How To Attract Squirrels To a Feeder: Tips For Success

Attracting squirrels to a feeder is an activity that many wildlife enthusiasts enjoy. To help you get started, there are some important things to consider when trying to draw these furry critters into your yard: the type of feeder, food options, location placement and maintenance routine. With the right combination of elements in place, it can be incredibly rewarding to watch wild squirrels come by for their daily snack. In this article, we’ll explore each element in detail so that you have all the information necessary to successfully attract squirrels to your own backyard feeders.

Types Of Squirrel Feeders

Feeders are a great way to attract squirrels and other wildlife into your garden. There are many different types of feeders available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Platform Feeders

Platform feeders provide an open area for squirrels to sit on while they eat. They can be hung between trees or poles or placed directly on the ground. These feeders come in various sizes and shapes and can hold various food items such as seeds, nuts, suet cakes, fruits and vegetables. The downside is that platform feeders may also attract other animals, who will quickly empty them out if not monitored closely.

Hopper Feeders

Hopper feeder designs usually feature a large container with several feeding ports along the sides, which allow multiple squirrels to eat at once without competing for space. This type of design also helps keep the seed dry by protecting it from rain or snowfall. However, hopper-style feeders tend to be more expensive than other styles due to their larger size and complexity in construction materials needed for proper weatherproofing protection against outdoor elements like wind and sun exposure.

Tube Feeders

Tube-style squirrel feeder designs typically feature long cylindrical tubes made from metal or plastic material which contain small perches near the bottom where squirrels can sit while eating seed inside the tube itself (usually through tiny holes). These types of feeder designs are popular because they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other styles; however, they do require frequent cleaning since most models don’t have any sort of drainage system built-in, which could lead to mouldy seed buildup over time if not properly maintained regularly.

Window Feeder

Window feeders offer an up-close view into nature right outside your window. Most models attach directly onto glass windows using strong suction cups, allowing you to watch wild animals from inside your home without having them enter your living space – perfect for those cold winter days when you just want some company but don’t feel like going outside. Unfortunately, these types of feeder setups aren’t ideal for attracting large numbers of squirrels since there’s only one feeding port available at any given time, meaning only one lucky creature gets fed before moving away again.

Feeders come in various shapes and sizes, from hanging feeders to platform feeders. Now that you know the types available let’s look at what type of food is best for attracting squirrels.

Food Types

When it comes to feeding squirrels, there are a variety of food types that they enjoy. Nuts and seeds are some of the most popular options for squirrels. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are all favourites among these furry critters. Fruits such as apples, pears and grapes can also be enjoyed by squirrels in moderation. Vegetables like corn on the cob or carrots can also be offered as treats to these animals.

It is important to choose high-quality foods when offering them to your local wildlife population. If you’re using nuts or seeds as part of your feeder setup then make sure they’re fresh and not stale or mouldy in any way. It is best to avoid pre-packaged mixes, which often contain fillers that don’t provide much nutritional value for the animals you want to attract into your yard or garden area.

If you plan on offering fruits and vegetables, then try selecting organic produce whenever possible since this will help reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals used in conventional farming practices. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of spoilage so that you don’t inadvertently offer rotten food items which could cause harm if ingested by a wild animal visitor.

Different types of food attract different kinds of squirrels, so it’s important to choose the right type for your feeder. Now let’s look at where you should place your feeder to maximize squirrel activity.

Choosing a Location

When selecting a location for your squirrel feeder, it is important to consider their safety. A good spot should be easily accessible for squirrels and other wildlife, but away from predators like cats or predatory birds. It’s also important to make sure that the feeder is secure and safe from other animals or birds who may try to take over.

For example, if you have a large tree in your yard with branches close by, this could provide an easy access point for larger birds such as crows or magpies. You may want to move the feeder further away from these trees so they can’t get too close and scare off squirrels who are trying to eat.

If you live in an area where there are lots of cats roaming around, then it’s best not to place your squirrel feeder on the ground level, as cats will be able to reach them easily. Instead, hang it up higher on a pole or branch so that only squirrels can reach it safely without any danger of being attacked by predators.

It’s also worth considering how exposed your squirrel feeder is when choosing its location – if you put it out in full view, then more people (and animals) will be able to see what’s going on at all times, which could lead to unwanted attention from humans or wild animals alike. Try placing yours somewhere hidden amongst some foliage so that only those looking closely will find it – this way, you won’t have any unexpected visitors coming along uninvited.

Choosing the right location for your feeder is essential in ensuring that squirrels can find it easily and feel safe while feeding. Now, let’s discuss how to maintain the feeder so that it remains a reliable source of food for the squirrels.

Maintenance

Maintaining a feeder is an important part of ensuring that squirrels will continue to visit your garden. It’s essential to regularly check the feeder for signs of damage or wear and tear, as well as any debris which may have accumulated inside. This can help prevent diseases from spreading between different animals and keep the feeder in good condition.

Cleaning is also key when it comes to keeping your feeders in top shape. You should aim to clean the inside of the feeder at least once a month, using warm water and mild detergent if necessary. Make sure you rinse thoroughly afterwards so no residue remains on the surface – this could be harmful to wildlife.

It’s also important to inspect all parts of the feeder for signs of rust or corrosion, particularly around areas where moisture can accumulate, such as drainage holes or crevices in metal components. If there are any weak spots, replace them immediately with new parts before they worsen over time.

Finally, make sure you use appropriate materials when replacing any worn-out parts on your squirrel feeders. Some plastics used in cheaper models can contain toxins which could be dangerous for squirrels and other wildlife if ingested over time, so always opt for natural materials like wood or bamboo instead whenever possible.

Proper maintenance of a feeder is key to ensuring the health and safety of squirrels, as well as providing them with a reliable food source. Now that you have your feeder set up, it’s time to observe the wildlife in action.

Observation

When observing squirrels at a feeder, it is important to be mindful of their stress levels. To do this, make sure you stay a good distance away from the feeder and keep your movements slow and steady. If possible, try to find a spot where you can observe them without being seen or heard. You may want to use binoculars or a spotting scope for better viewing opportunities.

When taking photos or videos of the squirrels, use long lenses that allow you to get close-up shots without getting too close yourself. This will help reduce any disturbance caused by your presence. Also, consider using noise reduction techniques such as shooting with silent shutter modes on cameras and using external microphones when recording audio in order to minimize any potential disruption caused by sound waves travelling through the air towards the animals.

If you are looking for more intimate observations of these animals, consider setting up an artificial feeding station in your backyard that is specifically designed for wildlife observation purposes only – not just feeding. Make sure there is plenty of cover around, so they feel safe while eating and drinking; also, ensure that all human scent has been removed from the area before introducing food sources into it, as this could scare them off easily if they detect our presence nearby. Finally, always remember to never approach wild animals directly – even if they seem friendly – as this could cause unnecessary stress on both parties involved.

Squirrel Feeder FAQs

What attracts squirrels fast?

Squirrels are attracted to food sources such as nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Placing these items in an open area or near a tree will help attract squirrels quickly. Additionally, providing squirrel feeders with sunflower seeds is another way to draw them in. Squirrels also enjoy nesting materials like twigs and leaves; placing these around the area can help entice them even further. Finally, providing water sources such as shallow dishes filled with fresh water can be beneficial for both birds and squirrels alike.

What food attracts squirrels?

Squirrels are attracted to various foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Peanuts are especially popular among squirrels. Other high-energy items such as sunflower seeds, corn kernels and walnuts can also be used to attract them. Additionally, suet cakes made from beef fat or other animal fats may be used to draw in the animals. Squirrels will also eat birdseed mixes containing millet and cracked corn. When offering food for squirrels, it is important to keep it fresh and avoid leaving out spoiled or mouldy items which could make them sick.

What smells attract squirrels?

Squirrels are attracted to various smells, including sweet and savoury scents. Sweet smells such as fruits, nuts, and seeds will attract squirrels. Savoury smells like peanut butter, bacon grease, or even popcorn can also be used to lure them in. Additionally, some people have had success with using fragrant spices like cinnamon or cumin to draw the animals closer. Finally, pungent odours like vinegar or garlic may also work for attracting squirrels in certain areas. All of these smells can help you observe wildlife more closely.

What colour are squirrels attracted to?

Squirrels are attracted to bright colours such as red, yellow and orange. They can also be drawn to dark colours like black and brown. Squirrels have a keen sense of vision and use colour cues to identify food sources or potential predators. Additionally, squirrels may be more likely to investigate objects with contrasting colours, such as white on black or vice versa. Colour is an important factor in the lives of squirrels; it helps them find food, avoid danger and even recognize other members of their species.

Conclusion

With the right type of feeder, food, location and maintenance, you will be able to attract squirrels to your feeder in no time. Remember that observation is key when it comes to attracting squirrels, as they are naturally cautious creatures. If you follow these steps, you should have success in your efforts to attract squirrels to a feeder.

Additional Resources

• Best Squirrel Feeders
• Where To Put a Squirrel Feeder: Tips For Location, Type, Feeding Habits & More

Sources and References

• Creating Squirrel Friendly Gardens: How To Welcome Squirrels In The Garden – gardeningknowhow.com