Q&A for How to Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed

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How do I stop squirrels from eating from my window bird feeder?

Community Answer

Try crushed pepper in there as a deterrent; they hate it. Birds won't mind.

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Question

Do squirrels hate pepper or cayenne pepper?

Community Answer

Mammals, such as squirrels, raccoons, and other pests, cannot tolerate the spiciness of peppers. To them, it's like eating ghost peppers. Birds, however, don't seem to mind. I've had some finches eat jalapenos from my garden (which I wasn't too happy about) and they kept returning for more.

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Question

Is it safe for wildlife if I use white lithium grease to grease a bird feeder pole?

Community Answer

No. Squirrels cannot get rid of grease or oil. They need to fluff up their fur for winter and grease stops them from doing so. Mix hot pepper such as cayenne into the bird seed. Squirrels hate it but it does not harm the birds.

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Question

Is it against the law to shoot squirrels?

Community Answer

No, legally you are encouraged to kill grey squirrels (but not red ones).

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Question

Can I use a Havahart trap for squirrels again if a squirrel previously died in it?

Community Answer

Yes, but wash it out very well, a new squirrel may smell the dead squirrel's scent in the cage.

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Will hot peppers keep chipmunks away from bird feeders?

Community Answer

Yes, hot peppers will keep chipmunks away. The more spice, the better. Birds cannot smell or taste the hot peppers because they are not mammals.

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