I don’t care what people say, I love seeing squirrels in my yard. I think the trick is to give them their own place to eat and play. This will keep them occupied so they won’t end up in the bird feeder. Investing in a squirrel-proof feeder is another option. Here are 5 ways to attract squirrels to the garden. I hope you find them as entertaining as I do!
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Build a Squirrel-friendly Platform
Though squirrels are more than capable of getting into most bird feeders, building them their own platform can be beneficial in more ways than one. Not only will your bird seed be saved, but more squirrels will end up in your yard once the word gets out that there is a feeder especially for squirrels.
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Fill a Feeder with Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are just one of the types of seed squirrels love. These seeds are usually what the squirrels are picking out of the bird feed when they raid the feeders. Filling a feeder with nothing but sunflower seeds will give the squirrels plenty to eat and then they won’t end up knocking all the other types of seed on the ground for the birds to try and find.
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Make Treats for Them
As a child, I used to make peanut butter covered pine cones for the squirrels every Christmas. They enjoy these so much that they often fight each other over who is going to get the first taste. Make these treats and hang them with a piece of twine from a tree. These squirrel treats should be hung low enough that a squirrel can sit comfortably on a branch and enjoy his treat.
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Place Peanuts out for Them
Raw peanuts are available at feed stores in bulk. Set some out on a plate, a platform with sides to keep the peanuts from rolling off and onto the ground, or on a large tray. Some people will use roasted or salted peanuts, but the raw variety is healthier for the squirrels.
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Set up a Corn Station
Corn is another favorite food of squirrels. They like the dried field corn that is still on the cob. You can buy this type of corn in bags at many stores, it isn’t a specialty item, so it is very easy to find. There are special feeders that have a nail or large tack of some sort that an ear of dried corn can be placed on. This holds the ear of corn in place for squirrels to easily munch on.
If you are looking for ways to draw in the squirrels, then these methods just might work. They are entertaining little creatures and it’s easy to have hours of enjoyment watching them. Why do you want to attract more squirrels to your garden? Do you prefer the squirrels over the birds?
Top Photo Credit: dragonseye
