5 ways to protect your birdfeeder from squirrels

The following guest post is from Stan Horst (at left, with wife, Deb). In addition to writing gardening articles, he publishes the garden bench review site, BetterBenches.com.

5 Ways to Keep Squirrels Away From Your Birdfeeder

By Stan Horst

You just filled You just filled your birdfeeder with fresh seed and are getting settled to watch and see who the first visitor will be. Low and behold, it?s a squirrel! That cute bushy tailed tree rat is hanging by his hind legs eating the bird food.

What can you do? Here are a few suggestions to keep the squirrels away.

Position the bird feeder away from harm

Even though you want a close view of the birds, do not place your lawn furniture or benches too close to the feeder. Squirrels will use them as a launching point to pounce on your feeders. Place your bird feeder at least eight feet from any trees, posts or buildings they can jump from. A good height from the ground is at least 6 feet. Experiment with areas of your yard; remember you want to enjoy the colors and songs of your feathered guests. A shepherd's hook is a great way to hang a bird feeder in a garden away from the trees. They come in several heights – check out your local garden center.

Install squirrel guards

There are many types of bird feeders equipped with guards to help deter the squirrels. Some bird feeders are equipped with a cage around it so the birds can still eat, but the squirrels cannot reach the food. You can also purchase baffles or domes to attach to your feeders. Pie tins and plastic bottles can be recycled into collars to protect the seed from predators. Watch the squirrels to see how they are getting to the feeder. If they are jumping from a tree branch, attach a pie tin to the rope or chain just above the feeder. When the squirrel jumps on it he will spin and slide off. If this does not discourage him, re-hang your feeder using a strong monofilament line. A strong fishing line is slippery and the squirrel will have a hard time hanging on.

Choose seeds unappealing to the squirrel

Squirrels' diets consist primarily of nuts and seeds. You might see them gnawing on a twig or branch to sharpen and file their teeth. Songbirds love corn, peanuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Unfortunately, so do the squirrels. You might consider attracting finches and other small songbirds with seeds the squirrels are not as fond of, like safflower and millet seeds.

Store all seeds in sealed containers to prevent the chance of a squirrel finding the mother load?. A weatherproof deck storage bench will give you an extra seat to enjoy the birds, and is a great way to keep the seeds handy without taking up valuable space in the home.

What other bird lovers have done

To prevent the squirrels from climbing up a pole mounted feeder, try greasing the pole with oil. Mix a bit of cayenne pepper in the oil for an added deterrent.

Crinkle tin foil and attach to the bird feeder. The squirrel will be frightened by the noise made when their feet land on the feeder. However, the birds are so light and airy they will not be distracted by the foil.

Hanging mothballs in nylon stockings around the bird feeders has been known to keep the squirrels away.

For pole mounted bird feeders, try using PVC pipe, it is slippery and the pesky rodents have a hard time climbing up to get the seed.

If all else fails

Make friends with the squirrels. Give them their own territory, install a squirrel feeder and fill it with corn and nuts. Be sure to mount it so it is away from the bird feeders, but still accessible for the squirrels. If you have a large yard, you might consider planting a nut bearing tree they can call home.

Squirrels have been known to cause damage to homes and businesses. Watch them carefully to prevent chewed wires or nesting in attics.

It is possible to have peace and harmony in your backyard nature area. Watch, observe and enjoy.