How Do You Squirrel Proof a Bird Feeder? 
If you have a bird feeder, you may be wondering how do you squirrel proof it. There are several ways to do this, including securing the pole or keeping the surrounding area clean. The pole and feeder area need to be rounded or slanted. After the feeder is in place, attach a squirrel baffle or wire mesh. Once attached, this barrier will make it hard for squirrels to reach the birdseed.
Keeping squirrels away from bird feeders
If you are concerned about the safety of your bird feeders, you may be considering using different methods of squirrel repellent. Some people use hot peppers or commercial sprays. The squirrels might think that the food is too hot and won’t come back to the feeders. Others use plants that repel squirrels. Regardless of what method you choose, you need to find an effective way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders.
Another way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders is to use Irish Spring soap. You can place several cubes in a drawstring pouch and tie it to the stakes. Make sure that these stakes are buried at least 6 inches in the ground. Another method of squirrel repellent is to sprinkle cayenne pepper into the seed. It is important to remember that squirrels usually gravitate towards the seed that falls from bird feeders. In order to minimize this attraction, make sure to keep the areas around your bird feeders clean and dry.
Keeping the area around your bird feeder clean
If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you may be wondering how to keep it squirrel-proof. Squirrels are attracted to bird seeds, suet, and nuts, which can attract them. While many birders are fine with squirrels frequenting their yard, others may have a more difficult time with this pest. They usually chase birds away and may stay at the feeder until it’s empty.
One way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is to hang it a few feet away from trees or other structures. If your bird feeder hangs from a metal pole, you should apply cooking oil to the pole so that squirrels can’t grasp it and will slide back down. The cooking oil can be reapplied on a regular basis to prevent squirrels from squeaking down the pole.
Using a squirrel baffle
A simple DIY solution for a squirrel-proof bird feeder is using a squirrel baffle. A squirrel baffle is a piece of plastic or metal with a smooth surface that slips over the pole of a bird feeder. Cut the plastic bowl into the desired shape and size, and secure it to the pole using screws or L-brackets. A squirrel baffle can be used to protect a variety of bird feeders, including hanging feeders, as well as hung from tree branches.
If you don’t have access to an appropriate baffle, you can always use a toy Slinky as a substitute. These are available in many different sizes, so you can find one that fits your bird feeder. The Slinky can be cut shorter if it reaches the ground, and will prevent squirrels from climbing it. The Slinky will not be able to reach the feeder from the top, but it will be a good deterrent to a squirrel.
Keeping the pole rounded or slanted
You can prevent squirrels from accessing your bird feeder by putting up a barrier. If the feeder pole is too close to a branch, a squirrel will simply hop up and over the barrier. If the feeder is placed close to a tree, squirrels will likely take advantage of this weakness and eat the bird food. Keeping the pole rounded or slanted will discourage them from reaching your feeder.
If you’re concerned that the squirrels will climb the pole, you can lubricate it with mustard oil or another lubricant. These products will make the pole slippery and more difficult to climb. The smell will be minimal and the squirrels won’t be able to chew through the pole. You can also make your poles slippery by covering them with layered tubing.
Keeping the pole away from wires
Keeping the pole at least nine to ten feet away from the wires is crucial to squirrel proofing your bird feeder. Squirrels are able to reach your bird feeder via power lines, trees, and roofs. Using wire can solve this problem. Squirrels cannot walk on wire positioned vertically, so they must jump or hop over it to reach it. You can use copper or PVC pipe for this purpose.
Another solution for squirrel proofing your bird feeder is using a grater. This can help prevent squirrels from reaching your feeder by slicing up the meat, nuts, or seeds inside. Grease and oils are also toxic for squirrels, and glue and grease can damage the feathers of birds and prevent them from flying well. For these reasons, squirrel-proofing your feeder is crucial.
Using a capsaicin-laced baffle
Adding a wraparound capsaicin-laced baffle over a bird feeder’s pole will deter squirrels. The hot pepper repels the squirrels, and it’s effective on both birds and squirrels. If you don’t want to purchase a squirrel-proofing system, you can also use pepper-based repellent products. Cayenne pepper, for instance, will repel squirrels from eating your bird seed. But be sure to keep an eye on your bird feeder for the first few days, as squirrels can get stuck.
If you don’t want to use pepper-laced baffles, you can still discourage squirrels by spraying them with hot pepper-flavored oil. You can use non-aerosol misters or aerosol kitchen oil products to apply the pepper to the birdseed. However, make sure not to leave the pepper in the seed – strong winds will wash the pepper away. And remember, pepper-laced baffles should be used in a protective cage, not the feeder itself.
What is the best way to squirrel proof a bird feeder?
The best way to squirrel proof a bird feeder is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder.
What is a squirrel proof bird feeder?
A squirrel proof bird feeder is a feeder that is designed to keep squirrels from being able to access the bird food.
How does a squirrel proof bird feeder work?
Squirrel proof bird feeders typically have a weight activated mechanism that closes off access to the food when a squirrel tries to sit on the feeder.
What are some of the benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Some benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder include keeping your bird food from being eaten by squirrels keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder and preventing squirrels from damaging your bird feeder.
Are there any downsides to using a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Some downsides to using a squirrel proof bird feeder include the fact that they can be more expensive than regular bird feeders and they may not be 100% effective at keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder.
What are some other ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder?
Some other ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder include using a squirrel baffle placing the bird feeder on a pole or in a location that is inaccessible to squirrels and making your own squirrel proof bird feeder.
What is a squirrel baffle?
A squirrel baffle is a device that is designed to keep squirrels from being able to climb up to a bird feeder.
How does a squirrel baffle work?
A squirrel baffle typically has a dome shape that prevents squirrels from being able to climb up to the bird feeder or it may have a long tube shape that squirrels can not climb through.
Where can I buy a squirrel baffle?
You can buy a squirrel baffle at many places that sell bird feeders and birding supplies.
How do I make my own squirrel proof bird feeder?
You can make your own squirrel proof bird feeder by following a few simple steps.
First find a bird feeder that has a weight activated mechanism.
Next attach a baffle to the bird feeder.
Finally place the bird feeder in a location that is inaccessible to squirrels.
How do I keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?
You can keep squirrels away from your bird feeder by using a squirrel proof bird feeder using a squirrel baffle or placing the bird feeder in a location that is inaccessible to squirrels.
How do I prevent squirrels from damaging my bird feeder?
You can prevent squirrels from damaging your bird feeder by using a squirrel proof bird feeder.
How can I keep my bird food from being eaten by squirrels?
You can keep your bird food from being eaten by squirrels by using a squirrel proof bird feeder using a squirrel baffle or making your own squirrel proof bird feeder.
What is the best way to keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?
The best way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder is to use a squirrel proof bird feeder.
What are some of the benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder?
Some benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder include keeping your bird food from being eaten by squirrels keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder and preventing squirrels from damaging your bird feeder.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
