Known for their startling finesse and propensity to climb up anything and everything, squirrels can quickly become a nuisance.
And, when something such as a bird feeder is within their reach, the furry rodents will most likely try their absolute best to get their gluttonous claws on the nuts and seeds available.
As a result, British gardeners often become frustrated by the hordes of fatball fanatics that become attracted to their garden, gorging themselves on the expensive food meant for the much sweeter garden birds.
However, a royal gardener has pointed out an innovative trick, while debunking a more popular method, to keep the grey-furred fiends at bay.
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|The Slinky technique is much cleaner than the coffee ground method, Jack says
"Coffee grounds can be sprinkled around the base of bird feeders. The idea is that the smell might deter squirrels. People say that this method can help," Jack Stooks shared.
But, he added that using coffee grounds can end up a "sticky, mucky mess" whenever it rains, warning that it could become a "breeding ground for disease, which could spread among the bird population".
Instead, he advised a different approach, adding: "If you are looking to deter squirrels from the garden, you should use something more practical, like a child's Slinky.
"You can simply thread it down the pole of your bird feeder, and when a squirrel tries to climb it, they simply can’t.
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"It's a much cleaner and safer solution than spreading coffee grounds everywhere, just in case they get wet."
Meanwhile, the RSPCA has advised that the most effective way to oust the fur-clad rodents is to simply make your garden an unsuitable environment for them.
Currently, it is illegal to relocate grey squirrels according to the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Consequently, Britons are only allowed to try and deter the acrobatic pests from their property.
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|A slinky could be helpful when deterring the pests
Just like any wild animal, squirrels are on the look-out for quality food and shelter.
So, if your garden offers such appetising treats and enticing places to take a quick nap, it might be wise to restrict the food that is available, the RSPCA suggests.
Additionally, the association suggests deploying squirrel-resistant bird feeders over loose food and covering bulbs with a wire mesh to protect flowers from squirrels digging them up.