Protecting sunflower seeds from hungry wildlife, such as squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species, is a common problem for gardeners and bird-feeding enthusiasts. These animals are attracted to the high-energy content of the seeds, whether planted in the soil or offered in a feeder. A combination of physical barriers, sensory deterrents, and strategic equipment placement can significantly reduce seed loss. Success lies in understanding the specific behaviors of the animals involved and implementing targeted solutions.
Protecting Seeds Planted in the Garden
Protecting newly planted sunflower seeds requires creating a temporary physical barrier until the seedlings emerge. Hardware cloth or fine-mesh chicken wire offers an effective deterrent against digging mammals and birds. This protective covering should be laid directly over the seeded area and anchored securely to prevent pests from moving the material aside.
Planting depth also plays a significant role in reducing predation, as seeds placed too close to the surface are easily discovered. Sunflowers should generally be planted at a depth of about 1 inch. This depth is sufficient to deter surface foragers but shallow enough to allow for proper germination. Once the plants begin to sprout, the protective mesh can be removed.
Some gardeners utilize coarse, unappealing material as a surface cover to discourage animals from disturbing the soil. Applying a thin layer of coarse sand, sharp gravel, or crushed eggshells over the planting row makes the area less inviting for small mammals to dig. These materials provide a textural deterrent without hindering the young shoots from pushing through.
Using Taste and Scent Deterrents
Sensory manipulation offers a non-physical method to deter pests by making the seeds unappetizing or the surrounding area unpleasant. The most common and effective taste deterrent is capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Birds lack the receptor that registers the burning sensation in mammals like squirrels, mice, and chipmunks, meaning they can consume capsaicin-treated seeds without discomfort.
By coating seeds with a capsaicin-based product, you create a selective deterrent that repels mammals while remaining safe for birds to eat. This method is especially useful for seeds placed in feeders, but capsaicin powder can also be lightly dusted around planted areas to discourage digging. High concentrations of capsaicin have been shown to significantly reduce seed consumption by gray squirrels.
For planted areas, strong scents can also be used to make the location undesirable to foraging animals. Repellents based on strong odors, such as garlic, vinegar, or commercially available predator urine scents, can be applied near the perimeter of the garden. These scents signal danger or contamination to some pests, prompting them to search for food elsewhere. However, these applications often require re-application after rain to maintain their efficacy.
Strategies for Securing Feeder Seeds
Protecting seeds in a bird feeder relies heavily on mechanical ingenuity and strategic placement to exclude persistent pests, primarily squirrels. One effective solution is the use of weight-activated feeders, which close the feeding ports when an animal heavier than a typical songbird lands on the perch. The sensitivity of these mechanisms can often be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of desired bird species.
Another strategy involves the use of baffles, which are cone- or dome-shaped barriers installed on the feeder pole. A baffle placed at least four to five feet off the ground and positioned below the feeder prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole. For hanging feeders, a baffle installed above the feeder prevents access from squirrels attempting to climb down the wire.
Feeder placement is equally important, as squirrels are capable of leaping significant distances from nearby structures. Feeders should be mounted on a smooth metal pole at least 10 feet away from any jump-off point, such as trees, fences, or deck railings. Caged feeders offer a solution by surrounding the seed reservoir with a mesh barrier that allows small birds to pass through but excludes larger animals and squirrels.