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Western PA

I have grown wide head sunflowers for many years. I am on a new property and now I am getting some damage from either birds or chipmunks, or possibly squirrels.
If you have some pests going after your seed heads, what are you using to protect them ?

Mine are just starting to head up. Mine take around 5 to 6 weeks to fully develop, and already, I see the outer edge was getting eaten by a critter.
I would like to hear what you all cover your seed heads with for protection ?

8/23/2022 7:55:19 AM

Central NY

We don’t cover ours so we always have the same issues…less damage when u feed the wildlife but they still get them. I think you can put a brown paper bag over the whole thing after pollination… this is my next consideration as it’s been years since we’ve gotten one to the end-you’ll need a blower motor but I bet it’ll keep the squirrels and wood chucks away. Good luck.
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8/23/2022 8:18:11 AM

Mead, WA

I’ve tried feeding squirrel and birds, I like the blower idea, I’m staking mine, tomato cages too, say la vie lol natures critters are funny my friend whose 6’2” was shorter then my tallest mammoth sunflower, good luck

9/6/2023 3:02:29 AM

Anderson, IN

I use cayenne pepper, sprinkle over heads and down the stalk a bit. They left them alone after that. I just taped a large bottle onto a 10' pvc pole and did it from a distance and make sure your not down wind lol.

9/6/2023 8:42:44 AM

Syracuse, NY

Lol! eg

9/6/2023 12:10:33 PM

Team Canuckle Heads

I put a grain bag over the head after pollination

9/7/2023 2:46:57 PM

On a cliff in the desert

I use a paint strainer for 5 gallon pail.

9/7/2023 11:54:18 PM

Culpeper, Virginia

I tried the paint strainer bag as well, but the squirrel was more determined. He still managed to get most of the head.

2/10/2024 11:50:58 PM

Deer Park WA

For our champs we lightly cover the heads with a small piece of burlap just as the seeds are maturing and the birds start trying to eat them.

2/12/2024 10:06:41 PM