How to Keep Squirrel Off a Bird Feeder
If you are looking for a way to keep a squirrel away from your bird feeding station, there are several different ways to do so. Some ways include using squirrel baffles, greasing the pole, adding cayenne pepper to the bird seed, or installing obstacles between the feeder and the ground. If all of these methods fail, you can always try to make your own squirrel baffle. Here are some simple ways to make your own squirrel baffle.
Greasing the pole
To keep squirrels from climbing a bird feeder’s pole, coat it with oil or grease. Squirrels cannot climb these poles without rubbing themselves with the oil or grease. If you’re not sure what to use, try safflower seeds. You can also apply axle grease to the pole. If the squirrels still persist, consider removing the feeder altogether. The squirrels may not stay away from your bird feeder for long, but your bird will stay if the pole is lubricated.
Another way to keep squirrels from accessing your feeder is to use an anti-bird spike or diving board. These items provide a physical barrier that is more than enough to keep the squirrel away. A squirrel is not averse to the scent of Irish Soap, so a small amount of this may be applied to the pole. This will deter the squirrel from using it as a foothold, but it is unlikely to stop at just one scent.
Adding cayenne pepper to bird seed
Adding cayenne pepper to bird seed has been a proven method to keep squirrels away from a bird feeder. The hot pepper smell is not only unpleasant to birds, but also a deterrent to rodents. You can even mix cayenne pepper into suet cakes to keep squirrels away from suet cakes. This method works in a variety of climates.
Cayenne pepper is a hot pepper that’s derived from hot peppers. It can be added to suet cakes, bells, and loose bird seed to prevent squirrels from eating your seed. You can buy cayenne pepper seed at your local nursery or garden center. If you want an easier method, you can simply add cayenne pepper to your birdseed.
Installing a squirrel baffle
If your bird feeder has been attacked by a squirrel, it might be time to install a squirrel baffle to prevent the problem. However, it is important to choose the right one for your particular situation. A squirrel baffle must be sturdy and long-lasting to withstand chewing attempts. As we all know, squirrels are persistent and are not particularly smart. They also do not hibernate, so they are constantly on the move.
Squirrel baffles are often made of plastic or metal. However, metal-made baffles can rust when exposed to rain or humidity. Different baffles also have different prices and features. Be sure to measure your birdhouse and feeder before buying a squirrel baffle. Depending on your needs, you may need to purchase more than one. Be sure to buy the correct size and model to avoid the problem.
Putting obstacles between them and the feeder
A YouTuber and budding bird enthusiast named Mark Rober made a YouTube video that shows the results of putting obstacles between squirrels and bird feeders. His eight-part obstacle course has gone viral and has been the subject of thousands of comments. Mark Rober, a former Apple and NASA engineer, started his project eight weeks ago after becoming bored with the lack of squirrels around his yard. He was not only trying to keep squirrels out of his backyard but also wanted to make something to stop them from destroying his bird feeder.
If you have a wire feeder, you can block it from the squirrels’ access. Place an empty plastic bottle or thread spool on the wire to block the squirrels from getting to the feeder. This will also prevent squirrels from reaching the bird seeds. But be careful – you’ll also be attracting raccoons and deer to your feeder. If you want to discourage squirrels from raiding your feeder, you have to be smart enough to protect your birds from this invasive species.
Adding a slinky
If you have a dwindling number of birds visiting your bird feeder, you should consider adding a slinky. This squirrel repellent will keep the rodent away from your bird feeder. The squirrel will try to jump over the slinky and attempt to reach the feeder. The slinky is usually about two feet high, so if you place it on a pole higher than the feeder, the rodent will not be able to reach it.
If you live in a climate with no squirrels, you are lucky. However, the critters can still sneak into your bird feeder. This is why you need to get creative and think outside of the box. A $3 slinky can prevent a squirrel from accessing your bird feeder. The slinky should be tied to the pole near the bird feeder. You can use various repellents on the slinky to find the one that works best for your particular situation.
Adding a mesh fence
If you’d like to prevent squirrels from stealing birdseed, you should add a mesh fence to your bird feeder. Putting a fence around your bird feeder will deter squirrels from climbing it. While this won’t completely keep squirrels away, it will make it harder for them to get to your bird seed. If you want to discourage them, you can include inexpensive bird food in the feeder.
A mesh fence is one of the best ways to deter squirrels from accessing your bird feeder. The material of the fence should be sturdy enough to withstand the squirrels’ chewing and climbing. The mesh will also help secure any gaps in the fence, which the squirrels can use to get through. A good tip is to bury the mesh in the ground. A strong mesh fence will help keep squirrels out for good.
What is the best way to keep squirrels off your bird feeder?
Answer: The best way to keep squirrels off your bird feeder is to use a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
What are some features of a squirrel-proof bird feeder?
Answer: Some features of a squirrel-proof bird feeder include a weight-activated perch that closes the opening to the feeder when a squirrel sits on it a cage that surrounds the feeder and keeps squirrels from being able to reach the food and a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is made of a material that squirrels cannot chew through.
Where can I purchase a squirrel-proof bird feeder?
Answer: You can purchase a squirrel-proof bird feeder at most hardware stores home improvement stores and pet stores.
You can also purchase one online.
How do I keep squirrels from raiding my bird feeder?
Answer: The best way to keep squirrels from raiding your bird feeder is to use a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
What should I do if I see a squirrel raiding my bird feeder?
Answer: If you see a squirrel raiding your bird feeder you can try to scare it off by making loud noises or firing a pellet gun into the air.
You can also try to catch the squirrel in a live trap and release it far away from your property.
How can I make my own squirrel-proof bird feeder?
Answer: You can make your own squirrel-proof bird feeder by attaching a weight-activated perch to the top of the feeder that will close the opening to the feeder when a squirrel sits on it.
You can also make a cage to surround the feeder that will keep squirrels from being able to reach the food.
Another option is to make a squirrel-proof bird feeder out of a material that squirrels cannot chew through such as metal or PVC pipe.
Will a squirrel-proof bird feeder keep all squirrels away?
Answer: No a squirrel-proof bird feeder will not keep all squirrels away.
However it will deter most squirrels and keep them from being able to reach the food in the feeder.
What are some other ways to keep squirrels away from my bird feeder?
Answer: Some other ways to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder include: removing any nearby trees or branches that the squirrels can use to jump onto the feeder spraying the bird feeder with a squirrel repellent and placing the bird feeder on a pole that is at least 10 feet high.
What should I do if a squirrel is still getting to my bird feeder?
Answer: If a squirrel is still getting to your bird feeder you can try to catch the squirrel in a live trap and release it far away from your property.
You can also contact a wildlife control company to remove the squirrel for you.
How can I keep squirrels away from my property?
Answer: Some ways to keep squirrels away from your property include: removing any food sources that the squirrels are attracted to such as bird feeders pet food and garbage cans; trimming back any trees or bushes that are close to your house; and sealing up any holes or cracks in your home that the squirrels could use to get inside.
What should I do if I find a squirrel in my house?
Answer: If you find a squirrel in your house you should try to herd it outside.
If you can’t herd the squirrel outside you can try to catch it in a live trap.
If you can’t catch the squirrel you should contact a wildlife control company to remove it for you.
How can I tell if a squirrel is living in my attic?
Answer: Some signs that a squirrel is living in your attic include: hearing noises coming from the attic seeing chewing damage on wires or insulation seeing squirrel droppings and seeing holes in the exterior of your house.
How do I get rid of a squirrel in my attic?
Answer: The best way to get rid of a squirrel in your attic is to contact a wildlife control company to remove it for you.
What are some signs that a squirrel is living in my chimney?
Answer: Some signs that a squirrel is living in your chimney include: hearing noises coming from the chimney seeing squirrel droppings and seeing holes in the exterior of your chimney.
How do I get rid of a squirrel in my chimney?
Answer: The best way to get rid of a squirrel in your chimney is to contact a wildlife control company to remove it for you.
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.
