How To Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Bird feeding and bird watching are popular activities. Many people take great pride in having a garden of their own and birds are welcome guests that bring liveliness to our sometimes soulless urban landscapes. But of course in our pursuit to attract our feathered friends, along follow the garden pests. Specifically wild squirrels which necessitates having squirrel proof bird feeders.
An essential part of any garden is of course a beautiful bird feeder. We go out and purchase a unique bird feeder, place it lovingly in what we think is the perfect spot for our avian friends, only to have the feed regularly stolen. My personal experience is typical, I picked out a beautiful birdfeeder, placed it on an elegant garden pole, only to see it emptied out of feed on almost a daily basis. If you’re not prepared to spend money buying feed by the truck or buying a real squirrel proof bird feeder, then here are some tips on making your current bird feeder less accessible or attractive to wild squirrels.
- Get a dog. Most dogs have a hatred for squirrels being on their turf and will guard your birdfeeder as if their life depended on it. Of course this is only effective while Fido is outside, when he comes indoors you can bet there’s a squirrel waiting to make its mad dash for the food stash. (Not to mention that some dogs will do more damage to your garden that a squirrel ever would.)
- Place your birdfeeder at least 10 feet away from any wall, fence, wire or tree limb. Remember squirrels excel at climbing and jumping. Unfortunately most people don’t want their bird feeder centered in the middle of their garden. Ideally most prefer it placed where it can be viewed from a window.
- Change your bird feed to something less appealing to squirrels. Safflower seeds are an alternative, but using this seed may result in less birds also being attracted to your garden.
- Don’t tempt them into your yard. Remember squirrels have a keen sense of smell so make sure you keep all your garbage secured in a covered bin. Also don’t casually leave out cat or dog food; this is just an open invitation for squirrels to consider your garden the place to be.
- If you can’tt beat ‘em, join in. Purchase a squirrel feeder specifically for them. If you make available a favorite treat in an easy to use squirrel feeder they just might forgo the more challenging bird feeder, or maybe not. A platform squirrel feeder with a roof covering may be the best option. Just remember to place the squirrel feeder as far from the bird feeder as possible. For squirrel feed try using corn, peanuts or sunflower seeds.
- Grease the support pole that holds the bird feeder. Try rubbing petroleum jelly, Vaseline or WD-40 so that wild squirrels have a harder time climbing up the pole. This technique may loose it’s effectiveness in winter and after a rainfall. This makes it again not the ideal solution in our quest for squirrel proof bird feeders.
If these options don’t outwit your wild squirrel problems, continue on to Part 2 of this squirrel proof bird feeders guide for more tips and ideas.
One Response-
Julia Rosien Says:
Thanks for submitting a great article to the March 2008 Mom’s Blogging Carnival. You can see your story and all the others at:
http://www.gogirlfriend.com/reviews/moms-blogging-carnival-2-7760