Squirrels are agile, persistent and clever which makes keeping them off bird feeders a difficult task. Wildlife on your property is definitely a concern. Squirrels can destroy your yard, flowers and outdoor furniture. At the very least, they are competing with the birds for food. There are a few simple solutions to keeping the wildlife away from bird seed.

The easiest and most straight-forward solution is to invest in a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These come in various designs so it’s worth investigating which is the most effective based on user reviews. You may be able to purchase an inexpensive but effective model at your local pet store. Make sure that the feeder is made out of sturdy material that the squirrel can’t chew through.

Depending on the size of birds in your area, make a simple metal cage to cover the bird feeder. The spaces on the cage should be large enough to allow the birds free access to the food but small enough so the squirrels can’t squeeze or reach through.

Metal or high-quality plastic baffles are also great for keeping squirrels away from bird seed. You can purchase these at the local home improvement store. The dome-shaped shields install under or over the feeder to block the squirrels. Make sure that the dome is wide enough so that the squirrels don’t simply jump or reach over the barrier.

Lastly, consider where you position the bird feeder. Install the feeder at least 6-feet off the ground and at least 12 feet away from fences, trees, overlying branches, walls and any structure or fixture that the squirrel can use as a launching point.

Hire an Expert to Remove Squirrels from Your Yard

Having squirrels on your property is a serious concern beyond destroying your bird feeder and competing with the birds for food. The squirrels will be looking for a safe, warm and isolated place to nest once the breeding season arrives. Potential locations include your attic, under the shed or deck, in crawl spaces and inside the chimney among other places.

Hire a squirrel removal company in Toronto to evict the squirrels from your property humanely and permanently. The main task of the expert is to seal your home to keep the animals out. He will also help to solve the problem of what is attracting the animals to your yard in the first place which could be more than just the bird feeder. Keep in mind that squirrels are protected wildlife and it is illegal to kill them or to transport trapped wildlife for more than a kilometre without a permit. Insist on a warranty of at least two years for the removal service for the best result.