If you're an avid birdwatcher, you might also have a soft spot for squirrels. However, you don't want them eating the same livestock feed. These larger animals can scare away the birds, and they can damage most standard bird feeders. To keep the bushy-tailed critters away from your bird-only supply, take advantage of the following tips. 

3 Ways to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Bird Feed

1. Grease the Stands

If the bird feeder is attached to a stake in the ground, use gravity to your advantage. While birds can fly up to the holes, squirrels need to climb up the pole to reach the feed. If you rub some petroleum jelly or vegetable oil on the stake, the squirrels will slide down if they attempt to climb it.

2. Create a Tightrope

Other feeders hang from trees, where squirrels can easily climb the branches and reach the grains. Even if you hang the feeder on a far branch, keep in mind that squirrels are expert jumpers.

To prevent them from reaching the livestock feed, create a tightrope, attaching the feeder between two strings, connected to two different trees. The squirrels won’t be able to balance across the thin thread and will eventually give up.

3. Use Pepper

If you haven’t been able to combat the acrobatic squirrels in your yard, you might need to use a feed additive to stifle their urges. Head to the feed store and ask an attendant for a repellent that uses pepper as the active ingredient. The smell will send squirrels running in the other direction, but it won’t phase the birds.

To learn more about taking care of the animals around your property, turn to Gregg Farm Services of Gassville, AR. Whether you need to stock up on bird feed or control the weeds in the front yard, this livestock feed store will have the supplies you need for success. They also offer outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws and tractors. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website or stop by the shop in person. Speak with a friendly staff member by calling (870) 481-5165.