Bird enthusiasts often find it frustrating when squirrels sneak into their bird feeders and hog the food meant for the feathered visitors. However, there is a natural and effective solution literally at your disposal that you might not have thought about before: coffee grounds. Yes, those same used coffee grounds that are discarded after making your morning brew can serve as a deterrent to these furry raiders. Here's why you should consider using them to protect your bird feeders.

Simply put, squirrels don't like the smell of coffee. While humans find the scent delicious and invigorating, especially on Monday morning, squirrels detest it. Sprinkling a one-inch layer of coffee grounds around your bird feeder can help keep them away. The coffee grounds won't cause any harm to the squirrels; it merely keeps them away through the smell — making this a really humane method. The grounds can be either decaf or regular, old or new — so long as they are used, this method will work. Depending on weather conditions, you may have to replenish the coffee barricade once a week to ensure its effectiveness. 

Not only do the coffee grounds deter squirrels, but they also enrich the soil. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which can be beneficial for certain plants, as per the University of Wyoming. Over time, the coffee grounds will work as a fertilizer, adding nutrition to the soil and beautifying your garden. This can be especially helpful if you have plants or flowers near your bird feeder.