Hang a feeder from a thin horizontal wire strung with spinners to keep squirrels from climbing down the wire. There is also a feeder that is designed to twirl or tilt if a squirrel climbs onto it, keeping the animal off balance and unable to access the feeder. ![]() (I have purchased baffles in our local stores.) The baffles should be at least 15 inches wide and sloped to prevent squirrels from reaching around them. Baffles resemble an upside down salad bowl. Pre-wrapped feeders are also available to purchase locally and online.Īdd smooth plastic or metal baffles above birdfeeders. This is also useful for preventing larger birds, such as starlings and pigeons, from accessing the food. Wrap your feeder with chicken wire that is small enough that squirrels cannot get through but large enough that you will not restrict smaller birds from feeding. If your backyard is smaller, you may think of caging your feeder. Ideally, mount birdfeeders on a smooth metal pole at least six feet high, and prune any branches or bushes within a 12-foot radius. Place feeders far away from trees, wires, porches and other launching points to make it difficult for the squirrels to reach. A squirrel friendly yard is not a bird friendly habitat.Īs a gardener, you have to be creative in your ways of making your feeder and yard squirrel-proof. ![]() They are predators, eating bird eggs and killing baby nestlings in their vicinity. These pests will hog the food with their never-ending appetites.īesides their gluttony and digging, squirrels can chew or claw through wooden and plastic feeders. Unlike birds who will share the feeders with other visitors, squirrels tend to scare off or chase away birds. However, for the rest of the population, squirrels are an extreme nuisance. Squirrels may seem like a welcome addition to your yard, and for many people that is the case. (Think "Caddy Shack" but with squirrels, and you are a backyard Bill Murray.) Their only "thank you" is stealing bird seed, digging holes, eating fruits and vegetables and slowly destroying your yard and your sanity. The more birdseed you put out, the more permanent the squirrels become. Training your roses to be more drought tolerantĪdd this rare California shrub to your garden ![]() More: Master Gardener's show off their gardens Black oil sunflower seeds, nuts and suet are favorites of the hairy-tailed guests. The best types of birdseed are just as attractive to squirrels as they are to birds. Did you know your efforts have now prepared a feast for squirrels? One of the most rewarding gifts received in a backyard is the company of birds: our year-round native birds, travelers, and the winter visitors.Įnjoying these guests should be easy - some seed mix, a feeder, and you are ready to roll. Birds are not bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels cannot put up with the burning sensation, and will leave the food alone.Watch Video: Nutty squirrels terrorize residents in this city Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (eg Tabasco) can be dusted onto bird food.Feeders with a cage around them are squirrel-resistant, although not squirrel-proof, and a small individual will be able to fit through.The weight of the squirrel will lower the cover, preventing it access to the food. A feeder with a spring-loaded cover is on the market.Remember that all these methods will only work if the squirrel cannot jump directly onto the feeder, but will have to approach via the defended route.Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help. Use a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below a bird table to prevent squirrels climbing up it. ![]()
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