Page 30 - Harnett Life Winter 2022

If You’re Tired of Fighting the

Squirrels, Feed ’Em

Tips to feed squirrels and birds to create harmony in your backyard

(Family Features) Countless backyards are battlegrounds be- have nothing against them, even allowing them to share seed
tween die-hard homeowners and squirrels fighting over bird with birds. The real problem begins when squirrels take their
feed. Squirrels need not be an inevitable element of bird feed- share and then some.
ing; even though keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is an
age-old problem, there are ways to thwart these thieves. To combat this, consider adding a baffle to your bird feeder on
a pole about 5 feet high so squirrels don’t jump over it. Bird
One common tactic is stocking feeders with seed squirrels dis- feeders on poles can be set in open spaces where there’s no
like, such as safflower, nyjer, white proso millet and seed in- trees or structures squirrels can jump from onto feeders. Try a
fused with capsaicin, a compound derived from hot peppers “squirrel-proof” feeder that employs cages, or spring-loaded
that makes mammals’ tongues smart. An option like Cole’s Hot doors, keeping squirrels at bay. You can then offer food specific
Meats features nutritious sunflower meats infused with fiery to squirrels’ taste preferences away from bird feeders.
habanero chili peppers. They’re a no waste, no mess feed, birds
enjoy but squirrels’ dislike. Because squirrels are territorial, they’re less likely to go to oth-
er locations once they’re accustomed to eating in a designated
Some people find squirrels adorable, fascinating to watch and place. Establishing a feeding space just for squirrels can satisfy

Page 30 Harnett Life ~ Winter 2022