I've found that if I spray paint them with a shiny clear spray paint it helps stop the squirrels and it helps keep them from rotting.......you can also take hot sauce and spray it on or around. I have also heard to put hair clippings, like we all have those laying around, but they will sniff it and it suppose to deter them. I keep mine close to the house by the door and my pooch Charlie also assists during the day 
