How do you get squirrels to come to a feeder?

Offer squirrels food to quickly attract the hungry rodents. Scatter corn on the ground at the base of trees, hang corn cobs from tree branches, and fill bird feeders with nuts that are popular with squirrels, such as walnuts, hickory nuts and acorns. Replace the food as it gets depleted.

What food attracts squirrels the most?

Other favorites aren’t exactly natural, but the squirrels love them anyway. These additional foods include peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, pistachios, grapes, corn, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, strawberries, carrots, apples, sunflower seeds and even snack items, such as Oreo® cookies.

What colors attract squirrels?

So, if you have a squirrel problem at your home, this makes it extra difficult to manage. Squirrels appear to be attracted to bright-colored vegetables. You may find them stealing your carrots, peas, squash and other similar veggies.

Where should I hang a squirrel feeder?

Feeders should be inaccessible to squirrel predators. Hang the feeder 8 to 10 feet above the ground, but keep it away from your own home’s roof, unless you want to take the risk of a squirrel in search of a nesting spot finding access to the attic of your home through a vent or other opening on the roof.

What can I put out to attract squirrels?

Squirrels like sunflower seeds, and this is often what they’re looking for when they scatter your bird feed everywhere. Put out trays of sunflower seeds, unroasted peanuts, or field corn kernels for them to eat.

Should you have a squirrel feeder?

Even in the absence of invaders, feeding wildlife is associated with risks. Feeding squirrels may cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, and this isn’t good for either side of the equation. If squirrels come to expect food and it isn’t provided, they may become aggressive in seeking it out.

Can you feed squirrels dried corn?

Dry corn as a wintertime treat for wildlife in your backyard. Corn dried on the cob can be used to feed birds and squirrels all winter long.

What time of day are squirrels most active?

Squirrels are most active early in the day as they scavenge for food, with a lull in activity during the warmest part of the day. You may also find them foraging in the early afternoon right up until dusk. Of course, this can vary depending on the species.

Can squirrels fit through bird feeders?

Squirrels will not fit through small wire openings but that will not restrict smaller birds from feeding. This is also useful for preventing larger bully birds, such as starlings, grackles, and pigeons, from accessing the feeder. Some feeders come equipped with cages, or you can easily add mesh to an existing feeder.

What happens if you stop feeding squirrels?

If the squirrels refuse to leave, stopping all feeding for several days or weeks may encourage squirrels to move on to other food sources. It is equally likely, however, that the squirrels will return as soon as new feeders are in place.

Are squirrels a part of Backyard Wildlife?

In the end, squirrels are just as much a part of backyard wildlife as cardinals, jays, and finches. While it is possible to squirrel-proof a bird feeder and deter furry visitors from frequent meals, an occasional squirrel visit is to be expected at any bird feeder.

What type of food do squirrels eat?

This will help you determine what type of food to put in your feeder. Although, as I mentioned, squirrels will eat almost anything. If there is not an easy source of natural water for them to access, you may want to consider putting out some water by their feeder. These small mammals are a part of the Sciuridae family.