Evidently squirrels are more strategic in their thinking than I had previously given them credit. One was noticed in the bird feeder even with a healthy dose of red pepper flakes in the seed mix. I countered with a layer of red pepper flakes on top of the seed. The squirrels ate around the flakes.
So, be warned that pepper flakes are a temporary fix.
I am planning two new attacks, both capsaicin based. First, I will try ground cayanne, which should coat the seeds. Second, Tabasco which should also coat the seeds. Tabasco second because I use Tabasco and don’t want to use it on birdseed
I plan to keep posting results.
Backpacking Bill 