Squirrels

[Brownlow]

Some time ago, there was a debate on stopping squirrels from stealing food from bird feeders. The best recommendation seemed to be chilli powder, but I've just watched one devouring a load of birdfood that was saturated in oil and chilli powder, then sprinkled with crushed chillis. I don't mind them eating the food, but they have a opnchant for wrecking the tables and feeders, which can become expensive. So, has anyone got any better ideas, please?

[burnhal]

dont know that putting chilli powder on the food would do the birds any good!
The best method is the inverted large dish type baffle on the pole of the bird table- trouble is the table has to be pretty high so the baffle can likewise be high enough- sqirrels can really jump!
My feeders hang from trees so I just live with it- generally there is enough food scattered on the floor to keep them away. I once tried hanging the feeders from the clothes line- ten feet from the nearest vantage point- not far enough though!!!! As I said- they can really jump.

[Brownlow]

I've got a couple of feeders, with inverted dishes, which seem to be satisfactory. However, the bird table is only about 150cms (5ft) high. So, it needs to be something that they don't like to eat...whatever that might be!

[Brownlow]

By the way, the birds seem to love the chilli powder, which makes them behave in a very boisterous manner.

[Jules001]

I tried pepper on my bird food, but the squirrels still ate it. However as I have got bird feeder poles, I have resorted to smearing the poles with cheap Petroleum Jelly, I haven't seen a squirrel for months now, but have had lots of birds.

[Brownlow]

I really don't mind the squirrels, they make me laugh with their antics and there has never more than about 3, or 4, in all the years I've lived here. But, they're so destructive. Anyhow, I'll give your suggestion a try. Watch this space!