How to Catch If a Squirrel is Eating From Your Bird Feeder
If you’ve noticed a squirrel climbing on your bird feeder and stealing seeds, you’re not alone. Squirrels are very adventurous and love to climb on bird feeders. They’re also quite picky eaters, so it’s imperative to choose a bird seed that won’t attract them. Nyjer Seeds, thin black seeds, sometimes called “thistle seed,” are a good choice for small seed-eating birds. Unfortunately, squirrels won’t eat them!
Spinners keep squirrels from accessing feed
A squirrel-proof feeder can help prevent squirrels from stealing bird feed from your birds. Spinners, which can be made from empty plastic bottles, thread spools, or short pipes that are tied along a wire, make it difficult for squirrels to climb up on a feeder. The spinners can be placed eight to 10 feet from the feeder, away from branches that may serve as launching pads for squirrels. When squirrels try to cross over the spinners, they are knocked over and fall away from the feeder.
Spinners can be placed on any wire feeder, and they are a great way to deter squirrels. Just make sure to use a sturdy pole for your feeder and hang it from branches at least five to nine feet above the ground. Hanging bird feeders are also safer than using feeders on trees because they are protected from squirrel attacks both from below and above. If you’re concerned about squirrels approaching from above, consider adding a hanging squirrel baffle.
Peppermint oil
If you have a squirrel problem, one way to prevent it is by using peppermint oil. Peppermint oil has a strong scent that repels squirrels and other rodents. You can apply it to plants, cotton balls, and even holes in houses to discourage squirrels. The stronger the peppermint scent, the better. In addition to repelling squirrels, peppermint oil has antibacterial properties that can kill other rodents.
To make a homemade repellent, try using crushed garlic or peppermint oil. You can also try rubbing garlic cloves on the base of your plant or on the lower leaves of its flowers. The peppermint essential oil is especially effective against squirrels. You can also mix peppermint oil with water and sprinkle the area around your bird feeder with this mixture. If you cannot get rid of the squirrel problem on your own, consider using a squirrel repellent spray. These sprays usually have a strong odor.
Ivory soap
You’ve probably noticed a squirrel nibbling on your bird feeder. If you’d like to catch the animal and keep it away, here are some things you can do to discourage it. One way to do this is by spraying ivory soap on your bird feeder’s poles. Squirrels cannot climb a slippery surface, so the soap will discourage them from eating from your feeder. Another method is to use cooking oil to coat the poles of your bird feeder. Coconut oil works great as well and is safe for your birds.
Another effective way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is by spraying the pole with ivory soap or Irish spring soap. Both of these soaps are effective, and if applied in a concentrated concentration, they’ll stay away. You can also put some Vaseline on your bird feeder pole to prevent squirrels from using it. Vaseline is also reported to be effective against squirrels, and it won’t need to be applied as often as you may think.
Mothballs
If you’re wondering how to catch a squirrel eating from your bird feed, you’re not alone. Thousands of people around the world have had similar problems. These squirrels are tiny creatures, weighing just one to two pounds. They can also take months to trust humans and learn tricks. But there’s no need to panic. Here are some tricks to make sure you don’t end up as the next dinner.
Make a homemade pest repellent. Moth balls contain Paradichlorobenzene and Naphthalene, which can be toxic to pets. You might be thinking that you’ve disposed of the mothballs, but the squirrels have a way of getting rid of them! If you have a dog or cat, consider making mothball sachets out of rosemary stems or thyme leaves.
Putting glue or paste on poles
Using glue or paste on bird feeder poles is one method to catch a squirrel in the act of eating from your bird feeder. You should use caution, however, because this can be harmful to wildlife. In small amounts, it can cause lung damage, but in larger quantities, it can be irritating or even fatal. Make sure to thoroughly clean off any spilled seed before placing it on the poles.
Aside from removing birdseed, squirrels can be deterred by placing sticks under your bird feeder. A stick or a pole that is higher than the feeder will discourage squirrels from getting the food. A bouncy string will make it difficult for a squirrel to jump or walk towards the feeder. Alternatively, you can use a grater to grind the soap into small pieces. Alternatively, you can use thin wires as a barrier to deter squirrels from getting to the feeder.
Setting a squirrel trap
If you notice that a squirrel is frequently eating from your bird feeder, you may wish to set a squirrel trap. While this method may sound drastic, it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of squirrels without harming the wildlife. It is important to remember that catching a squirrel early is crucial for avoiding unnecessary suffering for the animal. Squirrels can often be found at the base of trees, in attics, and near bird feeders.
A squirrel trap is not a legal way to get rid of a squirrel. In some states, you need to get a permit before you can use a live trap. Before setting a trap, check with a game warden or read the local laws. The last thing you want to do is violate the law just to get rid of a squirrel. Remember that squirrels are naturally curious and driven by hunger. They will go far to find food and investigate their surroundings.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.