Grow For It! Bandits on our bird feeders

Sneaky squirrels are a determined bunch when it comes to raiding bird feeders but there are tricks gardeners use to keep them out. Courtesy photo

Are squirrels raiding your bird feeders? There are ways to deter our little neighbors.

The method I use is the 5-7-9 Rule. Generally speaking, a squirrel cannot jump higher than 5 feet, cannot leap more than 7 feet from side-to-side and will not drop more than 9 feet below. If you add another 6 inches to those dimensions, then you will be able to stop squirrel bandits in their tracks.

You may be wondering how to fill the feeder if it is out of reach. Well, mine is on a pulley mounted between two big Ponderosa pine trees. These trees are perfect for this application because their limbs are well above the 15 feet (5 feet, 6 inches up and 9 feet, 6 inches down) needed to meet the limits of the rule. In El Dorado County many of us have suitable trees on our property such as Ponderosa pines, Douglas fir, incense cedar or oak trees.

For 10 years or so my pulley system used a 1/8-inch-thick, or a little less, nylon cord. This diameter makes it difficult for a squirrel to use it as a tightrope to get access to the bird feeder. After so many years, one of them finally figured out he could chew through the cord and bring down the feeder. I replaced the nylon cord once, but the secret was out. I then replaced it with the same size metal cable. Problem solved.

Regardless of the kind of trees used, be mindful of protecting the trees. If you strap your pulley system to a tree, be sure to leave slack in the line to give the tree room to grow. Otherwise you will girdle the bark and kill the tree. Also, leave a long tail on the end of the cable you have around the tree so when it outgrows its loop you can easily adjust the cable without replacing it. I leave enough slack such that I only need to adjust cable every two or three years. I keep my eye on it whenever I use it to fill the feeder.

If you do not have trees available, you can use two poles instead. Place them according to the 5-7-9 rule. Some smarter, more agile squirrels have been known to use a cable as a tightrope. If this happens you can string water bottles on the cable. The theory is the water bottles are light and will spin if a squirrel tries to walk across the line.

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is closed in February due to storm damage. Beginning in March, Master Gardeners will offer tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden during weekly open garden days on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education_Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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