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How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Bird Feeders

What will keep squirrels away from bird feeder?

Suspend your feeders on a wire strung from one pole to another, at least 5 feet from the ground. To prevent squirrels from doing a tight-rope walking trick, string plastic liter-size soda bottles onto the wire on both sides of the feeders. The plastic bottles roll the squirrels right off as they approach.

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.

What will keep squirrels away but not birds?

Spice it up: Pepper is a natural squirrel deterrent. Apply a pepper-based repellent product, such as Critter Ridder® spray, directly to your feeders to keep them away from your offerings. Squirrels hate the taste and smell, but birds don’t notice it.

What smells deter squirrels?

Tangy and sweet smells can help deter squirrels, as they aren’t fond of these. Scents of white pepper and garlic powder are also used to repel squirrels. Rodents are also repulsed by the scent of pepper. Spray growing crops with water and put on some pepper seasoning to keep squirrels from knocking them down.

How do I keep squirrels off my bird feeder Slinky?

A Slinky is another quick and inexpensive solution to stopping the squirrel menace. All it requires is attaching the Slinky to the top of the bird feeder pole and letting it hang down to the ground. When squirrels try to jump on the pole or climb it, the Slinky simply dumps them back 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.

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.

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.

What is a deterrent for squirrels?

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.

Does cayenne pepper hurt birds?

Hot stuff: The active ingredient in hot peppers, capsaicin, can be found as an additive in some birdseed. Birds don’t react to capsaicin the way mammals do so it does them no harm.

How do I keep squirrels off my shepherds hook?

The best way to keep squirrels and raccoons off feeders is to use a pole or shepherds hook with pole baffles installed or hanging baffles installed above the feeder. We DO NOT recommend adding grease, oil or petroleum jelly to a pole or hanger to make it too slippery for squirrels and raccoons to climb.

Does 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.

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.

What is the best way to get rid of squirrels?

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.

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.

How do you keep squirrels from climbing up a bird feeder pole?

Try the following tricks to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.Stop those agile squirrels from climbing the pole and stealing the invaluable bird seeds. Mount a Squirrel Baffle. Attach a Slinky. Get a Squirrel Spinner. Follow the 5-7-9 Rule. Mix Seeds with Cayenne Pepper. Provide Birds with Safflower Seeds.