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.

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.

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