Feed the Squirrels if You're Tired of Fighting Them
Tips to feed squirrels and birds to create harmony in your backyard (Family Features) Countless backyards are battlegrounds between die-hard homeowners and squirrels fighting over bird feed. Squirrels need not be an inevitable element of bird feeding; even though keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is an age-old problem, there are ways to thwart these thieves. One common tactic is stocking feeders with seed squirrels dislike, such as safflower, nyjer, white proso millet and seed infused with capsaicin, a compound derived from hot peppers that makes mammals’ tongues smart. An option like Cole’s Hot Meats features nutritious sunflower meats infused with fiery habanero chili peppers. They’re a no waste, no mess feed, birds enjoy but squirrels’ dislike. Some people find squirrels adorable, fascinating to watch and have nothing against them, even allowing them to share seed with birds. The real problem begins when squirrels take their share and then some. To combat this,...