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Squirrels running riot

Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
in Problem solving
Is there anything we can put around our tree bases, other than metal, to 
deter tenacious squirrels getting up to constantly empty the bird feeders?

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    We find squirrel proof bird feeders work. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    a steady hand and an air rifle.? Just a thought.
    Devon.
  • Bobby SprayBobby Spray Posts: 21
    Buy yourself a fenn trap and learn he laws on how to use it. pretty simple and very effective.
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    My aunt has one that shuts down when there is too much weight on the feeder, that has proven fairly squirrel proof.  They still hang out and eat up the scraps from the ground.. but better them than rats.  :#
    Something like this one: http://www.birdfeedersspot.com/bird-feeders-reviews/squirrel-buster-wild-bird-feeder.html

    Utah, USA.
  • The_herpetologistThe_herpetologist Posts: 481
    edited May 2018
    You could always make your own squirrelproof bird feeder like I did....

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    West Yorks certainly has some funny looking birds.
    Utah, USA.
  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923
    the hottest chili powder you can find mixed in with the seeds, birds are totally unaffected, but squirrels take one bite and don't come back
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Blue Onion is right. The squirrel proof feeders with the drop down metal shutters (triggered by the squirrel's weight) are the only ones that work for us - expensive but worth it. They are also very easy to clean which is a bonus. A company called "homegar" sell them online. You do have to make sure that there are no branches within a squirrels reach of the bird feeder though.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Design BodDesign Bod Posts: 58
    edited May 2018
    Thanks All. I think squirrel-proof feeders are the way to go. Have ordered a couple of 'Squirrel Busters' which hopefully will do the trick!
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