Critter Problems ~ In Need of A Solution

[GailL1]

Problem #1 - Squirrels drinking from the hummingbird feeders.  I have never seen this before.  They climb up the pole and pull the feeder over to them - tipping it so that the sugar water ends up in their mouth.  Now after the hummingbirds have left this fall, I may spike it with a bit of Jack Daniels.  

But now, I do not know what to do.  Need some solution because they seem to be getting a bit chubby from all the sugar water.  

Problem #2 - Deer eating my variegated Liriope Muscari which lines my long driveway - I have lived here for 30+ years, and the plants have been here almost from the beginning.  Never have I had deer eat them; didn't even know they liked them . . .  but this year - there they are up and down my drive, having their dinner or early breakfast or lunch.  All does - I have seen no little ones nor any bucks.   Again, I have no idea what will work to keep them away except if I plant them a crop of hostas somewhere in the back for their salad desires.  Applying something to them may be rather costly since there are so many.  

Any ideas from the Porch Group?

EDITED to ADD my UPDATE on 08/15/2025 - 

Tried the vaseline on the feeder pole - worked great.  Still looking for the slinky - needs some colors to work into the garden.  Both GREAT ideas and easy.

I despise squirrels - 

Deer problem seems to have taken care of itself for the time being - haven’t seen any recently.  Maybe they found something else they liked better than my variegated Liriope Muscari - they are blooming now so maybe the taste changes when that occurs - or more honey bees around could also be the detergent.

I am not sure that I could use the Coyote urine - yuck - how do they harvest it anyway?  Maybe I can just coast out the coyote’s from the woods to do a little deposit - seems to me they would and should help to take care of the deer too.  

Thanks to all for giving me some solutions.

[papawofboo · Accepted solution]

How I solved the squirrel problem is put Vaseline on the pole. Funny to watch them jump on then slide down. At some point it will have to be done again. Remember they can jump a good distant so be sure to do the top of feeder also.

 Only time I remember having a deer problem is when they would come to my grandparent's garden. Let's just say it was very unhealthy to be caught in someone's garden without an invite back in those days.

[SereneSeagull]

I’ve read that putting Vaseline on a pole to deter squirrels is dangerous to animals once it gets on them and they ingest it.  Read up on it.  Not a good idea 

[GailL1]

@SereneSeagull  - 

Sorry but I actually don’t care what happens to these rodents.  Plus the amount they get on their little paws is wiped clean once they hit the dirt running.  

Problem is, it doesn’t last very long since the sun kind of melts it away.  Maybe the slinky idea is better - then the little varmits can just get all tangled up in it.  

Guess i could use the ole .22 to take care of the problem - I think it is the same one - I know because of the look on his face when he looks at me.

[SereneSeagull]

Yeah, I understand about not caring about squirrels, those rodents can be annoying, but if it gets on the birds as they preen it can be harmful I read.  I guess it may come down to how thick a coat of Vaseline it is, maybe.  

[papawofboo]

You must not be putting much on the pole. I haven't had to redo mine for over a month.

The ole .22 is how the deer problem was solved but it'll work for the squirrels.

[papawofboo]

Not the case with these squirrels. I have 3 feeder's hanging with food for certain type of birds, and then I just throw wild bird seed on the ground for the other birds. I don't mind (can't stop) them eating the food on ground. The stuff hanging has a higher price tag.

Anyway, squirrels and chipmunks are fat and healthy.

[SereneSeagull]

Just read different sources.  Harmful to birds as well when they preen

[GailL1]

Thanks - vaseline worked well.

[LeeS4949]

 re: the first issue.. When we were kids there was a popular toy on the market called a slinky.. They are still sold and I strung one all the height of my bird feeder pole.. Squirrels cant climb it and it works beautifully.. Problem #2.. Someone mentioned coyote urine and that is by far the best answer.. Its not expensive and is available on line or at any retailer that sells trapping supplies.. 

[SereneSeagull]

I’ve heard that about coyote urine.  Successful results I’ve heard as well.  But the yuck factor for me!

[GailL1]

Thanks - still trying to find some locally - sounds like a good suggestion on the slinky and could add more color to my garden.

I just don’t think I can use the Coyote urine - yuck - How in the world do they collect it for commercial use 🤓???  I have coyotes - in the deep woods - but have seen them walking up my drive from time to time - I will put out a call to see if any of them want to make a deposit.  They can also control the deer - rather savagely though.

[LeeS4949]

 Ive always assumed that any animal secretions ( or excretions,not sure which is correct here ) is of the artificial variety,mass produced in a cauldron somewhere.. I know Dicks Sporting Goods used to carry all things like that..