How Can I Squirt Proof My Bird Feeder?
Slinky springs and Capsaicin are just a few ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder. Another option is to spray the pole or poles with a poison. It won’t be effective if the squirrels escape and eat the glue or get stuck on the pole. These methods are effective, but they’re not foolproof. If you’re not sure how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, read on.
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Slinky springs
Slinky springs are a great way to squirrel proof your bird feeder. These toys work well with any pole, although some types of poles are more effective than others. Wooden and metal poles are easier for squirrels to climb than PVC or copper piping. If you want to make your feeder even more squirrel-proof, you can add grease to the pole. It also prevents squirrels from gripping it as easily.
Grease
If you are looking for a way to deter squirrels from using your bird feeder, one option is to use a slinky. While a slinky may seem like an ineffective deterrent, a squirrel can simply climb onto it and use it as a ladder to get to your bird feeder. It is possible to make your pole slippery by applying grease. This repellent is effective for a few days, but eventually it will lose its effectiveness.
Capsaicin
To squirrel-proof your bird feeder, you must use an effective deterrent. Using capsaicin does not hurt the birds, but it will send a “heated” message to rodents. It can also help the bird seed last longer. Just be sure to wear a mask when applying the cayenne pepper. Remember that squirrels may not be able to smell the spicy pepper on their own, so keep the area around your feeder clean.
Grease the pole
The best way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is to use a heavy-duty lubricant on the pole. You can also add layered tubing to the pole. Be sure to keep in mind that grease is toxic to wildlife, and it can also eat through the pole. Regardless of which method you use, you’ll need to reapply it after every rainstorm to keep squirrels out.
Spinners
If you want to attract more birds to your yard, you might want to learn how to squirrel proof a bird feeder. These creatures are messy eaters and will chuck unwanted seeds to the ground. This leaves food that opportunistic rodents can take advantage of. You can keep the area around your bird feeder cleaner by regularly sweeping and raking. The scent of Irish Spring soap is also known to repel rodents.
Small wire openings
Squirrels don’t share the food they gather, and often will stay on a feeder until the seed is gone. They will also damage your feeder, chewing or clawing through it. Once they have ruined your feeder, it’s not likely that you’ll ever use it again. Not only can squirrels be dangerous, but they’re also good predators that will scare off other birds and keep them from nesting in your yard.
Baffles
If you are thinking about using baffles to squirrel proof your bird feeder, you are not alone. Most people have had to replace bird feeders due to squirrels. The best solution is to keep the feeder up off the ground. There are several different types of baffles available. These can be installed on the feeder pole or on a shepherd’s hook. They have a black powder coating and are easy to clean. They weigh two pounds.
What is the best way to squirrel proof a bird feeder?
Answer: There are a few ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder.
One way is to put a feeder on a pole and surround the pole with a baffle.
Another way is to put a weight on the feeder so that it will close when a squirrel tries to climb on it.
Why do squirrels like bird seed?
Answer: Squirrels like bird seed because it is a good source of food for them.
How can squirrels damage a bird feeder?
Answer: Squirrels can damage a bird feeder by chewing on the metal parts or breaking the glass.
What kind of squirrel proof bird feeders are there?
Answer: Some squirrel proof bird feeders have a weight on them so that they close when a squirrel tries to climb on it.
Other squirrel proof bird feeders have a baffle around the pole so the squirrel can’t climb up to the feeder.
How can I keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?
Answer: One way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is to put a weight on the feeder so that it will close when a squirrel tries to climb on it.
Another way is to put a baffle around the pole so the squirrel can’t climb up to the feeder.
What will happen if a squirrel damages my bird feeder?
Answer: If a squirrel damages your bird feeder it may not work correctly and the bird seed may spill out.
How can I tell if a squirrel is damaging my bird feeder?
Answer: If you see a squirrel climbing on your bird feeder or chewing on the metal parts it is damaging your bird feeder.
How do I clean a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: To clean a squirrel proof bird feeder remove the bird seed and any debris from the feeder.
Wash the feeder with soap and water.
Dry the feeder completely before adding fresh bird seed.
What kind of bird seed should I use in a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: Some bird seeds are more attractive to squirrels than others.
To discourage squirrels use a bird seed that is high in fat such as sunflower seeds.
Will a squirrel proof bird feeder keep other animals away?
Answer: A squirrel proof bird feeder may also keep away other animals such as raccoons opossums and chipmunks.
How often should I clean a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: You should clean a squirrel proof bird feeder at least once a week.
What are the benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: Using a squirrel proof bird feeder can discourage squirrels from eating the bird seed and it can also keep the bird seed from spilling out.
Are there any drawbacks to using a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: Some squirrel proof bird feeders may be more expensive than regular bird feeders.
Where can I buy a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Answer: You can buy a squirrel proof bird feeder at a pet store a bird supply store or online.
What should I do if I can’t keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?
Answer: If you can’t keep squirrels away from your bird feeder you may need to stop using the feeder for a while.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.