Squirrels

[John]

I've had a bird feeder out for the last three or so years with no problems. For some reason, this year the squirrels are going wild on it, they emptied the thing (a squirrel-proof one!) within 3 days of me filling it. Piles of seed onto the ground by swinging it back and forth and digging with their paws through the wires, basically flipping the seeds out of the feeder by the pawful. I'm declaring nuclear war on them - any advice? I've seen hot pepper products - do those work?

 

[Kemba'sYogurt]

Squirrel-b-gone

 

[John]

Squirrel-b-gone

that's the feeder I have now lol!

 

[Waquoit]

I've had the Squirrel Buster for years. The squirrels never penetrated the defenses and have pretty much given up.

 

[mauconnfan]

 

[BlueandOG]

I'd shoot them with a pellet gun. A head shot will take them out.

 

[UConNation]

You could be nice, like @mauconnfan , or you could do my personal favorite and show these squirrels who's boss:

 

[Excalibur]

I've had a bird feeder out for the last three or so years with no problems. For some reason, this year the squirrels are going wild on it, they emptied the thing (a squirrel-proof one!) within 3 days of me filling it. Piles of seed onto the ground by swinging it back and forth and digging with their paws through the wires, basically flipping the seeds out of the feeder by the pawful. I'm declaring nuclear war on them - any advice? I've seen hot pepper products - do those work?

Havahart trap (i.e. target containment system) + high-powered bb gun.

 

[CL82]

I'd shoot them with a pellet gun. A head shot will take them out.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[Huskygamble19]

I've had a bird feeder out for the last three or so years with no problems. For some reason, this year the squirrels are going wild on it, they emptied the thing (a squirrel-proof one!) within 3 days of me filling it. Piles of seed onto the ground by swinging it back and forth and digging with their paws through the wires, basically flipping the seeds out of the feeder by the pawful. I'm declaring nuclear war on them - any advice? I've seen hot pepper products - do those work?

I soak em with a hose and they don't seem to be too eager to go up there again.

 

[Huskygamble19]

Now...I have a problem also. I have been having a real problem with woodpeckers making swiss cheese of the outside of my house. I have tried some deterrants which have done nothing..any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Devland]

I'd shoot them with a pellet gun. A head shot will take them out.

If you can you can use a .22 with low velocity aka sub sonic ammo. I still have some but I have been having a hard time finding more to replenish my supply. This ammo travels below the speed of sound so you don't get the "crack" sound you would get with regular ammo.

 

[dogpause]

Would you hate the squirrels if we were undefeated? I love the squirrels, they're the most fun loving animals around. Let 'em live!

 

[mauconnfan]

Would you hate the squirrels if we were undefeated? I love the squirrels, they're the most fun loving animals around. Let 'em live!

We get our peanuts, we have both gray and black alike and they get along wonderfully.

 

[geohusky]

Personally I prefer the squirrels to the stupid birds.

To get rid of the woodpecker get yourself some squirrels.

 

[Deepster]

Now...I have a problem also. I have been having a real problem with woodpeckers making swiss cheese of the outside of my house. I have tried some deterrants which have done nothing..any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have some experience here. Woodpeckers are pecking holes in your house for 1 of 3 reasons. Trying to find bugs to eat, mating calls or trying to make a spot to nest/roost. Seeing how there aren't many bugs out now and I doubt December is mating season, I'd guess your house is nice and warm and would make a nice resting spot for the winter.

When I had this issue, I mounted a big plastic owl on the edge of my roof, right near where they'd been pecking and I also got a few pie tins and nailed them to the side attached by a long string. The pans actually ended up making too much racket and I took them off, but I have to think the owl did the trick. It's been a couple years since there've been any new holes. Good luck.

 

[CL82]

I have some experience here. Woodpeckers are pecking holes in your house for 1 of 3 reasons. Trying to find bugs to eat, mating calls or trying to make a spot to nest/roost. Seeing how there aren't many bugs out now and I doubt December is mating season, I'd guess your house is nice and warm and would make a nice resting spot for the winter.

When I had this issue, I mounted a big plastic owl on the edge of my roof, right near where they'd been pecking and I also got a few pie tins and nailed them to the side attached by a long string. The pans actually ended up making too much racket and I took them off, but I have to think the owl did the trick. It's been a couple years since there've been any new holes. Good luck.

I put up the plastic owl and birds would land on it and send selfies out to their friends.

"On an owl..#badass"

 

[jibsey]

Chipmunks did way more damage than squirrels this year ,they never were killed off with the mild winter.They ate through the roots of plants which then toppled over. Rat poison got them.

 

[Dove]

As Waq stated...Squirrel Buster.

 

[jho]

 

[KingOPancakes]

Had a bird feeder that hung from an in ground plant hanger. Squirrels would climb it and clean it out in a matter of hours. Wired a slinky from the top, around the post and let it dangle down and it stumped the squirrels. Until they started dive bombing the thing from a nearby tree. Finally got so fed up I got rid of the feeder altogether.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

How about suggestions for deterring raccoons that climb up the siding, break through the roof eave seams and climbing up along the roof line to find a comfy pace to sleep?

 

[KingOPancakes]

How about suggestions for deterring raccoons that climb up the siding, break through the roof eave seams and climbing up along the roof line to find a comfy pace to sleep?

move.

 

[Deepster]

How about suggestions for deterring raccoons that climb up the siding, break through the roof eave seams and climbing up along the roof line to find a comfy pace to sleep?

Baloney sandwich dunked in antifreeze. Otherwise known as "The Maniscalco".

 

[CL82]

move.

Yep