Squirrels are wily, greedy and extremely acrobatic. As a result, they make a formidable opponent in the garden when it comes to protecting your bird feeders.
But there are ways and means to undermine their exploits, keeping the feeders intact and your garden birds safe and well nourished.
Know your enemy
The grey squirrel - public enemy #1?
Name: Grey squirrel aka Sciurus carolinensis.
Hobbies: acrobatics, petty theft and nut collecting.
Favourite foods: seeds and nuts.
Origin: Eastern part of North America.
Tips for squirrel proofing your bird feeder
Location: Squirrels can jump over 10 feet. So keep your bird feeders well away from any trees, walls, wires and other take-off points.
Cages: A simple way to make your bird feeders squirrel-resistant is to buy ones that come encased in a cage. These allow the little birds in but keep the greedy squirrel out. They also stop larger birds – who might push off smaller birds like blue tits – getting to the feed.
Spicy Seed: Birds can’t sense the heat in food, such as chili and peppers – but mammals can. Squirrels with a mouthful of chili powder are not likely to be contented diners, and hopefully won’t frequent the bird seed feast in your garden again.
Baffles: Baffle the squirrel with blockers that are usually fitted below the bird feeder but also available for above it. They stop the squirrel from being able to get to the feeder, whilst having no affect on the birds.
Spinners: Hang your feeder in the middle of a wire and either side of it thread empty plastic bottles, pipe or hose that will spin as soon as a squirrel pounces into action. Make sure the feeder is placed a fair height off of the ground to dispel attacks from below.
Domed feeding shelters: You can always buy squirrel proof bird feeders that have a dome above the feeder, which doubles up as a shelter for the feeding garden birds beneath. Make sure it is placed high and is wide enough to stop a squirrel dangling upside down and reaching the seed and nut goodies.
Grease the pole: With bird feeders and tables that stand on a pole support, a quick and easy option is to grease the pole with oil or butter or any kind of grease that is safe and available. It is surprisingly effective as the video below shows:
It is important to note that none of the above will in anyway harm the wily squirrel and are to be used as a friendly way to combat your opponent.
If you have any other top tips to help combat squirrel invasions then please leave a comment.
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