with sandy or loose soil, where digging is easier for squirrels
- Areas with minimal predator presence
How to Protect Corn Fields from Squirrel Damage
Growers can take several practical steps:
- Plant field edges multiple times to increase initial corn seed population
- Use squirrel bait around field borders (be sure to follow local regulations)
- Cultivate or disturb nearby fallow fields to disrupt nesting areas
- Install temporary fencing or physical deterrents near hotspots
- Use seed treatments that include squirrel repellents
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