Are You Smarter Than A Fox Squirrel?

By Sheryl Kleinschmidt, Somervell County Master Gardener

 

If you’ve ever watched the program, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” then you know what I’m talking about.  I live in an old part of Glen Rose near the river and believe me, the squirrels here make me wonder which of us has the highest IQ. 

First off, they are quite established, most likely due to a constant water source (The Paluxy River) and the abundance of old pecan and oak trees in the area.  But, if nature has already provided them an awesome source of sustenance, why do they continually dig in my flower pots, flower beds and eat all of my birdseed?  The answer—they like to eat cafeteria-style. 

The fox squirrel, Sciurus niger, prefers nuts, but will also eat flowers, flower buds, leaves, tubers, bulbs and seeds.  Add to that palate insects, bird eggs, and agricultural crops such as corn, and these little beggars can become quite destructive. 

I’ve tried a number of “squirrel-proof” birdfeeders (they aren’t), greased the shepherd’s hook with Crisco to keep them from climbing it, and put red pepper in my flower pots.  Thus far, the score is squirrels—85% to my 15%, but I keep trying.

 

One of the older males I have dubbed “Einstein”. He and I have recently engaged in battle over my prized birdfeeder filled with sunflower seeds.  You see, Einstein would rather eat sunflower seeds than anything else and will do most anything to obtain them.  So far, I’ve won this battle by suspending the birdfeeder on a rather slim branch of the Catalpa tree outside my kitchen window.  Einstein’s weight is too much for the little branch and he either falls off or unsuccessfully hangs upside down while grabbing for the feeder. 

There are a few other tricks I’ve discovered to protect my plants—especially the potted ones outdoors.  The red pepper does deter the squirrels, but it has to be reapplied after a couple of waterings.  Once the plants are established, the squirrels pretty much leave them alone, however, and you can leave off the pepper. 

Lava rocks (or any other rocks for that matter) placed around the roots of smaller plants has worked pretty well and heavy mulch is also a deterrent.  However, nothing is fool-proof.  I’ve had to cover my old wash pot filled with spearmint as it is a favorite burial ground for hoarded pecans and acorns.

Lava Rocks in Planter

 

So far this spring, I at least feel a sense of progress in out-smarting my furry friends.  But, I do allow them some space as they provide a lot entertainment for me and my family.  We’ve even trained some of them to chase after pecans just as a dog would chase a stick.  Nuisance that they are, they’re here to stay and I still have to say, “I am not smarter than a fox-squirrel!”