How to Create the Perfect Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

Posted on May 2, 2023 by smokywildlife

Are you tired of watching the squirrels take over your bird feeders? It can be disheartening to put out food for the birds, only to have it snatched away by pesky squirrels. But there is hope! With a bit of ingenuity and some DIY know-how, you can create a squirrel-proof bird feeder that will keep those clever critters away from your feathered friends’ treats. Read on for tips and tricks on how to make the perfect squirrel-proof bird feeder.

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Tips for Protecting Bird Feeders From Nuisance Squirrels

Watch For Squirrel Activity

First, you’ll need to assess what type of squirrels are in your area and how active they are. Are the squirrels mostly ground feeders or do they climb onto bird feeders to get food? If the latter is true, then it will be important to choose a squirrel-proof bird feeder that can withstand their attempts to access the bird seed.

Choose a Good Spot for Your Bird Feeder

Another important consideration when creating a squirrel-proof bird feeder is how you position it. Place the feeder away from trees and other structures that could provide easy access points for persistent critters. Additionally, keep the bird feeder at least five feet off the ground so there isn’t any overhanging foliage where squirrels may use as a bridge to the feeder.

Buy Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider purchasing a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These are typically made from high-grade materials such as steel and heavy plastic that can withstand chewing and climbing attempts from determined squirrels. Many of these types of bird feeders come equipped with baffles or cones around the sides that can deter would-be offenders by making it difficult for them to reach the seed. You can also just purchase a squirrel baffle or cone separately and attach it to your current bird feeders.

Use These Bird Feeder Hacks

No matter which type of bird feeder you decide on, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure its success in keeping out unwanted critters. First, make sure to regularly clean and refill your bird feeder so as not to attract too many birds—or squirrels. Additionally, use bird seed blends that don’t contain nuts or other fatty ingredients that might appeal to the local squirrel population.

Make a Squirrel Repellent

If you’re looking for a humane way to keep them away, making homemade squirrel repellent is the perfect solution. First, gather some garlic cloves and cayenne pepper, both of which are known to deter squirrels. Crush the garlic cloves and mix them with the cayenne pepper in a spray bottle filled with warm water. Shake the mixture and spray it on areas where squirrels are likely to be found. You can also sprinkle some of the mixture on the soil in your garden or near bird feeders to keep squirrels away. With this simple recipe, your property will stay squirrel-free while keeping these critters safe from harm.

Squirrel-Proof Your Backyard Year Round!

Creating a squirrel-proof bird feeder doesn’t have to be difficult. With a bit of thought and creativity, you can turn your backyard into a safe haven for birds without having to worry about pesky critters stealing their snacks. Whether you choose to make your own feeder or purchase one, these tips will help you keep your feathered friends fed in peace.

Are you having some serious trouble with nuisance squirrels around your property? We can help! Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured squirrel removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife, including flying squirrels and chipmunks.

Top Nuisance Animals to Watch Out For This Fall and Winter

Posted on November 11, 2022 by smokywildlife

The wide array of species here in Tennessee is quite the blessing. But when wildlife get too close, they can cross over into the nuisance end of the spectrum. This fall and winter, be sure you know how to protect your home and business from nuisance wildlife tampering and infestations.

Continue below to learn which animals tend to be the top nuisances during this time of year, plus what you can do to prevent wildlife problems on your property.

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Fall Season Nuisance Wildlife

In Tennessee, there are a few nuisance animals that you should be on the lookout for during the fall and winter months. Here are a few of the top ones:

1. Raccoons – These pesky little creatures can cause all sorts of problems, from raiding your trash cans to getting into your attic or chimney. Be sure to keep your trash cans securely covered and your home sealed up tight to prevent raccoons from becoming a nuisance.

2. Squirrels – These little rodents can be a real pain, especially if they get into your attic or eaves. Be sure to seal up any openings that squirrels or chipmunks could use to get into your home and consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders to keep them from raiding your bird seed.

3. Opossums – These marsupials are not known to be aggressive, but they can carry disease and their scavenging habits can make them a nuisance. Be sure to keep your trash cans securely covered and your home sealed up tight to prevent opossums from becoming a nuisance.

4. Snakes – While most snakes are not aggressive and are actually beneficial to the environment, there are a few species that can be dangerous. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of snakes that live in your area and call a professional Nashville snake trapper if you encounter one that you’re not comfortable handling.

5. Bears – While black bears are not typically aggressive, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened. If you live in an area where bears are known to roam, be sure to take precautions such as keeping your garbage cans securely covered and avoiding areas where bears are known to congregate.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid becoming a victim of nuisance animals this fall and winter. Be sure to keep an eye out for these and other nuisance animals and take steps to prevent them from becoming a problem in your home or yard.

Professional Nashville Wildlife Control is Here to Help

Wildlife damage and intrusions can be a serious problem for homeowners and businesses alike. Not only are animals an aesthetic nuisance, but they can also cause considerable structural damage as well. And if you’re unlucky enough to have a wild animal break into your home, you could be dealing with some serious health risks too. That’s where professional Nashville wildlife control services come in.

Wildlife control companies in Tennessee have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely remove unwanted animals from your property and prevent them from returning. They can also provide advice on how to best protect your home or business from future animal invasions. So, if you’re experiencing problems with wildlife, don’t hesitate to call a professional Nashville wildlife removal operator for help.

Are you dealing with nuisance wildlife in or around your Smoky Mountain property? If so, contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed critter control services in Nashville, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas. We serve both residential and commercial clients with the most competitive prices around.

How to Feed Squirrels Without Turning Them Into a Nuisance

Posted on August 4, 2022 by smokywildlife

When feeding the wildlife around your home or office, it is important to follow certain guidelines if you want to prevent future nuisance critter problems. This point is especially true for squirrels. Squirrels are notorious for overstaying their welcome in terms of nuisance wildlife tampering and activity. Not only can they pillage your pots and planters, but they can also steal all your birdseed, pet food, and even your garbage.

As a squirrel admirer, you will be happy to learn that there is an easy way to nurture and feed your backyard squirrels without turning them into a nuisance. Continue below for these tips and more!

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Tips for Feeding Squirrels

You can find squirrel feeders all over the place. From your local home improvement and garden stores to your favorite all-encompassing online retailer, squirrel feeders are easy to procure and even easier to set up. Just be sure you get yourself some quality squirrel feed! This is just one way you can protect your property from nuisance squirrel activity.

Let’s review some of the most important rules when feeding squirrels around your house:

Avoid Using Human Foods

Although it may be tempting to leave out some fresh fruit and vegetables, or some crunchy peanut butter, is not recommended to feed human food to squirrels. Not only is people food deficient of certain nutrients essential in a squirrel’s diet, but depending on manufacturing and ingredients, it can also make them sick. If you wish to make your own squirrel feed, aim for organic, unprocessed ingredients like nuts, legumes, and seeds.

Secure Your Trash

Squirrels love a good garbage raid. They will pillage any open and accessible trashcan whenever possible. Even if you are feeding squirrels, they will still go after your garbage receptacles if the opportunity is there. To prevent squirrels from reaching this level of nuisance activity, be sure to secure your trashcans inside until collection day or replace your trashcans with metal ones that cannot be chewed through. The same goes for pet food that is kept outdoors.

Place Feeders Further Away From Your House

When choosing locations for your squirrel feeders, it can be tempting to lodge them close by where you can see them and enjoy the show. But if squirrel feeders are too close to your house, you may run into some nuisance squirrel problems down the line. Hanging feeders too close to your siding can give squirrels access to your roof, which is a prime target for attic and chimney invasions. Hanging them from your patio can cause concern if you have young children or pets, as squirrels are known to carry diseases, and can become too comfortable, causing them to turn territorial and aggressive.

Are you concerned about the nuisance squirrel activity on or around your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed squirrel removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Tell if You Have Squirrels in the Attic

Posted on July 7, 2022 by smokywildlife

It is not difficult to confirm a squirrel infestation in the attic. After all, you are here because you have likely already experienced a few tell-tale signs, like sounds of chatter and scurrying about. Squirrels are nimble and fast, plus experienced at accessing residential structures, like attics and crawl spaces. If you suspect that you have squirrels in the attic, here’s what you need to know:

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Squirrel Damages Can Add Up Fast

Squirrels are rodents, and like most rodents, they are filthy and carry a long list of diseases and parasites. They mark their territories, in this case your attic and insulation, with their urine, which creates foul, lingering odors throughout your home. Their droppings carry and transmit salmonella, which can put both people and pets at risk of infection. Squirrels are also avid chewers and will pilfer all electrical wiring and more in your attic space.

Overall, squirrels in the attic will cause a lot of damage and unhygienic environments. The longer they hold occupancy, the more damages will accrue, which makes renovations timelier and costlier.

Squirrel Control is a Must

Before getting started on extracting squirrels from the attic, it is important to understand how to keep them out of there in the first place. If you do not implement any degree of animal-proofing around your house, you cannot prevent future tampering and infestations. Squirrel control involves sealing up any exterior openings and access points that will allow squirrels to get in. This includes installing squirrel abatement devices like valves and mesh screening, as well as roof vent covers and chimney caps.

Once you understand how to protect your property against nuisance animals like squirrels and chipmunks, you can better assist in the process of getting rid of squirrels, altogether.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic

There is really only one tried and true method of squirrel removal and that is to hire a licensed and insured wildlife control company in Nashville. Not only are specific permits and licenses required to raise and relocate wildlife in Tennessee, but there are also strict procedures on how to extract wildlife and facilitate safe animal-proofing strategies for residential and commercial properties. What does all this mean? It means you should never attempt to touch, harm, trap, or kill animals unless you are permitted under law to do so.

When experiencing problems with squirrels in the attic, crawl space, roof, chimney, or wall voids, your best tool is a skilled wildlife control operator. They have the authority, resources, equipment, and knowledge to safely extract squirrels and prevent them from becoming a problem in the future. They can also provide minor attic restorations and cleanup services for animal damages.

Not sure who to trust for safe and humane critter control in Tennessee? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for affordable squirrel removal in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Honor National Squirrel Appreciation Day With These Fun Facts!

Posted on January 21, 2022 by smokywildlife

Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

That’s right; today is the perfect day to show our gratitude for these funny, furry, and ecologically essential rodents! Yes, squirrels are rodents! To honor our adorable little friends on this important Nationally-recognized day, continue below to learn some fun facts about squirrels! Then share these interesting facts with your friends and family!

Squirrel Removal Control Nashville TN — National Squirrel Appreciation Day

Fun Squirrel Facts to Enjoy on National Squirrel Appreciation Day

There are 289 Species of Squirrels in the World

There are 289 different species of squirrel found all over the world. The United States of America is home to 65 species, including 8 flying squirrel species, while the primary squirrel species in Tennessee include Easter Gray Squirrels, Red Squirrels, Southern Flying Squirrels, Northern Flying Squirrels, and Fox Squirrels. Because of the diverse range of squirrel species out there, squirrels come in all sorts of colors, from brown and gray, to yellow, orange, white, and even black!

Squirrels Eat More Than Just Nuts

If you rely on television and children’s’ books, you might assume that squirrels only eat nuts, like acorns and walnuts. This might be true for the lovable, saber-toothed squirrel, Scrat, in the 2013 film, Ice Age; but in real life, squirrels eat a lot more than that. Squirrels are omnivorous, which means they eat meat and plant matter, just like humans do! A common squirrel diet may consist of nuts, but also fruits, legumes, seeds, fungi, tree buds, conifer cones, eggs, insects, caterpillars, and even small snakes and birds.

Squirrel Tails Play an Important Role

Those thick, bushy tails are arguably the most distinguishable feature of squirrels. They are big, shaggy, fluffy, and beautiful; but splendor is not their primary purpose. Squirrels use their tails for all sorts of things, from protection against the elements, like wind, rain, and snow, to cooling themselves off in the hot sun, balancing when springing from branch to branch, and even signaling to other squirrels. They also use their tail like a parachute when jumping around!

Squirrels Move Homes From Season to Season

In the spring and summer months, when climates are ambient, squirrels live in trees, building their nests high among the branches. But when the weather begins to turn colder, they like to move somewhere that provides more shelter and security. Typically, they choose tree cavities or similar areas, but in a lot of cases, squirrels will invade residential and commercial structures. Come spring, they are back outside, again!

You Can Safely Abate Nuisance Squirrel Activity

Sometimes, squirrels and chipmunks can be a nuisance to property owners. Not only are they very capable of accessing areas like attics, wall voids, roofs, and crawlspaces, but when they get there, they like to chew. Chewing, along with all their bloody functions, can cause a lot of destruction to the surroundings. Furthermore, squirrels and chipmunks are known carriers of parasites like lice, fleas, ticks, and mites, all of which can affect people and pets.

For these reasons and more, it is best to animal proof your property against nuisance squirrels and chipmunks. In order to do this, contact your local and trusted Smoky Mountain wildlife control company for safe and humane squirrel removal service.

Are there nuisance squirrels causing trouble on your property but you enjoy having them around? Perhaps you have squirrels in the attic? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for safe squirrel removal in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve residential and commercial clients all throughout Middle Tennessee and its surrounding counties.

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How to Stop Squirrels From Emptying Your Bird Feeders

Posted on October 27, 2021 by smokywildlife

Squirrels are thrifty little animals, which is why they are commonly a nuisance to all the bird-watching enthusiasts around Tennessee. Their agility and ingenuity allow them to quickly climb and access any bird feeder pole known to man, while their dexterous paws and fervent appetites allow them to pick and plunder your beloved bird feeders with precision and focus. If you are tired of nuisance squirrels pillaging your bird feeders every time you fill them up, take solace in knowing that something can be done.

Continue reading to learn how to stop squirrels from emptying your bird feeders, year-round.

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Squirrel Control in Your Backyard

It may seem like squirrels are just too clever to keep out of your bird feeders, but a little environmental modification might change your mind. By implementing certain changes around your yard, overtime you can stop squirrels from raiding your bird feeders all year-round. Structural and environmental changes are designed to challenge squirrels, making it more difficult for them to access the bird feeder on your property.

Here are the top 5 ways to protect your bird feeders from nuisance squirrels:

➀ Do Not Position Bird Feeders Near Trees

As you may already assume, squirrels or tree climbers. They are excellent at climbing trees, and they can climb from tree to tree without losing an ounce of endurance. Squirrels use trees as roadways to access the things that they want. Bird feeders that are attached to trees or located nearby trees are openly available to squirrels.

Instead of hanging bird feeders on trees or on a pole near trees, consider linking a line from one tree to another, then placing the bird feeder in the middle of the line. Squirrels have a hard time with a tight rope. After too many failed attempts, they will likely lose interest in your bird feeder.

➁ Purchase a Squirrel Baffle

Squirrel baffle can be purchased online through several multi-department retailers or at your local home improvement store. Basically, a square baffle is a plastic, dome-shaped device that is installed underneath the bird feeder. The shape of the device makes it impossible for squirrels to climb over it and access the bird feeder.

➂ Rig Your Bird Feeder Poles

Rather than purchasing a squirrel baffle, you can rig up your bird feeder poles in a way that makes it difficult for squirrels to climb them. For instance, you can use plastic tubing to cover your bird feeder pole. You can even grease up the plastic tubing with petroleum jelly. Squirrels will have a hard time climbing up the slippery pole and will likely move on to easier snacking.

➃ Make a Homemade Non-Toxic Squirrel Repellent

There are many scents, sensations, and herbaceous plants that squirrels hate, like cayenne pepper and black pepper. If you place these ingredients around your property or in the areas of heightened squirrel activity, it can make squirrels turn up their nose and run away. Simply combine these ingredients with water and transfer them into a spray bottle.

You can spray this repellent around the bird feeder perimeter or in areas where squirrels like to hang out. Just be sure to keep children and pets away from treated areas, as pepper and other types of herbs can cause I, throat, and knows irritation. Don’t worry, the birds won’t notice the pepper solution at all!

➄ Join Them!

As the old saying goes, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” One way to deter squirrels from stealing all of your birdseed out of your bird feeders is to simply provide them with their own feeders. You can purchase squirrel feeders and squirrel food any local home improvement store, or online through a compatible retailer. These days they have all sorts of different styles and designs, including the currently trending squirrel picnic tables. You can even build your own squirrel feeder. Just be sure to set the squirrel feeders far away from your bird feeders, preferably on the other side of your property.

Are squirrels taking over your property and you worry there’s nothing you can do to stop them? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional squirrel removal and control services in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve both residential and commercial clients of the most competitive rates around.

Which Squirrel Species are Found in Tennessee?

Posted on February 22, 2021 by smokywildlife

Here in Tennessee, it is not hard to appreciate all the beautiful nature and surroundings of our state. But with nature comes wildlife, and squirrels are one the most common animals spotted on a daily basis by Tennesseans. This could partly be due to the fact that our state has abundant forested land, wooded lots, and flowing bodies of water, making it easy for squirrel populations to thrive. But squirrels are also prevalent in our metro, suburban, and rural regions because there are 5 different species native to our state! This includes Easter Gray Squirrels, Red Squirrels, Southern Flying Squirrels, Northern Flying Squirrels, and Fox Squirrels.

Continue reading to learn more about these five interesting and distinctive species of squirrel in Tennessee, as well as what to do if squirrels are becoming a threat or nuisance around your property.

Top Tennessee Squirrel Species

Easter Gray Squirrels

As for the most common species of the five here in Tennessee, the Easter Gray Squirrel takes the lead. You can spot these critters in parks and backyards, year-round. Their fur is gray and white, and they have longer fur on their tails. Do not confused this species with the Eastern Fox Squirrel, which is larger and has a reddish underbelly. Gray squirrels are the most problematic species in terms of critter control because they have two litters a year, which keeps their population numbers high.

Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels

Tennessee is home to both Southern and Northern Flying Squirrel species! Although they are not spotted as often as Gray squirrels and fox squirrels because they are so small, you would be surprised as just how common these fellas are around the state. Unlike other species of squirrel, flying squirrels choose to live together in the winter, staying warm and dependent as a congregation. For this reason, they are often found nesting in attics and crawl spaces, thus requiring animal removal services. One of the most tell-tale signs of a flying squirrel infestation is dark stains running down the exterior siding. These streaks are caused by their droppings and urine, as well as the oily residues on their feathers.

Fox Squirrels

Also called Eastern Fox Squirrels and Bryant’s Fox Squirrels, you will know when you are looking at one because they are the largest species in Tennessee. They get their name from their heads and face, that look just like a fox! This species of squirrel prefers to stay away from high-traffic areas like subdivisions and neighborhoods. Instead, you are more likely to spot them in nature, such as the woods or in parks, and almost always up in the trees. They are not much of a ground squirrel.

American Red Squirrels

American Red squirrels are spotted less often than Gray and Fox squirrels, but still very prevalent here in Tennessee. This is mostly because they prefer wooded areas with a lot of pine trees, and spend most of their time up in the trees. In fact, they are also known as Pine squirrels or Piney squirrels, not only because they live in pine trees, but also because their favorite food source is pine cones. They are also called North American Red Squirrel and Chickaree.

Nuisance Squirrel Problems

Squirrels are excellent climbers and small in stature, making them a prime nuisance animal in the Middle Tennessee areas. They infest roofs, attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, porches, and more, causing a long list of costly damage and unsanitary conditions. If you suspect squirrels are getting too close for comfort, or you notice that the numbers are increasing drastically in your area, you need squirrel control preventative maintenance.

Where to Get Squirrel Removal and Control in Nashville, Tennessee

Call Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for safe and affordable squirrel removal in Nashville, Tennessee. Our TWRA licensed wildlife control operators deliver prompt and professional solutions for nuisance squirrel problems, including extraction, exclusion, trapping, clean up, restorations, and more. We can even work with your homeowners’ insurance carrier to perform repairs for animal damages. Our animal control trappers serve both residential and commercial clients in Nashville, TN, as well as all throughout the Middle and Greater Tennessee areas. Request a free quote or advice, anytime. Need emergency animal removal? We offer after-hours service just for that.