DEAR JOAN: I'm having major squirrel problems! I bought what I thought was a squirrel-proof feeder. Should I buy the Coles' brand bird food that is hot or what should I do?
Deborah, Birmingham, Alabama
DEAR DEBORAH: Squirrels and rodents are said to have a strong dislike for capsaicin, which is the stuff in peppers that make it hot. Birds, on the other hand, aren't bothered by it, so the spiced bird seed should help deter the squirrels.
You might also set out a second, squirrel-friendly feeder that offers them their favorites, which may make them less likely to go after the bird feeder.
DEAR JOAN: My husband's friend told him that feeding the wild finches and other small wild birds on our back porch will attract rats to our house. Should I stop?
Barbara Largent, Burlington, Washington
DEAR BARBARA: Rats visit our yards and homes with or without invitation. The rats might eat the bird seed, but getting rid of your feeders won't get rid of the rats. They are just a fact of life. Make sure entrances into your home are sealed off to keep them out, keep the areas clean around and under the feeders, and enjoy watching the birds without guilt.
DEAR JOAN: We have many feeders in our yard, and love to watch the smaller birds return in spring. However, we have a terrible problem with crows that seem to instinctively know when to attack the food.
I use safflower for the mourning doves and that helps, but the crows are very persistent. Is there a way we can deter them? We've tried reflective pie plates, but that only works for a day or two.
Larry Smith, Campbellford, Ontario, Canada
DEAR LARRY: Buy yourself a fake dead crow and, under cover of darkness, hang it in your yard where the crows are sure to see it first thing in the morning. They'll likely gather around their fallen comrade, have a wake and then fly off, never to return (or at least not for a long time).
I was skeptical this would work, but many of my readers have tried it with great success. The most important thing is to avoid being spotted in the act, or the crows will mark you as a crow-killer and mob you wherever you go.
