Though not a problem here in west Cork, we have had a report of a rogue squirrel taking a fancy to a Seedpod Bird Feeder! There is a simple solution to this problem that we have picked up from the RSPB.
Lloyd Scott, RSPB Wildlife Adviser says: 'Using chilli powder to deter squirrels, is a cheap, easy and effective solution.
'Feeding garden birds is a popular – and vital – pastime and the RSPB gets thousands of calls each year from frustrated gardeners asking how to stop squirrels eating all their bird seed.
'Squirrels can consume large amounts of peanuts and seeds and quite frequently destroy bird feeders in the process.
'Chilli powder will stop them helping themselves but doesn’t seem to have any effect on birds at all. This is much simpler than erecting barriers and trying to prevent access to feeders for squirrels – they are nimble, clever animals and will usually find a way in anyway!'
Other deterrents include curry powder, tobasco sauce, Cayenne pepper and peri peri sauce.
Once the squirrel tries this spicy mix, he does not return in a hurry!