Squirrels getting the best of you?

Squirrels rule, people drool. This came to mind when I had my Naturally Unique Emporium store set up at a festival. I was offering several different types of bird feeders, from wall mount, to hanging and pole mounting. Every person who was interested said they couldn't stop the squirrels from getting into their feeders and eventually they just gave up and feed the squirrels too. Squirrels have to eat too, however, with perseverance, you can prevent squirrels from accessing feeders so birds can benefit from the majority of feed you put out. The squirrels will adjust and eat the feed that lands on the ground.

Here are some interesting facts about squirrels:

-squirrels are acrobatic, intelligent, persistent and adaptable

-squirrels can rotate their feet 180 degrees

-squirrels can leap up to 8 feet

Here are some tips for slowing squirrels from eating all your bird seed:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Use cylindrical baffles such as the "torpedo" baffle I offer. They should be 6" in diameter, 18" long, and 5' off the ground on a pole. Place it in an open area at least 8' away from any vertical surface or branch and, viola, birds only!

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Use tilting baffles such as the plastic squirrel and wrap around baffle also offered on my website. They should be at least 14" wide and be suspended over the feeder at least 3-4' down from the branch, and 8' away from a vertical surface. This is what I have in my yard and it works!

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Use weight-activated bird feeders. They drop down and close off the grub when a squirrel steps on the perch.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Lastly, use a feeder with a wire cage.

I have also had success with spraying a post, housing a feeder, with Pam. Unfortunately, the Pam has to be reapplied every 3-4 days.

I have found you either love or hate squirrels. While I find them quite adorable, I am the later as they tear up my yard when acorns are prevalent and then again when they go to find those buried acorns. At times, I have walked outside to find up to 20 squirrels in my side yard alone, digging away.

I have also found that most people don’t have the perseverance to play with feeder and baffle placement to figure out the “sweet zone” where squirrels can no longer invade a feeder. Take on the challenge and conquer folks!

Fortunate for me, nature has intervened in my yard as a hawk has taken up daily presence. It’s a beautiful creature doing what nature does and is giving me a break from squirrel aggravation! Gotta love nature!