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Quick Answer: How To Keep Squirrels From Bird Feeders

How do I stop squirrels from eating my bird feeder?

12 Tips for Success With a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Follow the Rule of 5-7-9. Baffle the Squirrels. Put a Slinky on the Bird Feeder Pole to Stop Squirrels. String Soda Bottles on a Wire. Try Caged Bird Feeders. Switch Up Your Seed. Pick the Proper Pole. Keep the Ground Clean Under Feeders.

What smells keep squirrels away from bird feeders?

Squirrels hate the smell of certain spices, such as garlic, onions, peppermint, cinnamon, lemongrass, and clove. You can use these to make sprays by mixing the ground spice with water, allowing it to cool, and putting the blend into a spray bottle. You can also use essential oils with these scents.

Will Vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeder?

The Center for Wildlife says there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders, however, Vaseline and other lubricants can harm the animals. “Please do not coat your bird feeders in Vaseline, oil, butter, or anything like that.

How do I stop squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole?

If the feeder is hung from a washing line, thread the line through a length of hosepipe or a plastic drinks bottle on each side. Use a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below a bird table to prevent squirrels climbing up it. Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.

What is the best squirrel deterrent?

Squirrel Repellents We Reviewed: DURANOM Ultrasonic Animal Repeller Outdoor. Tomcat Repellents Animal Repellent Granules. Rodent Sheriff Pest Control Ultra-Pure Peppermint Spray. Exterminator’s Choice Vehicle Protection Rodent Defense Spray.

Is there such a thing as a squirrel proof bird feeder?

The best overall squirrel-proof bird feeder is the Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Motorized Squirrel Proof Feeder (view at Amazon). The sleek design, seed capacity, and rechargeable battery-powered motor to send squirrels flying make it a winner for any backyard.

What do squirrels hate the most?

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, which they use food sources and shelter. You can repel squirrels using scents they hate such as, capsaicin, white vinegar, peppermint oil, coffee grounds, cinnamon, predator urine, garlic, dryer sheets, Irish Spring Soap, and rosemary.

What is a natural squirrel repellent?

Try sprinkling cayenne pepper, ground chili peppers, pepper flakes, and/or garlic pepper on and around your plants when they are ready to bloom. Birds can’t taste capsaicin, so add some cayenne pepper to those bird feeders to deter squirrels.

Will Irish Spring soap keep squirrels away?

Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden They chomp on flower bulbs and other leaves, dig up your favorite plants, and otherwise love to wreck your garden. Protect it by grating some Irish Spring soap around your plants. Squirrels can’t stand the smell of it and will stay away.

What can I put on my shepherd’s hook to keep squirrels away?

To keep squirrels off a shepherd’s hook pole, provide a physical barrier like a baffle or a slinky. These are the best ways to keep a squirrel off a bird feeder pole, much better than using grease or lubricant, which can be dangerous for wildlife. Squirrel-proof feeders are also a good option.

Does foil deter squirrels?

A layer of aluminum foil is all the squirrel repellent you need on potted plants. For whatever reason, they don’t like the stuff. As a backyard gardener, I had a problem this spring with varmints digging up my potted tomatoes and sweet peppers.

How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole Slinky?

Use a slinky You can buy a slinky in any store near you. Then, insert that in the bird feeder pole, attach it at the very top, and then just let it fall. When a squirrel attempts to climb up the bird feeder pole with a slinky, it will just be brought back down to the ground.

Is it OK to put cayenne pepper in bird seed?

Spice It Up! Fair enough. Guess what can? Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or a similar spice onto your birdseed before you put it out. Birds will eat the seed just fine, but squirrels will smell the heat and stay well clear. You’ll have to re-apply the spice frequently, however, or it’ll wash off or blow away.

Will cayenne pepper keep squirrels away from bird feeders?

Spicy Seed: Mammals, including squirrels, are sensitive to the perceived heat of pepper, but birds are not. Adding cayenne pepper or similar spices to birdseed can deter squirrels, but it can wash off and must be used consistently for the best effects.

How do you get rid of squirrels permanently?

16 Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels Sprinkle Cayenne Pepper. Don’t Feed Them. Set Up a Buffet. Mulch It. Use Netting or Fencing. Netting in Action. Be Dedicated. Spray Them.

Does vinegar deter squirrels?

Apple cider vinegar spray The pungent smell of pure apple cider vinegar repels the squirrels. ACV is readily available and can be sprayed directly on the plants and flower pots without harming them. Spray it as often as needed to keep the little creatures at bay.

Will wd40 keep squirrels away?

“A shot of WD-40 works just as well as Vicks to repel ants and to repel squirrels,” Lucy said.