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Squirrel Free |
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Ah look how cute!
Squirrels are cute in there own way. Don't get me wrong, there fine in there own place and not my bird feeders!
I hope this article will give you some pointers on keeping squirrels at bay in your yard. Remember these little rascals don't just enjoy bird seed, but they enjoy your flower bulbs and other item also. If the population gets out of hand damage may even occur to your home. Heck if I have the opportunity to live in an attic instead of a tree I might just take it!
I have been very lucky with the squirrel’s not invading feeders at my home for quit awhile. I live in the country and have woods around me so we do have a variety of squirrels. But I feel you must say one step ahead of them at all times. They want what they want & will find ways to get it! Don't under estimate them because they are tricky! But you can be trickier!
I place my feeders on shepherd’s hooks. This has been lucky for me in the battle against these fluffy tailed critters. You can find them at any garden center; I like the sturdy cast iron ones. Be sure to place the hooks far enough away from trees, fences or other items that could act as a launch pad to a FREE FEAST of your bird seed! Squirrels will climb, jump & swing from items to get to a bird feeder so feeder placement is very important to keep them out. A good rule of thumb is to place the pole or hook in an open area, at least 5' off the ground. Keep in mind squirrels can jump as far as 6'! Don't go too far out because your birds need the comfort of tree to tuck into.
If that don't change their plan of attack, try greasing up the pole with a non chemical product like vegetable shortening. When he attempts to climb the pole he will slide to the bottom. He wants that seed so this is challenging to him and he will repeat the attempts. Very entertaining and humorous for us bird watches and not harmful to them.
You can also purchase a "baffle" or make one from recycling materials form around your home. The baffle is a cone-like object that is fastened to the feeder pole, usually beneath the bird feeder. This will prevent them from reaching the feeder and emptying it of seed. A baffle should be at least an 18" diameter so they can't sneak around it a go up the pole.
Other ideas would be a 6" diameter PVC or stovepipe pipe at least 18" long on the pole. Their little arms can't reach around the pole to start their climb upwards and if they do, the hike will be too much for the spread of the arms & paws! These pipes can also be greased.
Now keep out of my flower beds! Over the years I've heard of many concoctions to keep squirrels away. I've always had a dog in the yard so I tried to avoid using them. Pepper of all type seems to be the main ingredient and is a natural product. People even mix it into the bird seed, it won't hurt the birds but could get in squirrels eyes & cause misery. The scratching of they're eyes could blindness.
My friend has used this mixture with good results:
Fill a saucepan ½ to ¾ with water & start warming.
Peel and chop a large onion, and 2 jalapeno peppers. Add 1 tbsp. of Paprika & 1 tbsp. of Cayenne Pepper
Place all ingredients in the pan stir & bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for 15 - 20 minutes.
When cooled, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a metal strainer.
Fill a spray bottle with the liquid and start to spray all over your plants. This will need to be applied more often if rainy weather.
Now if all this sounds like too much to enjoy the simple pleasure of birds there's one other solution. If you can't beat em'... join em'! That's right FEED the SQUIRRELS! If you provide a feeding area for the squirrels they will more then likely leave your bird feeders alone. Locate the feeders far from bird feeders to avoid crossing over. Research has shown that squirrels are very territorial. When you feed them away for your bird feeders continuously they will mark that are as their own. This will also prevent other squirrels from entering. Keep them feed & they'll be happy!
As a final note, please don't be cruel or harmful to the fuzzy dudes!
• Don't use poisons or traps that will kill them or even your pets.
• Don't use sticky stuff that will soil their fur or birds feathers. They can't shower it off like we could!
• Don't us electrical current to shock them.
I hope this will help in your battle!
Please visit www.ChimesAndBirds.net for more yard products. Or visit
http://ChimesAndBirds.blogspot.com for more tips.
Enjoy Your Yard!
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