How to control Squirrels- what really works

by Dave Molinaro

First, feed them.  

Feeding is the easiest way to prevent squirrels.  Scatter shelled or cob field corn on the ground near the trees or bird feeder, or place it on a shallow feeding platform.  Squirrels are fond of sunflower seeds and nuts.  In backyards where squirrels are causing problems at bird feeders; consider providing an alternative food source.  Either wire or nail an ear of corn to a tree or fence post away from where the squirrels are causing the problem.  See http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9455.  

Factoid: Why so many nests? or The Old Man Gets Booted Out!  Each pair of squirrels needs at least two dens; three are ideal.  The pair will often live in one den until the female gives birth.  At this time, the male is evicted from the den and will use an additional nest or den tree.  The young also require dens; and if none are available, they will either migrate or be eliminated by predators. 

Second, repel them.  The best repellent is one containing Thiram, a taste repellent that can be applied to seeds and bulbs.  It can also be applied to flowers, trees, shrubs, fences, siding and outdoor furniture.  A fungicide, Thiram is available in all states.  Check your local garden center.  It is typically combined with white latex paint and applied to the base of small trees and shrubs.   

Polybutenes are sticky materials that can be applied to buildings, railings, downspouts, and other areas to deter squirrels from climbing.  They work by sticking to the squirrels’ feet, which frustrates the animals and causes them to avoid the area.  Because polybutenes can be messy, a pre-application of masking tape is recommended. 

Squirrel Away™ is a deterrent that can be used to help keep squirrels from eating bird seed.  It is a highly concentrated capsaicin, derived from hot pepper plants.  This product is a bird seed supplement and can be an effective deterrent to squirrel activity at your bird feeder.  Be sure to follow all label directions when using this or any other chemical repellent.  See http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9455. 

Third, obstruct them by blocking them with baffles.  One way to keep squirrels out of your feeder is to top it with a large plastic dome called a baffle.  The idea is simple: The squirrel tries to climb onto the feeder and encounters the baffle, which blocks her access.  When she tries to push her way past the bafflers, they rotate, often dumping the would-be diner onto the ground along with some seed.  (As unbelievable as it may seem, some squirrels figure out that they can just launch themselves at the dome, bounce off, and eat the seeds that are spilled on the ground.) 

You can create a homemade system by suspending the feeder from a horizontal wire equipped with baffles that block squirrels from scampering from the wire to the feeder.  

Here’s how: 

1. Attach each end of the wire to trees, posts, or any convenient structure.

2. Find (clean) empty soda bottles (one liter or more).

3. Puncture a hole in the bottom of each bottle.

4. Slide three or four of them on to the wire on each side of the feeder.

5. See http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/squirrels/  

 6.   Lastly, modify the menu; i.e., fill your feeder with foods that squirrels won’t want: 

• Safflower seed (attracts species such as cardinals, chickadees, and titmice)

• Nyjer thistle (nourishes goldfinches and others of their kind)

• A birdseed mixture that includes a large amount of white proso millet seed (satisfies the hunger of mourning doves and house finches)

• See http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/squirrels/.  

If you do visit the Humane Society site, do take time to check out the video on squirrel control.  Sweet dreams!