Bird feeders, compost, and open trash cans are all food sources for pests, and rodents like raccoons and squirrels are attracted to this food as well. The biggest reason for this would be warmth and shelter. So actually keeping squirrels out of the screech owl boxes turns out to be quite a challenge. If the squirrel succeeds in stealing the food, your screech owl may be left with inadequate food. . Squirrels have taken over an owl box in my yard, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Chart: Bay Area rainfall totals for this week, Squirrels have taken over an owl box in a Livermore yard, Tick time: When its wet watch out for these little hitchhikers, San Jose dog has intense reaction to having his nails trimmed. Try these tips for learning how to keep squirrels away and watch your yard flourish. The hot pepper and vinegar irritate the squirrels by both taste and smell. Large insects such as crayfish and earthworms are also common prey. To keep bees and wasps from colonizing the nest box, spray the inside of the top of the box with some non-stick cooking spray. 8 May 2020. Plus, they may eat plants you're trying to grow for yourself. These supremely camouflaged birds hide out in nooks and tree crannies through the day . Add a few hefty drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle full of water. Even though squirrels make their way into our gardens, its easy to combat their entry by planting things that squirrels hate. And the answer is simply to put it where few or no squirrels are likely to access. Cheers to your owl observation! Morris started her career in 1978 as a reporter for a small New Mexico newspaper. Using a live trap is a humane way of catching squirrels and releasing them in a better-suited environment that is not near you. It curves down from the feeder, making it difficult for the squirrel to climb up a pole. To help with drainage, be sure to add a small hole or two to the bottom of the box. (7 Interesting Facts), My Hamster Bit Me And Drew Blood : (7 Interesting Facts), 6 Pug Pros And Cons : Buy A Pug Only After Reading This, Where To Buy Axolotl Online? Reportedly squirrels hate flashy things. Make sure to have secured trash can lids, and dont spread food in your garden if possible. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Keep-Squirrels-Away-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Squirrels-Away-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Keep-Squirrels-Away-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid3729365-v4-728px-Keep-Squirrels-Away-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"