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Squirrels are attacking my sunflowers

IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
in Problem solving
They were growing so nicely, some with multiple heads but squirrels are climbing them, breaking them even before they’re ripe and taking whole seed heads away. I’m having to cut the heads as soon as they droop so the squirrels don’t break it. Will the seed heads still ripen as I’ve had to cut them before the back has gone yellow? I was hoping to try roasting some and save some for seeds and give some to the bunny over the winter.
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  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    I am afraid that  squirrels love sunflower seeds.  You could try getting some very hot chilli powder wet one of heads and smear the chilli on, ( wear gloves, and protect your eyes). Once the squirrels get a mouthful of hot chilli it might put them off. I use it on my bird seed as the birds aren't affected by chilli, in fact they like it. 
    AB Still learning

  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    I’ve never known squirrels to be as cheeky as they are this year. We’ve had to actually chase them away when we’ve spotted them, and these are the sunflowers nearest to the house. They got to the far ones first. 

    No chance of reaching the heads with chilly powder 😆, too high for me. Just wondering if seeds are still good if you have to cut them before the flowers have dried enough.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    No - they need to ripened enough on the plant to be viable. If they were near enough to that stage, you might get some. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    I’ll have to see if there’s a couple of mature seeds for planting and then eat the rest but I’m drying out the heads indoors now.

    Also noticed big fat pigeons nearby so no doubt they’re doing damage and coming for the seeds too. 
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Interesting about the chilli powder  @Allotment Boy . We have major problems with the squirrels on the bird feeders and often they break the wire to get at the food.
    Need to buy some chilli powder...or can I use some of fresh chillies?
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    If you have spare fresh dry chilli you could mix it with the seeds.  Never tried it myself.  The powder really works though.  I find once the squirrels have been put off , you can stop using it all the time,  but renew it every couple of months. 
    AB Still learning

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    @Allotment Boy Thank you but no dried chillies so today we have used some fresh red ones (we have loads, and I mean loads) and rubbed them on the outside of the feeders.
    Worth a try.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Update @Allotment Boy Watched a squirrel today and it didn't like the chillies on the outside of the feeders.
    Very interseting to watch.
    Birds have a 3rd eyelid whilst squirrels don't. Could this be why the birds are ok with the chillies but the squirrels aren't?
    We will keep an eye on the feeders.

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Great, people don't believe it works till they try it. I read a while back that in some of the southern US states they call some chillies bird peppers because the birds actually seek them out.  I'm not an expert on avian physiology by any means,   but it's very different to that of mammals so not only are  they are not adversely affected , they actually seem to like them. 
    AB Still learning

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Surrey grey squirrels ignored my whole and powdered chillies.  And you can't bluff to frighten them, you have to get up close before they run away.  And chasing away lasts 5 minutes.

    Shot gun?  Rat trap?

    We call them bushy-tailed rats.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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