Rid Common Grey Squirrels

Tried various type bird feeders and obstructions and traps, but squirrels are good engineers and eventually get into bird feeders. I have no qualm to exterminate them, but gun is not an option in my neighborhood, they seem to allude havaheart trap, store available bait/chemicals are not sufficiently potent. Any suggestions?

 

Hi Joe: I moved your post to our indoor/outdoor animal control section.

I’m assuming that the squirrels are not a problem inside the house? Just need to be clear on that, tks.

Squirrels are very smart and elude traps well. When using a live trap outdoors try disguising it with leaves, branches and incorporating it into the landscape so it doesn’t stick out like a “sore thumb”.

An unintended problem with live traps is that you may catch a skunk overnight. Be ready to deal with that. You can close the traps at dark and open them the next morning as that will negate the chances of catching a skunk.

Otherwise the reality is that squirrels and other rodents will be attracted to bird feed. The best anyone can do is to lessen the problem but it will never be eliminated as free food is popular with wildlife.

 

Hi Joe,
I was having coffee of a friends porch when I saw a red squirrel bouncing through the trees headed our way. Just outside his porch he has several bird feeders and enjoys the visitors. My question was, how the heck does he deal with the squirrels? He said watch. That squirrel came to the edge of his property and grabbed a slice of bread from makeshift squirrel feeder he had placed some 50 feet away from the house. He goes to the local bread outlet and collects a bunch of free, several days old, bread and keeps the squirrel feeder well supplied. They are smart, why work to rob the bird feeders when there is plenty in the easy to access squirrel feeder.

It works for him.

On the other approach, have you ever seen the video (many years old) on one persons approaches (many) trying to defeat those buggers. It is hilarious and it does demonstrate you probably will not win. But at least this guy was having fun trying.

Good luck
Bud

 

I have used a live trap with good success when bated with corn and peanut butter. No camouflage needed. I would just relocate them some woods out of town.

I do agree with Bud, it is a losing battle. You eliminate the local squirrels and new ones will just take their place. Make your feeder hard to get to, then give the squirrels something easier to get to.

 

several products are made to add into the birdseed, most are capsacin based. Birds cannot taste or smell well, so it does not bother them, and it does ok according to people who try it. Consider Millet feeders too, or "squirrel proof (HA)" feeders, which are resistant. Also feeders such as suet feeders that do not broadcast seed all over the place tend to be less affected. As for trapping, i use peanut butter and sunflower seed on a piece of cardboard, and put it in the back. Early Feb in VA is a hard time to get a squirrel in a box trap, the theory is that they are having babies, and become sensitive to traps that smell like other squirrels. I do not disguise my traps, I think it would make the squirrels have a harder time finding them. Skunks don't often go into the smaller box traps, I Like the 'safeguard 6" box trap' , and I cover them with corrugated plastic to keep the animal from getting wet or freaking out too much. pre-baiting, or wiring the traps open to prevent the door from closing so that the squirrels get a "free sample" for a couple of days, or even weeks, can lessen your "boots on the ground" time

 

As djwv said...I learned to wire the traps open for a few days to let them get used to it. I FINALLY caught a feral female cat that has been in my yard for years by doing this. 4 kittens and the momma in 6 hrs placing and refilling the trap 3 times. No more kittens! Trap, spay, and release.

With possums and such (back in VA)...different story...catch (trap or by hand) and release in to the local big city park.

 

Gunguy -

When I lived in VA, the best way to get over the possums was to drive over them on the road, then they jumped up and tumbled. Somehow, that is a natural reaction that keeps the road cleaners busy.

I really don't understand the "enemy" situation with grey squirrels and birds. I have about 8 feeders (platform, tubes, suet cages, etc.) and do not worry about the squirrels. It is fun to watch them plot a strategy if things are moved around. I have a natural population control in the form of a few hawks (they also have eat). They come in frequently and pick up a squirrel while swooping down under the 40' ash trees and under the cable that holds about 4 of the feeders. The squirrels strip/waste some food on the ground that is placed well for ground feeding birds (Juncos, and some others like chipping sparrows and some finches).

I really don't even get mad at the coons and bears that seasonally trash a few feeders once a year.

It is a big world, so we can't be too selective on personal preferences.

Dick

 

I have a large squirrel nest in a tree behind my house which is very active, but the residents access it through the canopy of branches from my neighbors' yards, rarely setting foot on the ground inside my fence. 5 years ago I installed a state of the art area denial system in my backyard. An Anatolian Shepherd which was a puppy at the same time I was handfeeding a Macaw. Thus he has no issue with birds, and sees them as part of the area he's protecting. Squirrels on the other hand are seen as trespassers, and one rarely trespasses into an area guarded by an Anatolian. And definitely not twice! On the leash off our property he's a loveable doofus, but when it comes to his territory he's ferocious.