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Troublesome Squirrels

EmmaC
09/01/2010 18:21

Hello, I am not new to birdwatching but I am new to this forum. I love feeding the birds in my garden but I have a very troublesome squirrel. As soon as I put food out ( such as dried mealworms, bird mix etc,) the squirrel pounces on it and the birds do not get a look in!! Has anyone got any simple tips on deterring this squirrel. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, EmmaCharles

  • 0 09/01/2010 18:54

    Hi EmmaC, welcome to the forum.

    Grey squirrels can be a problem in gardens and the wider countryside.

    This is the RSPB advice on what you can do to keep them out of your backyard?

    • Cones and baffles fixed on to the string of a hanging feeder plastic coke bottles, large domes and disks.
    • If feeder is hung from washing line, thread line through a length of hosepipe or a plastic coke bottle on each side.
    • Downward opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below the bird table to prevent squirrel climbing up it. Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.
    • Feeder with spring-loaded cover is on the market. Weight of the squirrel will lower the cover, preventing it access to the food.
    • Remember that all these methods will only work if the squirrel cannot jump directly onto the feeder, but will have to approach via the defended route.
    • Feeders with a cage around them are squirrel resistant, although not squirrel proof, and a small individual will be able to fit through.
    • Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (eg. Tabasco) can be dusted onto birdfood. Birds are not bothered by the chilli, but squirrels cannot put up with the burning sensation, and will leave the food alone.       

    Hope this helps Regards Buzzard

    Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way

  • 0 09/01/2010 18:57 in reply to Buzzard

    Not guilty m'lud!

    I give the squirrels their own food mix and they stay away from the bird food - however the wood pigeons are prone to snacking on the squirrel mix!

    The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.

    The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!

  • 0 09/01/2010 20:27

    Thank you Buzzard and Squirrel. I will try what you suggested. Hope it works!!

    EmmaC

  • 0 11/01/2010 02:11

    Hi Emma,

     I would also suggest that you to feed them too. I have 4 squirrels that come everyday. I love to see them as much as the birds. I also give them their own food. I too tried a sqirrel food mix but they wouldn't eat the pellets, (they can be fussy).  Now I give them black sunflower seeds and crushed peanuts. I put them out on the patio in piles. Sometimes I am rewarded to see all  4 of  them sat eating very close to the house and the garden full of birds at the same time. My teenage son says our garden looks like a scene from  Snow White.

  • Anonymous
    0 Anonymous 11/01/2010 02:26 in reply to Woodpecker

    Yes I recommend feeding the squirrels too.

  • 0 11/01/2010 03:05

    Thank you very much everyone for all your helpful advice. I will certainly give it a go and see what happens. Hopefully I will be able to find a solution!!