Squirrels

[melv16]

Has anyone on here used a laser pen to scare squirrels off their bird feeders?
I've tried loud noises, and a hose pipe, but to no avail.
If the pen doesn't work, then I'm going down the BB gun route.

[hellywelly4]

I invested in squirrel proof feeders in the end, and they were worth every penny.

[Buenchico]

Reach for the chilli powder!
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/animal-deterrents/grey-squirrel-deterrents/

[melv16]

Thanks for your replies. I don't want to invest in some more feeders and I used to put vaseline mixed with fiery jack on the pole. They got round that by jumping from a nearby tree.

[andres]

I use squirrel feeders and they never bother the birds feeders now. Each to his own.Even the birds have their individual food preferences.

[Gromit]

Stop putting food in.

The weather is unseasonably warm, the birds don’t need additional food now.

[melv16]

My 20 goldfinches, 2 nuthatches and a myriad of tits would disagree, gromit.

[vulcan42]

I would agree with melv16, the fat balls are disappearing very quickly, the birds seem to be preparing for something big.

[rowanwitch]

The recommendation from RSPB is to feed year round now as there are not the numbers of insects and other wild food available.

As for squirrels just have lots of feeding sites and keep one that the squirrels find easy to get nuts from, away from the house they are lazy and will take the easiest option

[Chipchopper]

I'd say the first step, is to go for squirrel proof feeders, the ones that spin round, and throw them off abruptly, should do it.

[melv16]

Due to a rat problem, I've had to make sure that as little as possible feed gets on the ground. I've cobbled together a wooden tray that fastens onto the feeder pole, thus catching the seed that falls. So squirrels would still jump onto the tray. I've greased the pole and tied fishing line between two canes in front of the jumping point...the Mrs thinks I'm barking:-)

[webbo3]

[melv16]

Bought a cheap BB pistol. They're not very accurate! It'll be a miracle if I hit a squirrel. The noise and the pellet landing somewhere near them seems to scare them off:-)

[burlyshirley]

And if you do hit one, it will run away injured and die a slow, painful death - NICE !!!

[melv16]

I'm using lightweight plastic pellets. No danger of injuring them.

[burlyshirley]

I'm glad I'm not like you. I have a squirrel that comes every day and co-exists happily with the birds. It takes the monkey nuts I put out for it and leaves everything else alone. In fact it's usually waiting for me in the morning when I get up, it takes its fill and I never see it again until the next day. I wouldn't dream of shooting anything at it, it's hungry, just like the birds !

[melv16]

I have 4 that visit my garden and monopolize the feeders. They can be there for over 4hrs. The hungry birds are in the trees and shrubs waiting for the squirrels to leave.
They're an introduced species and have caused the demise of our red squirrels.

[melv16]

Btw, I had Grey's nesting under my bath some years ago. The waste pipe had come off during a gale and the mother had moved them there. I got a firm in to remove them.
What would you have done? They're notorious for been very distructive.

[gness]

Can you not share, Melv? Our feeders feed birds, foxes and pine marten.
My last garden included squirrels. They we’re fun. Buried monkey nuts in the house plants and once made off with 20 Benson and Hedges.

[melv16]

If it was just the one, then I would share. 4's too many to accommodate. As far as I know I'm the only one on my side of the road with feeders. As I've already said the birds can be waiting ages for the squirrels to have their fill.
A friend of mine is plagued by them. He traps over 150 a year.
Btw, it's illegal to trap a grey and release it.

[melv16]

The BB gun seems to have worked! As soon as I open the patio door or the bedroom window they skedaddle. Ive had over 200 shots and not been able to hit one yet. The pellet landing near them seems alarm and scare them away.