I’ve seen many bird feeder videos uploaded by clients featuring birds fighting with squirrels over their feeders. It’s an age-old problem between birds and squirrels, and for many people, it can be a bit disheartening to watch the birds lose out on their food time and again. It’s always exciting to see birds fly in, peck away n’ fly out. But 20% of the guests sneak into the feeder? Well, they have bushy tails, weigh more and don’t really spread the joy.
Cute as they are, and almost cartoon-like adorable, squirrels can be a real menace to your bird feeder.
So, here are 13 tips and tricks that you can use to keep squirrels away from your beloved bird feeders.
1. Elevation, elevation, elevation
The easiest way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is to hang it high and out of reach. Ensure the feeder is suspended from a branch at least 8 feet off the ground. This tip is about keeping bird feeders high enough that squirrels can’t get to them. Generally, a squirrel will not jump more than 5 feet off the ground. This rule, though, is more appealing in theory than in practice.
2. Use wire to outsmart squirrels
You can hang the bird feeder and use a wire running from the branch to a pole. This will make it impossible for squirrels to jump onto it. Squirrels are too big to walk on vertically-positioned wires, so this will be a great way to keep them away from your bird feeder. The wire should be durable enough to bear the weight of the bird feeder, and you can use steel or galvanized wire for this purpose.
3. Purchase a squirrel baffle
Purchase a squirrel baffle or squirrel guard. These cylindrical-shaped objects fit around your bird feeder’s poler and act as a barrier to keep squirrels away. These guards are designed to run down the pole and make it impossible for squirrels to climb up and get to the feeder. You can also find other designs such as the dome-shaped baffles that fit over the feeder.
4. Choose your bird seeds wisely
It’s best to avoid any birdseed mixes that contain peanuts, corn, or sunflower seeds. These are the favourite foods of squirrels; they will return for more once they get a taste of them. Instead, stick to Nyjer seed, which has a tiny shape and size that makes it difficult for squirrels to hold on to. Hopefully, this low-maintenance trick will keep your bird feeder squirrel-free.
5. Spice up your feed
Spice up your feeders. Squirrels have sensitive noses and don’t like strong smells, so you can use certain spices to create a smell that will keep them away. Some common spices you can use are cayenne pepper, black pepper, and chilli powder. Sprinkle these around the base of your bird feeder and its pole. Be sure to reapply the spices after a few weeks or whenever it rains.
6. Put a spin on it
You can also attach a spinning device to the pole of your bird feeder. This will make it spin as soon as a squirrel lands on it, and it will never be able to climb up. Squirrels don’t like spinning objects as they get dizzy very easily and most of the time they will give up before they even reach the top.
7. Feed the squirrels, too
If you’re really feeling generous and don’t mind if the squirrels share the bird feeder, you can always put out a separate feeder filled with nuts and seeds specifically for them. This way, they won’t have to compete with the birds for food. Just make sure to place the squirrel feeder away from the bird feeder, so they don’t mix and confuse them.
8. Try a slinky... really!
Attach a slinky around the pole of the bird feeder. This will make it impossible for squirrels to climb up and get to the feeder. This method is especially useful in cases where the feeder is too close to a tree or another object that the squirrels can use as a bridge.
9. Upgrade to a caged bird feeder
You can always upgrade to a caged bird feeder if all else fails. These feeders have metal cages around them that prevent squirrels from getting to the food. The cages are designed with small holes that make it nearly impossible for squirrels, and other animals like raccoons, to get their hands into the feeder. This will be a great way to prevent unwanted visitors from coming around and ruining your birdwatching experience.
10. Choose PVC or copper poles
It’s best to use PVC or copper poles when installing your bird feeder. These materials are too slippery for squirrels to climb and make it impossible for them to get up. Be sure to secure the pole to the ground with cement or screws, so it can’t be easily moved or tipped over.
11. Keep your yard tidy
One of the most important things you can do to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is to keep your yard tidy. Keep branches trimmed, remove stumps and fallen logs, and keep your garden clean. This will make it harder for squirrels to get close to the bird feeder and discourage them from coming around.
12. Deter squirrels with soap
Another method to deter squirrels from coming to your bird feeder is to hang bars of strongly scented soap near it. The strong smell of the soap is enough to drive them away. You can also use other smelly items such as mothballs or fabric softener sheets.
13. Buy a squirrel stopper pole
You can buy specially designed poles that have metal spikes or coils at the top. This will make it impossible for squirrels to climb up, as the spikes or coils will dig into their paws and make them lose their grip. This is a great way to protect your bird feeders without having to resort to more drastic measures.
Avoid These Harmful Methods of Repelling Squirrels
1) No Glue and Other Adhesives
No Adhesives -
Glue, grease and other adhesives are not recommended for repelling squirrels from bird feeders as they can cause harm to the animals.
No Traps -
Setting traps is also not recommended as it can cause harm to the squirrels, or even other animals.
No Shooting –
It is illegal in most states to kill squirrels and other animals, so it’s best to avoid this method.
No Chemicals –
Using chemical repellents to scare away squirrels is not recommended as they can be potentially harmful.
No Nets or Fences –
Nets and fences can also cause harm to squirrels if they get stuck or tangled in them.
2) No Poison, Ever
Poisoning squirrels is never recommended as it is cruel and can be potentially dangerous.
3) No Petroleum Jelly or Grease
Grease and petroleum jelly are also not good options as they can be harmful to the animals.