I feed the squirrels from a hanger in my backyard tree. When I refill the feeder the chiggers eat my legs with a vengeance even though I spray a lot of bug repellent on them.

Where else can I put a squirel feeder where I can watch the little flea bags without making it easy for rats to get into? (I have a huge covered patio if that is some help.)

I would mow the grass short all around the tree then spray for the chiggers. As far as the rats, if your not in the city, get a pellet gun and shoot them (for fun and practice) or get some cats.

After reading about the other ask me help desk patron's stories about the squirrel's getting in their driers and attics I think that I am going to cut my losses and let them return to getting their food somewhere else or place it on the outskirts of my land.

They can be pesky. They will get into your garden and chow down. I just figure they will get 2 or 3 cabbage and countless cherry tomatoes each year. It is worth it to me so we can watch them do their acrobatic antics early every morning. If ever I saw a rat however, it would be war!