Methods Tried
- Tried greasing the pole
- Wrapped the pole with aluminum thinking it would be too slick for them to climb
- Wrapped barbed wire around the top of the platform
- BB gun
- 22 Cal gun thinking the noise would scare 'em off.
Then an idea clicked. Place some screening over the platform. I had to take the top off to lay some wire mesh with half inch squares, thinking no squirrel can get their snout through it. Another thought was I had to make it tight so their weight would not collapse the mesh making it easy pickings again. By using some blocking supports the mesh sits about 3/4 of an inch off the platform.
Two days and those critters must be crying the blues through the woods. Hell, they have enough nuts here and there if they can think of where they buried 'em. This way it just means they have to work harder but there hasn't been a good acorn drop since 2009.
I was concerned the birds couldn't get their beaks in to get the goodies, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. I had a few dozen titmouse's out there this morning feasting. By the way, I think it's bear proof now too. I had to rebuild it with more reinforcing.
I have a bird feeder hanging on a metal shepards hook that the squirrels leave alone. Either they can't climp that metal stake or are already well fed elsewhere. Your Coleus in the background are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCan't be too many nuts in the desert. The ones I have don't jump, they glide ...pretty good at it too.
ReplyDeleteThis is an idea for sure. I hope it works for you, keep us posted as you know those varmits are smart.
ReplyDeleteWe have tons of acorns all over the ground last year and they went un-collected. Why work when the feeders supply shelled organic sunflower seeds. I see the trees are loaded again with acorns.
I was tempted to buy the feeder that is rigged to sling the squirrels around and around and they are suppose to be slung off. But the squirrels seems to like the ride and will hang on till the batteries die.
Hope this works for you.