You pass all this time setting up the unadulterated snort feeder , and then a squirrel shows up like it ’s been in person invited . They ’ll empty your feeder , apprehend up garden beds , and even nosh on grass seed before it has a chance to sprout . But one surprisingly simple way to make your setup less likable to squirrel is by using cinnamon . This common kitchen spiciness does n’t harm squirrels , but it does mess with their strongest asset , which is smell .
squirrel navigate the human race through odour . It ’s how they locate stash , render to feeders , and sniffle out sink food . That ’s exactly why cinnamon can throw them off . Its strong , unfamiliar aroma interrupts their act and blurs the scent trails that would normally precede them directly to your hiss tributary . It ’s not a miracle cure , and you wo n’t find a long tilt of compeer - review study proving its effectiveness . Still , many homeowners use cinnamon as a low - feat , low - risk of exposure way to keep squirrels at bay . When paired with forcible barriers or smart feeder placement , it can help discourage repetition squirrel visit . you could alsouse cinnamon sticksin tighter spots like under heighten bed or along fencing lines , but they ’re usually not as strong .
Using powdered Ceylon cinnamon tree or cinnamon extract is your respectable bet if you ’re trying to get resultant role . They square up into the dirt , cohere to open , and hold scents longer than other forms . That ’s exactly what you require in areas squirrels like to grind around or climb up . No matter what shape of Ceylon cinnamon you choose to work with , staying consistent is the keystone to keeping squirrels by from yourbird feeder or wench house .
Cinnamon works best when paired with the right feeder setup
Squirrels do n’t give up easily . Even with cinnamon in play , a determined one will test every angle , leap from branches , and claw up poles just to attain a max of source . That ’s why your hiss self-feeder setup matter just as much as what you put around it . part with location . Some squirrels , like red squirrels , can jump up to 6 feet high , which means a bird feeder hanging from a tree ramification or positioned next to a fence is basically a free meal . The best place for a birdfeeder is on a tall rod at least 5 feet off the ground and localize well out from any structures squirrels can leap from .
Adding a baffle board to the pole can also make a big divergence . These dome- or cone - shaped barriers cube squirrels from climb up and make the affluent . They ’re not perfect , but they do slow them down . Just check that the baffle is wide and place far enough below thehummingbird feederto actually be effective .
If squirrels are still finding a way in , consider upgrade your feeder . Some models automatically close up when heavier fauna land on them , without relying on hinderance atomiser , strong smells , or complicated add - ons . Another pick is to distract squirrels totally by founder them their own birdfeeder . A tray meet with corn or peanuts and placed well away from your bird frame-up can redirect their attending . Since squirrels often go for the easy meal , offering something separate can reduce how often they direct your bird feeder at all .
