Another option is to apply hot pepper to the seeds, which won t affect birds but may slow down squirrels consumption, according to a Cornell University study. However, squirrels don t give up easily. You may need to use several methods and be persistent. Don t forget to clean and disinfect your feeder periodically. Move the feeder when several inches of discarded seeds begin to accumulate on the ground.
Wet seeds are a breeding ground for a fungus that causes a potentially-fata bird infection.
And excessive bird droppings can pose a health hazard. A source of fresh water is as important to birds in the fall and winter as other seasons. If you re concerned about the water freezing and cracking your birdbath, place a stick of wood in the water to allow its expansion. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The mention of any commercial product in this web site does not imply its endorsement by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service over other products not named, nor does the omission imply that they are not satisfactory.