How to Keep Critters Away from Feeders

Are squirrels or other rodents a nuisance at your feeders? We've got solutions! 

 

Use Hot Pepper Bird Foods—Birds Love Them, Critters Don't!

For most people, just switching bird foods can solve the problem. We have the broadest range of hot pepper bird foods on the market! Our exclusive WBU hot pepper foods:

• Come in a wide variety of forms to work with your existing feeder(s)

• Are crafted to remain highly attractive and nutritious for your birds

Why Do Hot Pepper Foods Work?

Capsaicin is the chemical in chili peppers that causes that burning sensation. People, squirrels, rodents, and other mammals feel the "heat" because capsaicin interacts with a specific protein receptor called TRPV1. But scientists have found that capsaicin doesn't bind to birds' TRPV1 receptors, so they don't feel the burn. The peppers don't irritate or damage a bird's mouth, eyes, or digestive tract, either.

In fact, many bird species actively eat chili peppers in the wild and are important for helping to spread these plants because the seeds aren't destroyed in the birds' digestive tracts. It's believed that this is how chili plants spread from where they originated in Brazil before being cultivated in Mexico thousands of years ago!

 

 

Try a Squirrel Baffle or Squirrel-Proof Feeder

If hot pepper bird foods aren't working, there are other options. Just like people, some individual critters may tolerate—even enjoy—hot pepper foods. They also aren't effective against chipmunk marauders, who are just cramming the food into their cheek pouches.

No worries—there are other options! Stop by for a chat—we have customizable solutions for every yard. 

• Our squirrel baffles are devices that can be installed on poles or hung above feeders to prevent squirrels from reaching the feeder. We carry a range of baffles to work with almost any kind of feeder. You'll also need to keep the feeder more than 10 feet away from any jumping off point.

• Our squirrel-proof feeders are specially designed weight-sensitive tube feeders that fight off critters by closing off the seed ports when a squirrel (or even a large bird) lands on it.

 

 

Install a Squirrel Feeder

No doubt about it, squirrels can be a nuisance, eating up all your bird food and scaring off your birds. But you have to admit they're also kind of impressive.

• Squirrels are one of the most curious and adaptable animals to be found anywhere, and they are almost unmatched in their problem-solving ability.

• Squirrels can jump up to 5 feet vertically and 10 feet between trees or structures.

• They have the ability to cling from objects with their back foot toes (with support from their tail), which allows them to hang upside-down and eat.

And maybe they're also kind of cute? You can enjoy squirrels—and distract them from your bird feeders—by installing a dedicated squirrel feeder. Check out our peanut feeders and interactive squirrel feeders!