Tenacious squirrels go to great lengths to feed
Q. We love to feed the birds in our backyard. However, squirrels are a problem. What can we do to eliminate them?
A. The short answer is, you cannot. Squirrels were introduced to urban areas in the mid-19th century in an effort to make parks more natural. To say they thrived is an understatement; they are ubiquitous, resourceful, hungry, determined and they reproduce quickly.
There are several approaches to minimize seed loss. First, make the bird food unappealing to the squirrels. This can be done by adding powdered hot pepper to the food or by switching to safflower seed. Be aware, however, that although squirrels do not favor safflower seed, they have been known to eat it readily if there is nothing else available.
The second approach is to limit physical access, which is very difficult. I have seen them chew through metal baffles and entire tree limbs to get feeders to fall down. Much depends upon whether you have a feeder on a post, or a hanging feeder.
For feeder poles, there are elongated metal baffles supported on springs that are very effective. Putting PVC pipe from a home improvement store around the feeder pole also works well, but can be intrusive. For hanging feeders, any baffle needs to be significantly larger than the feeder under it and curved so the squirrels slide off.
Nothing works if the feeders are within squirrel jumping range. A squirrel can jump 4 feet vertically and 9 feet horizontally. The point is, if your feeder is close to a tree, pole or building from where squirrels can leap, baffles are useless. The downside to proper placement will be your feeder is at least 10 feet from your house and will require boots to restock it in winter.
There are also "squirrel resistant" feeders. These have cages around the feeder, shutters closing down when heavier weight is sensed, and some that rotate when a squirrel jumps on them, throwing him off. The cages and shutters generally only slow squirrels down but do not keep them out. The squirrel tosser is effective, fun to watch, but not cheap.
To discourage animals from scavenging fallen bird food, you can buy "no waste" varieties. They are more expensive per bag, but as there is no waste, the cost is only slightly higher and they provide the benefit of not having hulls litter the ground. If you decide to purchase "critter food" (dried ears of corn, peanuts, etc.) and lure squirrels to a remote corner of your yard, be advised this will likely increase the number of furred visitors, and some towns do have ordinances restricting the feeding of squirrels.
For bird feeding novices, remember feeders should be cleaned and sanitized at least monthly.
A thorough cleaning solution of one part bleach to nine parts water will prevent the spread of disease to birds frequenting the feeder.
A source of fresh water is critical to birds and will attract them like a magnet. In winter, heated bird baths can provide a water source that will not freeze. Ensure the water supply is cleaned, as well.
Feeding wild birds is an admirable hobby providing not only food for migratory and year round avian friends, but also beautiful views out your window.
- Matt Steichmann
• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines. Call (847) 298-3502 or email northcookmg@gmail.com.