Squirrels are amazingly resourceful creatures that always have a way of getting what they want. Unfortunately, what they want is the seed from your catch. Although many are tempted to simply kill squirrels to protect their bird feeders, there are other alternatives.
Hold the food where the squirrels can’t get to it. Although this sounds like the perfect solution to the problem, finding a place that squirrels can’t reach can be a challenge. It should be placed 10 to 12 feet from trees, buildings, or any other object the squirrel will use as a jumping point. Many people cannot do it this way.
Smear the pole: Many report success with simply smearing the pole with Vaseline or Crisco. Personally, I have only had temporary success with this. The fat pole wears off in a short time and before the squirrels have reached it, they are satiated, and all your seed is extinguished. If you wish to grease the pole, do so with a non-toxic grease. A self-lubricating squirrel hurts when he cleans his hands. Monitor the nurse closely for any signs that the ointment is wearing off and reapply as necessary.
Cayenne Pepper: This will deter squirrels from eating bird droppings without using the seeds. Mix a teaspoon with a bag of seeds and store tightly covered. Use caution when mixing with cayenne seed. This will burn if you get it in your eyes or face. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
Squirrel Apage: This is a commercial product made from capsicum peppers. A 1.5 oz. a package, which costs about $3, will handle 25 pounds of seed. My experience with squirrels is that it deters the squirrels the first day, but after that the squirrels will come back and eat the rest of the seed. If you have small shepherds that you fill every day, Aeschylus may be the solution for you.
Squirrel Baffles: These are shaped like a shell and can be placed above the feeder if a squirrel gets on top of your feeder or placed under the feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing the pole. These plastics and spikes are used to throw the squirrel off balance and prevent him from climbing or jumping into the feeder. They can be purchased at a trade where bird feeders are always sold.
Do your homework: There are many ways to do this. A tin plate with a hole punched in the center can be placed over the feeder which the squirrels jump off. When the squirrel hits the plate, it will fall asleep and throw it to the ground. You can use an old bowl or even an old plastic bowl in the same way. I’ve also had some success with using a two-quart soda bottle over a small feeder. Although it does not prevent the squirrels from getting to the feeder at all, it is necessary to do a lot of planning before going to the feeder.
Squirrel Spinners: Bottles in line: I haven’t tried this myself, but many bird watchers they insist on stringing a number of empty two-quarters in a line so that the line runs through, though the entire length provides a nice bottle to deter. Run a line of wire with several bottles then hang yourself feeding on the line. Several bottles are placed in a row on the other side. These bottles will turn over as a squirrel tries to run through them and will be thrown away.
Federal Squirrel Proof Cages: There are many types of bird cages that claim to prevent squirrels from entering. These are probably useful for Gray Squirrels, but if the critters are Red Squirrel visitors, they are not effective. Red squirrels can easily fit through the wires and enter the feeder.
Bird Weight Squirrel Activated Feeder: There are feeders available that will support the weight of the squirrel and automatically shut off the feed when the squirrel tries to feed. This can be a great way to keep the squirrels away from the shepherds while the little birds feed in peace . Be warned that a heavy bird like a blue jay will not be able to feed on this shepherd.
PVC Pipe: A 4-inch PVC pipe will need to be at least 4 feet long. Place this PVC pipe on the ground and place the pole for your bird feeder inside the PVC pipe. Squirrels cannot climb PVC pipe.
Galvanized Stovepipe: You will need a 7 – 8 inch diameter galvanized stovepipe that is at least 4 feet long. Insert the stovepipe into the ground, and place your saturation pole inside the vault. Squirrels cannot hold a pipe and cannot climb a pole.
It seems that combination is often necessary, as squirrels are incredibly intelligent creatures that will stop at nothing to get what they want. What they want, of course, is the flight in your feed. Some have found a degree of success, as long as the squirrel is satisfied. It is a noble opinion, and I take refuge in it myself. Unfortunately the squirrels are not quite as cooperative as I would like. they devour the food quickly and rush to the birds. It seems that the only sure way for squirrels to get their fill of birds is to prevent them from approaching in the first place.
