Squirrel proof bird feeder
It is late fall and I want to hang a couple bird feeders outside my bedroom window. I have mentioned this to several people. They all had the same response 'you'll never be able to keep the squirrels out!".
This perplexed me because my dad found a solution for this years ago. It's easy and inexpensive.
Ground Cayenne Pepper. Now don't freak out. It doesn't hurt the birds at all. They have no taste buds and while it causes some discomfort to the squirrels it passes quickly and leaves no lasting effects.
There are 2 ways to use the pepper.
First mix a tablespoon or two, depending on the size of your feeder, in with the seed before you fill the feeder. The fiery pepper will send the little squirrel scurrying for water but have no effect on the birds.
The second is to mix 1/2 cup cayenne pepper into a large jar of petroleum jelly and smear it onto the pole holding your feeder from top to bottom. This makes the pole hard to climb. It also causes a temporary but non-harmful discomfort that they will associate with your feeder.
One caution though. . .When using this method rubber gloves are the order of the day. If you forget the gloves you will find out why this works so well with the squirrels.
This perplexed me because my dad found a solution for this years ago. It's easy and inexpensive.
Ground Cayenne Pepper. Now don't freak out. It doesn't hurt the birds at all. They have no taste buds and while it causes some discomfort to the squirrels it passes quickly and leaves no lasting effects.
There are 2 ways to use the pepper.
First mix a tablespoon or two, depending on the size of your feeder, in with the seed before you fill the feeder. The fiery pepper will send the little squirrel scurrying for water but have no effect on the birds.
The second is to mix 1/2 cup cayenne pepper into a large jar of petroleum jelly and smear it onto the pole holding your feeder from top to bottom. This makes the pole hard to climb. It also causes a temporary but non-harmful discomfort that they will associate with your feeder.
One caution though. . .When using this method rubber gloves are the order of the day. If you forget the gloves you will find out why this works so well with the squirrels.
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