Wintertime is not the best time for admiring nature’s wildlife, as most are snuggled and hidden away in their winter dens. But birds are a beautiful and abundant species that remain active yearlong, leading many of us to install bird houses and bird feeders in our yards. Too bad squirrels and chipmunks are not always a part of that hibernating crowd, because they are notorious for pillaging bird feeders all winter long!
If nuisance squirrels and chipmunks are hindering your bird watching pleasure this season, continue reading to learn the top 3 best ways to protect bird seed feeders from these winter thieves!
How to Safely Stop Squirrels and Chipmunks From Stealing Bird Food
☑ Install a Squirrel Dome
A squirrel dome is an attachment that you can put below or above a bird feeder. They can be found at supermarkets, home stores, and online. For bird houses that hang from something above, the dome is placed above the bird feeder. When it’s in place, the squirrel cannot gain traction long enough to climb under the dome and get to the seed. If you have bird houses that are hung from a shorter pole that stakes into the ground, the dome should be placed under the feeder. This way, when squirrels try to climb the staked pole, they can only reach the inside of the dome, and cannot get above it to the bird feeder. A squirrel dome is an inexpensive and immediate solution to conserving your bird feed.
☑ Make Your Own Repellent Spray
There is a product on the market that can be found at home stores, grocery stores, department stores, and pet stores called squirrel repellent spray. It comes in a simple and easy to use spray bottle and is inexpensive to purchase. Although the word “repellent” may seem harsh, it is actually 100% safe for the squirrels and birds. The directions say to spray the solution all over the bird house itself, as well as the bird seed. The birds do not mind the spray one bit, but the squirrels do not like the taste at all. This deters them from wanting the bird seed in the first place. If it doesn’t taste good, they won’t pursue it!
☑ Install a Squirrel Feeder
A friendlier approach would be to just give the squirrels their own food. This option is most helpful for homeowners with large populations of squirrels living near their property. There are squirrel toys on the market, such as picnic table-shaped squirrel feeders and spinning wheels that entertain families of all ages. Purchasing unshelled peanuts and placing them on the opposite side of the yard from the bird feeders can greatly reduce the amount of bird seed you go through.
Nashville, TN Squirrel and Chipmunk Control Services
Call Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for safe and humane Nashville, Tennessee wildlife removal and control services for nuisance squirrels and chipmunks. Our TWRA licensed and insured wildlife control specialists have more than 30 years of experience, and serve all of Middle Tennessee and the Greater Nashville areas, including Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Nolensville, and Thompson’s Station. Our Nashville critter ridder specialists serve both residential and commercial clients, and also offer several complimentary amenities, including free phone quotes, estimates, advice, and referrals.
