How to Keep a Squirrel Out of Your Suet Cake 
If you’re trying to keep a squirrel from eating your suet cake, you can use a cage. A squirrel guard, greasing the pole, or even a cage, will help. These alternatives are less expensive than cages or a squirrel guard, but still keep squirrels out of your suet cake. And you can always use capsaicin-treated bird food to scare them away.
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Capsaicin-treated bird food is a deterrent to squirrels
Squirrels cannot stand capsaicin, a chemical found in chilli peppers. It is responsible for the burning sensation a human experiences when eating the pepper. Although it can be harmful to humans, birders claim it has little to no impact on their birds. Birds have no such reaction to capsaicin. However, squirrels do.
While cayenne pepper is an excellent deterrent to squirrels, it may not be the main culprit in the runaway behavior. Birds do not like the spicy taste of cayenne pepper, and they may gnaw off their paws to avoid it. To use cayenne pepper effectively, you can make a mix of hot-pepper bird seed and cayenne pepper powder.
Although capsaicin-treated bird seed does not affect birds, some experts believe it could cause some eye damage in squirrels. That’s why capsaicin-treated bird food is a good choice for winter feeding. However, some squirrels are brave enough to try the spicy bird seed and bring a bottle of Sriracha to show the danger to their eyes.
Greasing the pole
A greased pole may be necessary for the safety of birds, but the greasy pole can also kill squirrels. Depending on the type of squirrel, grease may be applied to the pole with an alcohol solvent. Using the grease will keep the squirrel from sliding down the pole. However, you should be sure to wipe off the grease every so often, since squirrels are able to lick it.
If you are concerned about squirrels, you can use an anti-bird spike or a diving board to prevent access to the feeder. These will provide a physical barrier. Another method is to apply Irish Soap to the poles. The scent will discourage squirrels from using the feeders. If the squirrels cannot resist the scent, it will try the feeder again. If this method doesn’t work, you can try another repellent. Petroleum jelly is an effective repellent.
Using a squirrel guard
If you have a suet cake in your garden, consider installing a squirrel guard on top. These devices are basically an additional cage that squirrels must jump over to reach your suet cake. It is important to note that you must hang the squirrel guard above the suet cage. You can also use squirrel baffles or guards. However, keep in mind that squirrel guards can be expensive.
Squirrels follow the path of least resistance, so installing a guard is an excellent way to divert their attention. When you install a squirrel guard on your suet cake, the squirrel won’t be able to find it. By offering another, more accessible food source, you can divert their attention from your suet cake. Squirrels are insatiable at this time of year, and you can distract them with more appealing snacks.
Using a cage
The use of a cage is an effective way to protect suet cakes from being eaten by squirrels. Some bird feeders are equipped with steel lids that prevent squirrels from accessing the suet cakes. A cage will also protect smaller birds from larger predators. These are just a few benefits of using a cage to protect your suet cakes. There are several different types of cage feeders that you can use.
A squirrel-proof suet feeder will have a weight-activated mechanism that closes when the bird feed falls below the weight of the animal. The weight-sensitive spring keeps larger squirrels from accessing the suet. In addition to Douglas Squirrels, red, gray, and white squirrels are also common in Brevard, NC. The following are the steps to keep squirrels away from your suet cakes.
How do you keep squirrels out of suet cakes?
By using a squirrel-proof feeder.
What is a squirrel-proof feeder?
A squirrel-proof feeder is a type of bird feeder that has a weight-sensitive perch that closes the feeder access hole when a squirrel perches on it preventing the squirrel from getting to the bird food.
How do you make a squirrel-proof suet feeder?
By adding a weight-sensitive perch to a suet feeder.
What is a weight-sensitive perch?
A weight-sensitive perch is a perch that is designed to close the feeder access hole when a squirrel perches on it.
How do you install a weight-sensitive perch on a suet feeder?
By following the instructions that come with the perch.
What type of birds can use a squirrel-proof suet feeder?
Any type of bird that can eat suet including woodpeckers nuthatches and chickadees.
How often should you refill a squirrel-proof suet feeder?
Suet feeders should be refilled as needed depending on how many birds are using the feeder and how quickly the suet is being consumed.
What is the best type of suet to use in a squirrel-proof feeder?
The best type of suet to use in a squirrel-proof feeder is a high-quality reputable brand of suet that is designed for bird feeders.
What are some of the benefits of using a squirrel-proof suet feeder?
Some of the benefits of using a squirrel-proof suet feeder include preventing squirrels from stealing bird food preventing squirrels from damaging the feeder and preventing squirrels from eating the suet.
Are there any disadvantages to using a squirrel-proof suet feeder?
The only disadvantage to using a squirrel-proof suet feeder is that they are more expensive than regular suet feeders.
Do squirrel-proof suet feeders keep other animals out?
No squirrel-proof suet feeders are only designed to keep squirrels out.
How long do squirrel-proof suet feeders last?
Squirrel-proof suet feeders should last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
What is the warranty on squirrel-proof suet feeders?
Most squirrel-proof suet feeders come with a one-year warranty.
Can I return a squirrel-proof suet feeder if it doesn’t work?
Yes most squirrel-proof suet feeders can be returned if they don’t work.
Do squirrel-proof suet feeders come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes most squirrel-proof suet feeders come with a money-back guarantee.
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.
