Please do not grease your poles to keep squirrels away from your bird food. Whether it's vaseline, WD-40, axle grease, vegetable oil, or another greasy or oily products greasing poles can be very harmful to birds and squirrels.
There are also some things that you should NOT do to prevent squirrels from climbing such poles. Let me begin with what NOT to do. Many people use products such as Vaseline, WB-40, axle grease or another greasy or oily products, with the idea that this provides a slippery barrier that the squirrel can't get past.
Spray Squirrel Deterrents
Coyote and red fox urine seem to work the best, so consider purchasing sprays or liquids that either contain or mimic these odors.
P-E-P-P-E-R! Yes, your answer for the best squirrel repellant is cayenne pepper. (Or some other capsaicin-based seasoning/oil).
Remember the 5-7-9 rule. The mighty squirrel can jump… ever notice that? In order to make them physically less accessible, feeders must be placed 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet from a bush or fence and must be 9 feet from an overhanging limb.
The only true way to keep squirrels out of the garden is physical barriers. We use bird netting over hoops, which keeps squirrels out but still allows bees to pollinate.
i use red hot habenero pepper powder. sprinkle it everywhere near and on the feeder. Doesnt phase the birds at all, but the squirrels hate it.
Dryer sheets are often used to make clothes smell fresh and clean. They also work great for repelling squirrels! The strong scent of dryer sheets will keep squirrels away. You can place them around your property or add them to a bag and hang them in areas where squirrels are active.
Its strong, pungent aroma is unpleasant to many animals, including squirrels, making it a popular choice for natural pest control.
Avocado skin and seed are toxic. Consumption can lead to breathing difficulties and heart-related issues. 3. Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic, in any form, can be harmful to squirrels as they can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
If you're tired of squirrels breaking into your bird feeders and stealing all the bird food, try using some Vicks VapoRub to alleviate your woes. Squirrels are repelled by the scent of the ointment, so spreading it around the area where you have the feeder may deter the squirrels.
The taste and smell of coffee is pleasing for many, but squirrels disagree. Coffee grounds are a natural repellent for squirrels, and they're easy to mix in with your soil. Instead of discarding your leftover coffee grounds, sprinkle them around the surface soil in your potted plant.
There are several effective homemade squirrel repellents. One popular option is to create a strong-smelling mixture using vinegar, ammonia, or essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus. Soak cotton balls in these scents and place them in areas where squirrels are active or use them to block entry points.
Please do not grease your poles to keep squirrels away from your bird food. Whether it's vaseline, WD-40, axle grease, vegetable oil, or another greasy or oily products greasing poles can be very harmful to birds and squirrels.
WD40 Can Deter Squirrels From Chewing
Squirrels don't like the oily taste that's soaked into the wood and should move on to something else.
Squirrels are not fans of anything spicy, so the most effective homemade squirrel repellent for garden use consists of Cayenne pepper or other peppers (even hot sauce) mixed into some water with a couple of drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
Some of the other common rodents include squirrels, hamsters, gophers, and others. Does Pine Sol deter rodents? As will most cleaners, Pine-Sol contains properties that may deter rodents and other types of pests; however, this is not a viable solution as a pest control measure.
They don't like the scent of coffee, peppermint, or pepper. Gardeners can leave a border of coffee grounds around their garden to repel squirrels. Some have success with creating a mixture of peppermint and coffee or peppermint, garlic, and vinegar, which creates a strong smell that squirrels don't like.
The pungent smell of pure apple cider vinegar repels the squirrels. ACV is readily available and can be sprayed directly on the plants and flower pots without harming them. Spray it as often as needed to keep the little creatures at bay.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that mothballs have limited effectiveness in repelling squirrels. Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, and while they may initially be deterred by the strong odor, they often become accustomed to it over time.
Aluminum foil reflects light, which can confuse or startle squirrels at first. Squirrels are known for their ability to jump up to ten times their body length, undermining physical barriers. They can weigh between 1 to 3 pounds, making them agile enough to maneuver around many deterrents.
Adhesive materials: Polybutenes. Polybutenes create a sticky lubricant that can deter squirrels from scaling railings and buildings. As they walk across the material, their feet may become stuck, which could cause so much irritation that they don't return.
While fake owls can temporarily deter squirrels, they are not foolproof solutions for long-term pest control.
Directions. Mix 1 quart of water with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 chopped jalapeño peppers.