Homemade Squirrel Repellent for Birdseed

Squirrels find ways into bird feeders.

Full bird feeders are attractive food sources to squirrels. A squirrel's climbing ability and flexibility allow it to access almost any bird feeder in your yard. To keep squirrels away from the bird seed, create a hot-pepper-based repellent at home. The hot pepper repels squirrels, but does not affect birds.

Things You'll Need

• Pepper sauce, 1 bottle
• 1 gallon water
• 1 tsp. dishwashing detergent
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Pour a small bottle of hot pepper sauce into a gallon jug of plain water. Add 1 tsp. of dish-washing detergent.

2. Place the lid back on the water jug and shake it to incorporate all the ingredients. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture.

3. Spray the solution onto all surfaces of your bird feeder, including the pole that holds it, the top and outer casing and the perch.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up a separate feeder just for the squirrels. Fill it with cracked corn or peanuts.

References

• Wild Bird Watching: Keeping Squirrels From Feeders
• Bird Feeders Direct: Squirrel Repellent
• EAPL: Squirrels