Dr. Grow: The best ways to attract squirrels

Squirrel-friendly feeders such as the Squngee, foreground, can provide free backyard entertainment. Common corn-on-the-cob holders will suffice but with less amusement for humans. (Fred Lynch) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

You can see why I am concerned about today's column on attracting squirrels to your landscape. I may no longer be welcome in some circles, but I must remind irate bird lovers that God made squirrels, too.

Probably the most common food used to lure squirrels into the landscape is corn, whether it is on the cob, shelled or cracked. Of course, squirrels also love bird food, just ask the gardeners who have purchased squirrel-proof bird feeders. The food you use depends upon the feeder you use. The feeder you use, in turn, may depend upon how much entertainment you want from the squirrels.

The feeder most fun to watch is the Squngee. Two ears of corn attach to the bungee cord feeder. Attach the feeder to a horizontal tree limb at a height so that the corn is just within jumping range for a squirrel. The squirrels will jump up to the corn cob and hang on for dear life as they bounce up and down, all the time gorging themselves on the delicious corn. I have seen a video of this, and it is hilarious. The squirrel sound effects make it even more entertaining.

Another feeder requires the squirrel to figure out how to get to the food. Shelled corn or peanuts are placed in a small bin feeder with a hinged lid. One side of the feeder is glass so the squirrel can see the food. In order for the squirrel to eat, he has to learn to open the feeder to get his meal.

A Squirrel-Go-Round has four arms attached to a wheel. At the end of each arm, a corn cob is screwed on to the attached eye bolt. The wheel is then attached to an upright post or a tree trunk. As the squirrel gets on the feeder, his weight spins it. As he goes from one corn cob to another, the Squirrel-Go-Round constantly "rotates." I get dizzy just watching a squirrel feed.

If you don't want to stress your neighborhood squirrels, you can purchase a corn on the cob holder that attaches to a post or a tree trunk. The squirrel can just sit, relax and munch away. You will feed the squirrels, but the entertainment will be at a minimum.

Besides corn, there are other kinds of feed that squirrels crave. Just ask your friend, the irate bird lover whose feed is being pilfered by squirrels, and he can tell you what they like. Black oil sunflower is a favorite. Who knows, your squirrel may share some with his feathered friends.

One other food that seems to be a squirrel favorite is peanuts -- both shelled and unshelled. The kind of feeder that you use will determine whether to buy them in or out of the shell.

If you like to have free entertainment in your backyard, put up a squirrel feeder and fill it up. Then sit back, relax and watch the fun begin. Just be aware that your neighbor may use words that are not printable in this column.

Send your gardening and landscape questions to Paul Schnare at P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-0699 or by e-mail to news@semissourian.com.<I>