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What can you put in bird seed to keep squirrels away?
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. When handling pepper, wear gloves and avoid breathing in the dust. Some retailers have pre-treated seed and suet available with even hotter pepper components.
How do I stop squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole?
Put a Slinky on the Bird Feeder Pole to Stop Squirrels If you’d like to have a little more fun with your squirrels, try a turning a toy Slinky into a baffle. Thread the post through the Slinky and attach one end under the feeder, allowing it to drape down the post. Shorten it if the Slinky touches the ground.
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.
Does cayenne pepper keep squirrels away from bird seed?
Spice It Up! 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.
How much cayenne pepper do you put in bird seed to keep squirrels away?
Most online recipes for pepper in bird seed suggest about 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper per pound of seed.
What is a good squirrel repellent?
NATURAL SQUIRREL REPELLENT IDEAS Hot pepper plants. Cayenne pepper on the leaves of plants. Peppermint essential oil on cotton balls in the garden. Garlic and vinegar spray (hard surfaces) Apple cider vinegar spray (hard surfaces) Motion detector lights. Large statues in the garden. High Frequency sound machines.
Does aluminum 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 you keep squirrels away naturally?
Strong smells are a great way to repel squirrels – certain odors make squirrels wrinkle their noses. They’re said to dislike the scent of coffee grounds and peppermint, or you could make up your own recipe with vinegar, garlic and onions or peppermint oil to spray in the garden.
Is there really 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.
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.
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.
Can you adding red pepper flakes to bird seed?
Sprinkle ground cayenne or dried red pepper flakes onto birdseed and mix it into the seeds. If the wind is strong enough, however, it can blow the ground pepper away from the feeder.
Does Irish Spring soap deter squirrels?
Grated Irish Spring soap Grate a bar of original scent Irish Spring soap and put the shavings inside a piece of pantyhose that is knotted at both ends. Tie it close to your bird feeder (under a squirrel baffle to help keep it dry) and those fuzzy cuties won’t come near your feeder.
How much cayenne pepper should I add to bird seed?
Measure the 3 tablespoons of cayenne powder. Add it to the bird seed mix in the bowl or bucket. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the cayenne pepper, seeds and cracked corn are well-mixed. It’s important to make sure that the cayenne pepper is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Does chili powder keep squirrels away?
Yes, chilli powder can deter squirrels as they dislike strong odours. Spicy smells such as chilli or black pepper can work as effective squirrel deterrents.
Can birds smell cayenne pepper?
Anyone who has used cayenne pepper in birdseed to discourage squirrels knows that birds will eat the seeds without hesitation. Because birds don’t detect the strong scent and taste of the pepper.
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.
Does cinnamon keep squirrels away?
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.
Do squirrels like coffee grounds?
Coffee Grounds While you might find the scent of coffee delicious, squirrels don’t. Just sprinkle some fresh grounds on the soil surrounding the plants to keep squirrels away. Every two weeks, add a new layer of grounds. You may need to refresh the grounds more often if it has rained a lot.
