Feed Birds NOT Squirrels using Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

It happens without fail, just as soon as you have put fresh food in your bird feeder you look outside to see that you have an unwanted invader, somehow a squirrel has found a way to get his greedy little paws on the treats in your bird feeder. While some people think squirrels are cute, avid bird lovers know that they are not so cute when they are hanging off your bird feeder and stealing the food you have put out for your invited, feathered guests. Squirrels are truly the bird-lover's garden nemesis, but there are ways that you can deter them and make your yard a birds-only sanctuary again. Here are some tips to help you outsmart these fuzzy little invaders:


o Buy squirrel-proof feeders. This can be tricky, because many of the so-called squirrel-proof feeders on the market turn out to be a small challenge to a determined rodent. Ask at your local home improvement or garden center for recommendations for the most effective products. In general, bird feeders that spin tend to work well, with the added entertainment value of watching dizzy squirrels stagger across the yard wondering what just happened to them



o Make it slippery. A popular feeder type is the feeder hung from a bent metal "shepherd's hook." Many people believe that squirrels cannot climb such a small pole, but they are mistaken, squirrels can and will climb almost anything to get a meal. One way to deter them from your metal pole is to spray it with nonstick cooking spray. The squirrels won't be able to get a good grip, and will slide right back down to the ground.



o Baffle them. No, this doesn't mean that you amaze the squirrels with a magic trick, but rather that you install a baffle, or barrier around the feeder. Baffles can be made of metal, like roof flashing, or plastic, like a large, slippery kitchen bowl. You can also purchase a squirrel baffle from a hardware store.




o Make them walk the high wire. You can also suspend your bird feeder in the middle of a wire that connects from your home to a nearby tree or fence. String the wire with whatever round things you can find pieces of PVC pipe, old soda bottles, cans, etc. Squirrels will lose their footing before they ever make it to the bird feeder, again harmless to the squirrels, but amusing to anyone who watches them fly off the high wire.



o If you can't beat them… Ultimately squirrels are coming after your food because they are hungry. If nothing else works, consider installing a feeder just for the squirrels. If you stock it with tasty squirrel treats like peanuts and corn, they might just be full enough to leave your bird feeders alone.




By: www.yourbirdoasis.com