Squirrels can be a real nuisance when it comes to bird feeders. Their agility and intelligence make it easy for them to access feeders and devour the bird seed inside. While squirrels are interesting creatures in their own right, most people would prefer to discourage them from eating all the bird food intended for feathered friends.
The good news is, there are some simple strategies you can use to make your bird seed less appetizing to squirrels. With a few adjustments, you can discourage squirrels and enjoy watching the birds eat to their heart’s content.
Use Feeders Designed to Exclude Squirrels
One of the easiest ways to stop squirrels from eating bird seed is to use specialty bird feeders designed to exclude squirrels. There are a few different styles that can accomplish this:
- Feeders with weight sensitive perches – Squirrels are heavier than birds, so their weight triggers the closing of access to the seed.
- Feeders with cage or mesh surrounds – Small birds can reach the seed through the gaps, but squirrels cannot physically fit inside the cage or mesh.
- Feeders with small access ports – Ports are sized to only allow small birds to pass through.
- Feeders on poles or stands – Locate feeders far enough from trees, fences and other structures so squirrels cannot jump or climb to access them.
These styles of bird feeders use both physical barriers and gravity to prevent squirrels from reaching the seed. When situated properly, they can be very effective. Just be sure to purchase feeders made of chew-proof materials, as squirrels will still try to get through them.
Use Safflower Seed
Another strategy is to change the actual type of bird seed you use. While squirrels will eat pretty much any type of bird seed, there are some varieties they like less than others.
One of the best options for deterring squirrels is to use safflower seed. Safflower seed has a thick shell that is difficult for squirrels to open. Birds like cardinals, finches and chickadees can crack it open without issue using their beaks. But squirrels will often give up on a feeder full of safflower seed because it’s too time consuming compared to easier to access foods.
Just be aware that not all birds like safflower seed. Make sure to check on the seed preferences of birds in your yard before switching completely to safflower.
Use Hot Pepper Coated Seed
If you don’t want to give up traditional mixed bird seeds, another deterrent option is to coat seeds with hot pepper spice. Birds cannot taste capsaicin, the chemical that gives hot peppers their spicy kick. However, squirrels can and dislike it.
There are commercial bird seed mixes available that are pre-coated with pepper. You can also make your own by coating your existing bird seed mix with hot sauce or ground chili peppers. Re-coat periodically to replace any spice that washes off.
One caveat is that not all squirrels may be deterred by pepper spice. Some actually seem to enjoy and become accustomed to it. So results may vary.
Use Other Unappealing Seed Fillers
There are some other things you can add to standard bird seed mixes to make the overall mix less palatable to squirrels:
- Unsalted peanuts in the shell – Birds can still get the peanuts out, but squirrels will have trouble.
- Milo seed – Not a favorite of squirrels.
- Flax seed – Squirrels don’t seem to care for it.
- Nyjer seed – Tiny and too difficult for squirrels to bother with.
Experiment by adding some percentage of these ingredients to create a custom seed mix. Monitoring which combinations and ratios seem to deter squirrels best over time.
Use Squirrel Repellents
There are also various commercial squirrel repellent products available. These usually contain combinations of odor and taste deterrents, like:
- Predator urine
- Hot pepper oil
- Garlic oil
- Bitrex (extremely bitter substance)
You can look for bird seed that has been pre-treated with repellents. Or buy repellent sprays and powders to apply yourself to normal bird food. Be aware you may need to reapply frequently.
Block Ground Access
While the above tips focus mainly on stopping squirrels from accessing feeders, also keep in mind they can eat fallen seed on the ground under feeders. Installing a squirrel guard or baffle above the feeder can prevent them from climbing up. And placing feeders in an open area away from poles, trees and fencing helps limit access.
You can also try putting down a layer of obstructive material below and around the feeder. Crushed eggshells, pine cones, large gravel, or sharp prickly things like wire mesh, flea treatment pellets, or chicken wire. Anything uncomfortable or challenging for squirrels to walk over. Just be sure it won’t also deter birds from getting to any fallen seed.
Use Multiple Strategies
When it comes to outsmarting squirrels, the most success usually comes from using multiple deterrent strategies together. For example:
- Specialty squirrel-excluding feeder + safflower seed
- Feeder with obstructed ground access + hot pepper coated seed mix
The more “obstacles” you can build into your setup, the harder it will be for squirrels to get to the seed. And be prepared to tweak and experiment over time. Squirrels are clever and will eventually try to find ways around single deterrents. So keep adapting as needed.
Be Patient and Consistent
It’s important to be patient and consistent when trying to deter squirrels. They are extremely motivated by bird seed and will try hard to reach it. It can take days or weeks of shooing them away and denying access before they finally give up and look elsewhere. But don’t get discouraged. With commitment to an integrated pest deterrent plan, you can eventually train squirrels to leave your bird feeders alone.
When All Else Fails, Separate Feeding Stations
In cases where squirrels simply can’t be deterred from bird feeders, another solution is to set up separate feeding stations – one specifically for squirrels, one specifically for birds.
Place the squirrel feeder at a distance from where the bird feeder is. Put down an ear of corn, nuts in the shell, or other foods enjoyed by squirrels. This gives them an alternative food source away from the bird seed.
For the bird feeding station, choose a setup and seed intentionally designed to exclude or deter squirrels as outlined above. With separate designated feeding zones, you can more easily monitor activity and fine tune what works best for each species in your yard.
Conclusion
Outsmarting resourceful squirrels takes patience and commitment to finding the right seed and feeder combinations. But with strategic planning and consistency, you can deter squirrels and make sure your bird buffet is safe. Pay attention to what seems to work and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a solution that fits your unique yard dynamics.
