Squirrel problem

Living a rural area with plenty trees nearby we have a big problem with squirrels. They eat all the strawberries and other fruits. In addition, none of the bird feeders are safe from them.
I have moved both bird feeders into the middle of the lawn, my pride and joy but the grass under is being ruined with the birds pecking at the seeds that have fallen done. The squirrels cannot access the main feeding station due to dome that we fitted, but if we move the feeding stations anywhere else they are then within reach of the squirrels. These are grey squirrels. If they were reds we would leave them alone.
I don't want to start shooting them as that is against my nature as I have only shot for the pot and I don't fancy eating squirrel. Can any one suggest a humane way to keep these pests at bay as trapping them and relocating them is out of the question as there are that many? We were thinking of an electric fence that gives them a mild shock, but unsure on this so advice is welcome. Thanks.

 

I've tried everything to stop them, no joy

Do you know anyone that would eat squirrel

Then some one else will have the problem, that mite be why you have lots now

I had thought i only had 6 squirrels, 6 turned out to be 46

 

I think there is already another thread discussing this topic. do a search.

 

True but no real answer there except a bit of banter!

 

Well, I do hate them. As far as What eats them, The great horn owl does. Some hawks / eagels will grab babies unattended out of nests.
I use hot pepper powder mixed in my bird seeds, and only hot pepper suet. If it is that bad a have a heart trap can be use, but you have to travel them out about 10 miles, they find their way home if you release too close.
My cats seem to keep them up in the trees, they think they can catch them, and go for the chase now and then. And that in itself seem to highten the stress of them, thus it seem like the population is less than years ago. My bird feeder is the weight lever type, that locks down by the weight of the squirrel. Moth balls work I hear. (have not tried) Our squirrels have eaten the breaks fluid lines in our big truck, wonderful when you start down the drive and no breaks in a truck.
Thats all I have for you regardingng . I live out on a wooded 3 acre property, with a couple nests up in the tree of squirrels.

 

I think we will try the red pepper option. Can you buy the pepper suet or do you make it yourself?

 

I buy the red pepper suet.

 

thats interesting about using the red pepper...does it not effect the birds then?

 

NOPE birds are a different species, not affected by it in any way.

Squirrels have our type of taste buds etc, their little mouths will burn with the spice, but get over it like we do.

 

They have those easy stick decals you can buy for your windows, to discourage birds flying into it. One year we had a dedicated cardnial who over and over again attached our window, I just hung a piece of newspaper over the window to stop his cycle, it did and he went elsewhere.

 

That must have been cute.

 

I only had a squirrel in the garden a couple of times. I was really suprised to see one. It just stopped coming into the garden. It pretty much emptied the seed feeders and bird tables so I really feel for anyone who has a squirrel problem. There are a lot of cats around here so maybe they acted as a deterrent? I don't know a solution to the problem, I'm just glad the squirrel who came into my garden decided not to come back!!