You can keep squirrels out of your bird feeders by spicing your bird feed. This method is proven to chase squirrels out of your bird feed. Squirrels avoid spicy food such as capsaicin. When you do this, you reduce the activities of squirrels by a large margin.
There are also other proven ways to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. These ways will be highlighted in this article. In addition, this write-up would also touch on the odor that keeps squirrels away. Do well to read this article!
How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Bird Feeders
You can keep squirrels out of bird feeders in the following ways:
1. Make Use Of Wires
Wires can do the trick when dealing with squirrels. This can be done by installing the wire vertically. When you do so, the squirrels will find it hard to climb. Squirrels are too big of thinking so they would not climb the wire. If you can position this wire ten to five’s away from the ground, squirrels would find it hard to climb.
There is no recommended wire to use. Wires of any shape can be used. As long as the wire is strong, it is fine.
READ ALSO: Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder
2. Get A Squirrel Baffle
Squirrel baffles are one of the items used to protect bird feeders. A baffle is a slippery-shaped cylinder that makes it hard for mammals to grip when climbing. When you install it, it tends to baffle the squirrel with the slippery surface. Depending on the type of squirrel you are dealing with, you can get a baffle of any shape.
3. Select A Bird Seed
This trick is one of the best for chasing squirrels away from your bird feeds. Birds are not so selective in their food, so you can mix varieties with their seed. For example, you can easily get to mix your bird food with nyjer seeds. Most squirrels do not like nyjer seeds, so adding them to your bird meal would make it unattractive to squirrels.
Alternatively, you can buy a squirrel repeller. This would help repel the activities of squirrels in your bed feed.
4. Spice Up Your Feed
Spicy food repels squirrels. When you need to spice your bird food, squirrels do not feel the urge to eat their food. Usually, mammals in general perceive food the same way humans do. On the contrary, birds are comfortable eating spicy meals. However, you don’t have to put this spice too much in your food. When you do, you tend to make the whole bird feed taste unnatural.
5. Purchase A Feed Spinner
Another way you can prevent squirrels out of bird feeders is to use a feed spinner. Squirrels can easily get destabilized when they are spun around. Purchasing a bird feed spinner can pose a deterrent to the squirrels. Ensure you purchase an efficient feed spinner at a store nearby you.
6. Feed The Squirrels Too
Another way to prevent squirrels is to feed the squirrels too. Usually, this way poses an efficient way to stop the squirrels from feeding on the bird’s food. Squirrels often find peanuts very delicious. So, visit a pet store to get peanut and other squirrel food in large portions.
7. Clean Your Environment Regularly
Squirrels do not like a clean environment. When birds feed on their food, they make the place dirty. This dirt may attract uninvited pests. Squirrels are very comfortable in a dirty environment. So, make it an aim to clean your environment regularly.
What Smells Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders?
We have discussed the possible ways to prevent squirrels out of bird feeders. Now, let’s discuss the scents that keep squirrels away from bird feeders. Here are the smells that prevent squirrels from bird food:
1. Peppermint Oil
This is one of the popular scents because of its fresh fragrance. Unlike humans, squirrels do but fancy the smell. Squirrels tend to stay far away from those that use the scent. You can use this as a deterrent for squirrels for your bird feed. Ensure you mix the peppermint oil with water and spray in your yard.
2. Capsaicin
Capsaicin is one of the ingredients used in making hot pepper. When capsaicin is added to bird food, squirrels do not like it. Usually, you can spray it just within the area of your bird feed. When you do so regularly, squirrels would run far from it.
3. Garlic
Garlic is one of the household items. Garlic has a strong odor and squirrels avoid it. When you put garlic in a squirrel-infested area, your bird feed would be squirrel feed for days. You can also sprinkle garlic powder to prevent squirrel attacks.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a plant used to cook. It can also serve herbal purposes. However, this leaf carries an odor. This scent makes it hard for squirrels to penetrate your farm. You can grind it and spray it on your farm.
FAQ
How far can a squirrel jump?
A squirrel can jump to a height of at least 3 feet. At a maximum stretch, they can stretch to 5 feet. The feet of a squirrel are really strong. This muscles enables its high leap.
What is a squirrel’s worst enemy?
A squirrel’s enemies include big birds, foxes, mountain lions, and domestic cats. The animals mentioned feed on squirrels. When compared to the animals, squirrels are a good source of meal.
What smell do squirrels hate?
Squirrels hate the smell of garlic, rosemary leaves, peppermint oil, white vinegar, and so on.
Does dish soap repel squirrels?
Yes. Dish soap has a concentrated odor. Do well to make sure that you spray the soap on your farm to prevent squirrels.
How do you make a squirrel-proof garden?
You make a squirrel-proof garden by installing bird netting, chicken wires and touch clothes.
Conclusion
This article has discussed the different ways to prevent squirrels from your bird feed. The bottom line is that squirrels avoid any area that carries a sharp odor. Do well to use the tips provided in this article. Thank you for reading!
