Squirrel Proof Your Birdfeeder

Jul 13, 2012 | Wildlife

The southeast is home to an assortment of alluring birds. What better method to admire them than hanging their favorite treats around your humble abode. Your backyard birds adore it when you keep hanging up birdseed for them. Your backyard squirrels adore it even more.

Watching your bird seed being devoured by a squirrel can be very disheartening. Squirrels are attracted to the most commonplace varieties of birdseed including black oil sunflower seeds, nuts, and suet. In the process of feasting upon your sweet bird’s food, squirrels frighten and chase away your feathered friends. They can also wreck and ruin your feeder. To top it all off, squirrels can be predators and have been known to eat eggs and kill baby birds.

Here are some techniques to make your birdfeeder less attainable to squirrels but still captivating to your avian amigos:

• Location, location, location: Place feeders as far away from trees and other launching points that would benefit a squirrel.
• Cleanliness: Squirrels are attracted to debris and spilled seed, so keep the bird’s feeding area tidy.
• Seed: Squirrels are less attracted to nyger and safflower seed so keep those handy.
• Some don’t like it hot: Adding cayenne pepper or similar spices to birdseed can deter squirrels. Luckily, birds are not sensitive to the heat of the peppers.  Make sure you wear gloves and avoid breathing in the dust when handling peppers!
• Northwest Exterminating Wildlife Control: If your squirrel problem is just too much too handle, give us a call at 888-466-7849!

Happy Birdfeeding!

What kind of birds are you seeing around your house right now?

Cara Carver
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