Love 'em, or hate 'em, they are a force to contend with!

Squirrels can jump up to 5 feet vertically, and up to 10 feet horizontally! Even further if they are higher than their target (usually a feeder)!  They have been known to outwit the most squirrel-proof of feeders. Some people have tried live-trapping squirrels and moving them to distant locations. Audubon has found that the remaining squirrel population just moves in to fill the void.

To deter squirrels, place feeders at least 8 feet away from the nearest access (bushes, tree limbs, tree trunks, eaves, railings), and 5 to 6 feet off the ground. Use baffles to block access to hanging or pole-mounted feeders. On pole-mounted feeders place baffles at least 4 feet from the ground.

If you can't keep your feeders away from the squirrels, consider setting up a squirrel feeding station in a distant corner of your yard. Hopefully they will cheerfully eat the offered squirrel food, and leave the birds alone.

If you can't locate your feeders in a spot with no access, there are feeders that close when the weight of a squirrel (or large birds) is applied to the perching area. The squirrels can still get onto the feeders, they just can't get at the food. Some birdseed mixes contain a pepper-like substance that is supposed to be distasteful to squirrels. Users of these mixes report that the squirrels quickly become used to the additive. We carry chili pepper flavored sunflower hearts.

For advice about your specific needs, stop in or call us. (908) 823-3320

What's that saying? If you can't beat 'em, try to enjoy 'em! (or something like that)

Oh, and one last note on defending against squirrels ... why don't you enlist the help of some cool allies ... like hawks, owls and foxes!  Read up on 'em at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.