Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, but there are certain types of bird food that they tend to avoid. By understanding what squirrels don’t like, you can protect your bird feeders and keep your feathered friends happy.
Common Bird Foods That Squirrels Dislike
1. Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are a popular choice for bird feeders because they are rich in oil and nutrients. However, squirrels find the bitter taste of safflower seeds unappealing.
2. Nyjer Seeds
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are another type of bird food that squirrels dislike. These tiny, black seeds are high in oil and can be difficult for squirrels to digest.
3. Hot Pepper Seeds
Hot pepper seeds contain capsaicin, a compound that is irritating to squirrels. Adding hot pepper seeds to your bird food can deter squirrels from visiting your feeders.
4. Dried Corn
While squirrels love fresh corn, they are not as fond of dried corn. The hard, dry texture of dried corn makes it difficult for squirrels to chew and digest.
5. Whole Peanuts
Squirrels love peanuts, but they prefer them in the shell. Whole peanuts in the shell are difficult for squirrels to crack open, so they are less likely to bother with them.
Tips for Keeping Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders
In addition to using bird foods that squirrels don’t like, there are other steps you can take to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders:
- Place your bird feeders high up. Squirrels have difficulty climbing high places, so placing your bird feeders at least 6 feet off the ground can help deter them.
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. There are a variety of squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market that are designed to keep squirrels out.
- Remove bird seed from the ground. Squirrels often spill bird seed on the ground, which can attract them to your feeders. Regularly clean up any spilled seed to make your yard less appealing to squirrels.
- Consider using a squirrel baffle. A squirrel baffle is a device that can be placed below your bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole.
Conclusion
By understanding what bird food do squirrels not like, you can protect your bird feeders and keep your feathered friends happy. By following these simple tips, you can keep your yard squirrel-free and enjoy the beauty of birds in your backyard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to keep squirrels away from bird feeders, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t use bird seed that contains corn. Corn is a favorite food of squirrels, so using bird seed that contains corn will only attract them to your feeders.
- Don’t place your bird feeders in a location that is easy for squirrels to access. Squirrels can climb trees and jump from branch to branch, so placing your bird feeders in a high location is important.
- Don’t leave bird seed on the ground. Spilled bird seed can attract squirrels to your feeders, so it is important to clean up any spilled seed regularly.
FAQs
1. What is the best type of bird food to use to deter squirrels?
Safflower seeds, nyjer seeds, hot pepper seeds, dried corn, and whole peanuts in the shell are all good choices for bird food that squirrels don’t like.
2. How high should I place my bird feeders to keep squirrels away?
Bird feeders should be placed at least 6 feet off the ground to deter squirrels.
3. What is a squirrel baffle?
A squirrel baffle is a device that can be placed below your bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole.
4. How often should I clean up spilled bird seed?
Spilled bird seed should be cleaned up regularly to keep squirrels away from your feeders.
5. What other steps can I take to keep squirrels away from my bird feeders?
In addition to using squirrel-proof bird feeders and placing them high up, you can also consider using a squirrel baffle and removing bird seed from the ground.
