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.
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.
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