Anyone who has tried to attract birds to their backyard with a feeder knows this: once it’s up, the visitors will come. However, in this case, “visitors” often means squirrels, those agile little acrobats who see bird feeders as an invitation rather than a deterrent. Whether you love or loathe them, squirrels can be a real hassle for bird feeder owners.
With their ability to jump 4 feet vertically and safely land from heights of 30 feet, squirrels frequently cause trouble by invading unwelcome areas. Small animal researchers note, “The challenge with squirrels lies in their remarkable agility and relentless activity.” Indeed, squirrels can fall from heights of up to 100 feet without injury and can leap up to 8 feet horizontally from a standing position.
Naturally skilled climbers, squirrels navigate tree limbs and urban environments with ease. They consume up to a pound of food each week, dining on nuts, seeds, fruits, plants, mushrooms, and even some insects. Their tendency to hoard food often surpasses their immediate needs, leading them to store excess supplies in underground “pantries” for winter when food is scarce. So, how can you prevent squirrels from raiding bird feeders?
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Here are the proven ways on how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders:
1. Use a Baffle on Your Bird Feeder
A baffle is a cone-shaped cover, typically made of metal, designed to sit atop your bird feeder. This metal piece can be placed above a hanging feeder, creating a slippery, unstable surface that squirrels can’t grip. Unable to hold on, the squirrels will slide off, and ideally, realize that this feeder is off-limits.
2. Try Safflower Seeds
Although squirrels will eventually eat almost anything, there are certain seeds they find less appealing. Safflower seeds, which come from a vibrant annual plant, are typically not a favorite of squirrels. Using safflower seeds in your feeder may deter squirrels, while still attracting birds that enjoy them.
3. Make a Cinnamon Spray
Certain scents are highly unappealing to squirrels, with cinnamon being one of them. By creating a spray with cinnamon, cayenne, or peppermint mixed with water, you’ll have an effective repellent for squirrels. Regularly spray this mixture around your bird feeder, and be sure to reapply after it rains.
4. Pick Up After the Birds
Although squirrels have a keen sense of smell, it’s usually not the scent of bird seed that attracts them. Instead, a squirrel might be passing by and notice a few seeds on the ground. They look up and spot the bird feeder. By routinely sweeping up the area around the bird feeder, you can prevent squirrels from discovering its presence.
5. Put Your Feeder Up High
We’ve all witnessed squirrels perform remarkable feats, effortlessly leaping from one tree to another. However, they aren’t birds and can’t fly, nor do they prefer making risky jumps frequently. Generally, if your feeder is more than five feet high and at least seven feet away from a tree, you’re likely to keep inquisitive squirrels from attempting to jump to it.
6. Feed the Squirrels
The squirrels invading your bird feeder likely aren’t starving, but providing them with their own food supply can be a helpful distraction. Place a feeder on the ground filled with peanuts or dried corn, two of their favorite foods. The idea is that the squirrels will be occupied and satisfied, leaving your bird feeder alone.
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7. Get a Squirrel-Proof Feeder
Sometimes, the solution is as straightforward as using a bird feeder that squirrels can’t access. Squirrel-proof feeders have openings that are out of the squirrels’ reach and, in some cases, are designed to be activated by the weight of a bird landing on them. The goal is to outsmart the squirrels.
8. Create an Obstacle Course
Place two poles at least seven feet apart and suspend the bird feeder on a wire strung between them. Attach empty soda bottles on either side of the feeder along the wire. When squirrels attempt to tightrope walk to the feeder, the smooth bottles will prevent them from maintaining their balance.
9. Put a Slinky on the Pole
Though it might feel odd to buy a slinky after so many years, it serves as an effective and affordable barrier against squirrels. Attach a slinky just below your bird feeder; when squirrels climb up, they’ll hit the slinky, which will then slide back down the pole, gently sending the squirrels back to the ground.
10. Build the Feeder Pole From Copper or PVC
Observing a squirrel effortlessly ascend a metal or wooden pole reveals their experience in such endeavors. Squirrels are adept at reaching elevated locations, but opting for poles made of copper or PVC, instead of metal or wood, creates an inhospitable environment for them—exactly what you’re aiming for.
11. Don’t Overfill Your Feeders
Limit the amount of seed in your feeders to a small quantity at a time. Squirrels are attracted to consistent food sources, so if they discover limited offerings at your place, they’ll seek better options elsewhere.
Additionally, maintaining a reasonable seed level is crucial for the well-being and safety of your birds. Spoiled and moldy birdseed can pose health risks to birds and promote the spread of disease. Unless your feeders are frequented by enough birds to warrant daily refilling, there’s no need to fill them to capacity.
12. Place Your Feeder Out in the Open
Squirrels tend to be cautious and are hesitant to approach a feeder in an exposed, brightly lit area where predators have clear visibility. Positioning a feeder in the center of the yard is an effective method to deter squirrels from casually dropping by for a snack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent squirrels from raiding my bird feeder?
There are several effective strategies to deter squirrels from accessing bird feeders. One method is to use a baffle, a cone-shaped cover placed above the feeder to create a slippery surface that squirrels cannot grip. Another approach is to provide squirrels with their own food source, such as a feeder filled with peanuts or dried corn, to distract them from the bird feeder.
What type of bird feeder is squirrel-proof?
Squirrel-proof bird feeders have openings that squirrels cannot reach into, and in some cases, are activated by the weight of a bird landing on them. These feeders are designed to outsmart squirrels and prevent them from accessing the bird seed.
How can I keep squirrels away from my bird feeder without harming them?
There are several humane methods to discourage squirrels from accessing bird feeders. One approach is to place the feeder in an open, well-lit area where squirrels are less likely to approach due to increased visibility to predators. Additionally, using poles made of materials like copper or PVC, rather than metal or wood, can create an unfriendly environment for squirrels.
Why is it important not to overfill bird feeders?
Overfilling bird feeders can lead to health and safety issues for birds. Spoiled and moldy birdseed can make birds sick and spread disease. It’s recommended to limit the amount of seed in feeders to a small quantity at a time unless there is a high volume of bird activity that warrants daily refilling.
What scents are unappealing to squirrels and can help keep them away from bird feeders?
Squirrels find scents like cinnamon, cayenne, and peppermint to be unappealing. Creating a spray with these ingredients mixed with water can serve as a natural repellent when applied around the bird feeder.
How can I prevent squirrels from tightrope walking to my bird feeder?
Placing a slinky just below the bird feeder can act as a barrier against squirrels. When squirrels climb up, they will hit the slinky, causing it to slide back down the pole and deterring them from reaching the feeder.
What are some signs that squirrels may be raiding my bird feeder?
If you notice seeds scattered about or chew marks on the feeder, it may indicate that squirrels are accessing the bird feeder. Additionally, observing squirrels attempting to climb the feeder pole or tightrope walk to the feeder are telltale signs of their presence.
How can I create an environment that is less inviting to squirrels?
Placing the bird feeder in the middle of the yard and ensuring it is well-lit can make squirrels think twice before approaching for a snack. Additionally, keeping the area around the feeder clean and free of spilled seed can discourage squirrel activity.
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Final Thoughts
While squirrels can be persistent and resourceful in their quest for bird feeder bounty, there are numerous effective strategies to prevent them from raiding your feeder and ensure your feathered friends enjoy their meals undisturbed. From using baffles and squirrel-proof feeders to employing natural deterrents and strategic placement, homeowners can create an environment that promotes bird-watching enjoyment while minimizing squirrel interference.