How Can I Stop Squirrels Eating Bird Food?

3. Trapping and Relocating Squirrels

Trapping and relocating squirrels is an effective way to get rid of them if they are causing problems in your yard. However, it is important to do this humanely and legally.

How to Trap Squirrels

There are a few different ways to trap squirrels. The most common method is to use a live trap. Live traps are humane and allow you to release the squirrels in a safe location away from your home.

To set a live trap, you will need to:

1. Choose a location where you have seen squirrels.
2. Place the trap in a spot where the squirrels will be likely to see it.
3. Bait the trap with something that squirrels like to eat, such as peanut butter or nuts.
4. Set the trap and check it regularly.

Once you have caught a squirrel, you will need to release it in a safe location. It is important to release the squirrel at least 5 miles away from your home so that it does not return.

How to Relocate Squirrels

When relocating a squirrel, it is important to:

1. Release the squirrel at a time when it is not likely to be active, such as early in the morning or late at night.
2. Release the squirrel in a wooded area with plenty of food and shelter.
3. Avoid releasing the squirrel near homes or businesses.

Legalities of Trapping and Relocating Squirrels

It is important to check the local laws before trapping and relocating squirrels. In some areas, it is illegal to trap squirrels without a permit. You may also need to obtain a permit to release squirrels in a particular area.

4. Other Solutions

If you do not want to trap and relocate squirrels, there are a few other solutions you can try.

Scare Tactics

Squirrels are afraid of predators, so you can try using scare tactics to deter them from your yard. Some common scare tactics include:

• Hanging shiny objects from trees
• Placing owl decoys in your yard
• Playing recordings of predator sounds

Natural Deterrents

There are a number of natural deterrents that you can use to keep squirrels away from your yard. Some common natural deterrents include:

• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic
• Peppermint oil
• Hot pepper sauce

DIY Solutions

You can also make your own DIY solutions to keep squirrels away from your yard. Some common DIY solutions include:

• Building a squirrel proof bird feeder
• Covering your bird feeders with hardware cloth
• Installing a squirrel baffle on your birdhouse

Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are a number of ways to get rid of them. Trapping and relocating is an effective way to get rid of squirrels, but it is important to do this humanely and legally. If you do not want to trap and relocate squirrels, there are a number of other solutions you can try, such as scare tactics, natural deterrents, and DIY solutions.

Squirrels can be a nuisance for bird lovers, as they can quickly eat all of the food that is meant for the birds. There are a number of ways to deter squirrels from eating bird food, including using deterrents, such as cayenne pepper or chili powder, covering the feeders, and installing a squirrel-proof bird feeder. By following these tips, you can help to keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders and ensure that the birds have plenty of food to eat.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders because they provide a source of food.
• There are a number of ways to deter squirrels from eating bird food, including using deterrents, covering the feeders, and installing a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
• By following these tips, you can help to keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders and ensure that the birds have plenty of food to eat.