How Far on the Pole Do You Install a Squirrel Or Chipmunk Baffle? 
There are several things to consider when installing a squirrel/chipmunk baffle. They include the size of the baffle, the jump ability of squirrels, and the installation method. If you are having trouble with your squirrels, read this article to learn how to properly install your baffle. If you do find that they’ve already climbed the pole, consider installing a squirrel-resistant pole to prevent them from coming back.
Installation of a squirrel/chipmunk baffle
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your bird feeders from chipmunks and other squirrels is to install a squirrel/chipmunk baffle. Using an old plastic bowl, you can create a dome-shaped baffle. The hole in the center should be large enough for the feeder post, and the baffle is secured to the pole with hose clamps. If you don’t have a spare plastic bowl, you can use an old stove tube or aluminum pipe. To make your baffle more durable, use a seal, and add end caps to prevent your tube from falling off the pole.
To install a squirrel/chipmunk baffle, first measure the diameter of the pole where you’re going to place the feeder. The diameter should be at least half the diameter of the pole. You can also use a coupler or clamp to secure the baffle in place. A few pieces of steel wire are required to fit the pole. You can use a metal rod for a longer pole, and then a plastic rod for a smaller feeder.
Size of baffle
When installing a squirrel/chipmunk deterrent on a pole, it is crucial that the baffle is the right size for the pole’s diameter. One of the common types of baffles is a 2-way model, which can be installed on a pole or hung from above a bird feeder. These products have a coupler for mounting and a flange for screwing on the baffle to the pole.
If you want to install a squirrel/chipmunk deterrent on a pole, make sure that the baffle is four feet off the ground. Another option is to install a Slinky under the feeder. These methods work well in a pinch, but are ineffective against large squirrels. However, these methods do cost more money than you might expect. To avoid getting cheated, always check out reviews before buying a squirrel baffle.
Jumping ability of squirrels
Many of us are amazed by the speed at which squirrels and chipmunks can leap, but did you know they can do so at supersonic speed? The answer lies in their incredible body structure. Squirrels have double-jointed hind legs, padded feet, and high, long eyes on their sides. In addition to their speed, they can change direction quickly and shift their weight to find their center of gravity.
Squirrels are much better at jumping than chipmunks. Their sharp claws enable them to grasp irregularities in the ground and land safely. In contrast, humans generate very little drag force when they jump and can get injured. Moreover, chipmunks cannot jump as high as squirrels do. But chipmunks can jump at least 3 feet and are generally smaller than squirrels.
Getting rid of a squirrel/chipmunk
If you are trying to get rid of a squirrel/chipmunk, you might be wondering how to safely trap it. These animals are known for damaging the landscaping and home structures and can be a nuisance. Here are some easy ways to capture them. You can use a broom to knock them down and throw them away. However, this method may not work in all cases.
Before you try trapping a squirrel/chipmunk on your pole, you should know how to identify their droppings. They are dark and look like elongated rice or beans. You can tell if a female squirrel is nesting nearby by the presence of droppings, urine stains, or damage to shingles and screens. If you spot a nest, you should call a professional to remove it for you. Removing young squirrels yourself can be damaging and may not survive outdoors.
Problems with squirrels
There are a few ways to prevent chipmunks and squirrels from destroying your new feeder. First, make sure you install the pole a sufficient distance from the launch point. If you do not have a safe distance, squirrels will easily climb up and launch themselves. For this reason, the pole should be a minimum of 11 feet from the launching site. A dome baffle can help deter them from above. While most people have no problem installing a pole, some may have to loosen the ground to install it.
Another way to keep squirrels and chipmunks away from your new pole is to use a bird feeder. These animals prefer feeding on the ground, so make sure to keep the area beneath your feeder clean of debris. Squirrels will inevitably invade your feeder, so cleaning under it is very important. In addition, you can purchase a seed catcher to attract ground-feeding birds to your pole.
Keeping them off bird feeders
There are a number of ways to keep squirrels/chipmunks from gaining access to your bird feeder. A simple slinky may be enough to frighten off the little menace, but it’s not foolproof. If you have a pole with a sturdy hook at the top, a squirrel will soon realize it’s a slippery ladder and climb up.
To deter chipmunks from getting to the feeder, make it difficult for them to get at the bird food. If you have a feeder pole, attach a small, lightweight Frisbee or slinky to it. In addition to blocking the pole, you can install specially-designed baffles above or below the feeder. Just make sure to make these baffles tight-fitting enough to prevent chipmunks from getting in. The rodents can squeeze through very small gaps and are usually only eight to nine inches long.
How far on the pole do you install a squirrel/chipmunk trap?
At least 18 inches from the top of the pole.
How many squirrels can one trap hold?
Multiple squirrels can be caught in one trap but it will need to be checked more frequently.
How do you bait a squirrel/chipmunk trap?
Place bait such as nuts or sunflower seeds in the back of the trap away from the trigger.
How often do you need to check a squirrel/chipmunk trap?
At least once every 24 hours.
What do you do with a squirrel/chipmunk after you catch it?
Check local regulations to see if you can relocate the animal.
If not contact a wildlife control operator to have it removed.
What kind of damage do squirrels/chipmunks typically cause?
Damage to gardens and crops as well as chewing on electrical wires.
What is the best time of year to trap squirrels/chipmunks?
Late summer or early fall before they begin collecting food for winter.
How can you prevent squirrels/chipmunks from damaging your property?
Try to exclude them from the area by sealing up holes and gaps.
Trapping and removing them is also an option.
What is the lifespan of a squirrel/chipmunk?
2-5 years in the wild up to 10 years in captivity.
Are squirrels/chipmunks active during the day or night?
Both but they are most active in the morning and evening.
What is the home range of a squirrel/chipmunk?
1-2 acres.
What do squirrels/chipmunks eat?
A variety of things including nuts seeds fruits and insects.
Do squirrels/chipmunks hibernate?
Some do some don’t.
It depends on the climate and food availability.
What is the gestation period for a squirrel/chipmunk?
38-45 days.
How many young do squirrels/chipmunks typically have?
2-8 depending on the species.
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.
