What about Squirrels?

I respect the little guys. They manage to survive in cities and even ingratiate themselves with humans. But, enough is enough, already!

What are your favorite ways to prevent squirrels from eating all the bird seed? The ones in this forest look really healthy and vigorous, so I'd like to save most of it for the birds.

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Permalink Reply by Polly McDaniel on May 26, 2010 at 9:33am

My greater concern about squirrels is that they dig up your garden. My solution: a dog. My dog keeps the squirrels at bay. For the life of me, I cannot understand ANY gardener who feeds the squirrels. There are some supposedly squirrel-proof birdfeeders, probably pretty pricey. I wonder if there is a sound frequency they can't abide?

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Permalink Reply by Barbara on May 26, 2010 at 4:27pm

Ha! Last dog I had could put any squirrel to shame in the digging department.
There seems to be a slew of local cats, but they don't even try the squirrels.
Patience and a squirt bottle with ammonia might work. I don't know their learning capacity.
I'm about to lay down a thick layer of wood mulch and think that might create a deterrent.

My experience is that such a glut of squirrels comes from someone in the neighborhood feeding, usually peanuts.

Barbara