Like most people, you probably enjoy seeing the occasional squirrel running around your yard. However, if you have shepherd’s hooks in your yard, you may not be thrilled to see these little furry creatures climbing on them.
After all, shepherd’s hooks are meant to hang bird feeders, not provide a free meal for squirrels. So, how can you keep these little critters off your shepherd’s hooks?
How to keep squirrels off shepherds hook
Fortunately, there are different ways to keep squirrels out of your yard and off your shepherd’s hooks. Here are 11 top tips to keep Squirrels off Shepherds Hook:
Baffle the squirrels with baffles:
If you have a bird feeder hanging from your shepherd’s hook, one way to keep squirrels from getting to the food is to use a baffle. A baffle is a circular piece of metal or plastic placed below the bird feeder (For a shepherd’s hook feeder).
The squirrels can’t climb around it, so they’re prevented from getting to the food. You can buy baffles at most hardware or home improvement stores.
Use a squirrel-proof bird feeder:
There are many squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market. Some of these feeders have weight-activated perches that close the access to the food when a squirrel jumps on them.
Others have a baffle that prevents squirrels from getting to the food. Either way, using a squirrel-proof bird feeder is an effective way to keep these critters from eating the food that’s meant for your feathered friends.
Coat the shepherd’s hook with a slick substance:
If you don’t want to use a squirrel-proof bird feeder, you can coat the shepherd’s hook with a substance that will make it difficult for squirrels to climb. One option is to coat the pole with a mixture of equal parts cayenne pepper and Vaseline. You can also try spraying it with cooking spray or WD-40.
Wrap the shepherd’s hook in chicken wire:
Another great option is to wrap the shepherd’s hook in chicken wire. That will create a barrier that squirrels can’t get through. Just wrap the wire tightly around the pole so that there are no gaps for these critters to squeeze through.
Consider Copper Poles or PVC:
Another squirrel-proof option is the use of copper poles or PVC pipes. Squirrels are less likely to climb these materials.
Use a slinky:
You can also try wrapping a slinky around the shepherd’s hook. The movement of the slinky will deter squirrels from climbing it.
Try Irish Soap:
Smear a thick layer of Irish Spring soap around the shepherd’s hook. The scent and taste of the soap will deter squirrels from climbing it. An easier way to do this is to put a soap bar in a sock and tie it around the shepherd’s hook.
Use bird netting:
If you don’t mind covering up your shepherd’s hook, you can use bird netting to keep squirrels off it. Just drape the net over the hook and secure it at the base. That will create a barrier that squirrels can’t get through.
Get a pooch:
If you have a dog, that can be an effective way to keep squirrels away from your shepherd’s hooks. Dogs are natural predators of squirrels, so having one in your yard will help to keep these critters at bay.
Use bird foods that squirrel hate:
Certain types of bird food are not appealing to squirrels. Some examples include safflower, nyjer, and thistle. If you use these types of bird food, it’s less likely that they’ll attract squirrels to your feeders.
Location, Location, Location:
One of the many things you can do to keep squirrels away from your shepherd’s hooks is to place the hooks in an area that is not attractive to these animals. If possible, try to locate your shepherd’s hooks away from trees or other structures that squirrels can use to jump onto them. The further away they are, the less likely that squirrels will be able to get to them.
How to keep squirrels off shepherds hook: Conclusion
These are just a few of the many ways to keep squirrels off your shepherd’s hook. By taking these steps, you can enjoy watching your favorite wild birds at your feeders without worrying about pesky squirrels raiding them.
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