How to Make My Bird Feeder Squirrel Proof 
Trying to figure out how to make my bird feeder squirrel proof? Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your feeder safe from the critters. Add a squirrel baffle. Cayenne pepper and a slinky are also good options. You can also try greasing the pole. And once the squirrels have moved on, you can clean the pole to make it squirrel proof. If all else fails, here are some more tips:
Installing a squirrel baffle
One way to keep squirrels from eating from your bird feeder is to install a squirrel baffle. You can attach the squirrel baffle to the top or bottom of your feeder using hooks and screws. I recently installed a squirrel baffle on a bird feeder suspended on a small tree. The branch forks of the tree helped hold the squirrel baffle in place. This simple solution kept the squirrels out for several days until they stopped eating the bird food.
There are a few different types of squirrel baffles available on the market. Choose one that suits your needs and your budget. Some of the most common brands are: Audubon, iPrimio, Squirrel Stopper, Woodlink, Stokes, and Perky Pet. Choose a squirrel baffle that is durable and easy to install. Then, follow the instructions on the instruction sheet carefully.
Using a slinky
If you live in a climate where squirrels are not a problem, you are lucky! But even if you don’t live in a squirrel-free zone, you can still prevent them from gaining access to your bird feeder. It just takes a little creativity to prevent the rodents from reaching the birds in your feeder. Deborah Keller managed to deter a squirrel with a $3 slinky.
To prevent squirrels from climbing the pole, attach a Slinky to the end of your bird feeder. The elasticized spring should make the squirrels jump off the pole, sending them back to the ground. Another clever method is to use PVC pipe, which is made of hard plastic and is also squirrel-proof. By attaching the Slinky to the pole, squirrels will not be able to grasp it and will be thrown back down.
Using cayenne pepper
Adding cayenne pepper to your bird feeder will repel squirrels. This pepper can be mixed in with the seed or used as a spray on your pole and plants around your bird feeder. However, you must be careful because strong winds can blow away the pepper. If you’re using a spray bottle, you will have to keep adding pepper to it as it will wash off in rain.
Squirrels are intelligent animals, and will find a way around a bird feeder. It doesn’t matter whether you put hot pepper on it or not – they won’t be deterred for long. But if you really want to prevent the squirrels from gnawing your bird seed, you can use cayenne pepper. It’s an easy way to repel squirrels, and you can’t hurt the birds at the same time!
Greasing the pole
One of the easiest ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is to grease the pole. Squirrels have a hard time climbing the pole, and lubricating the feeder can prevent this. You can use any household oil or grease to make the pole squirrel proof, but natural oils are preferred for safety and scent. Petroleum jelly is a safe alternative and will reduce the possibility of animal harm while lubricating the pole.
Another method to keep squirrels away is to use anti-bird spikes or a diving board suspended from the feeder pole. If you can’t afford to buy these, you can always make one yourself. Another good option is scrap steel banding tape. Bend the banding at a 90 degree angle and secure it to the pole with a hose clamp. Slinkies are effective because they provide a physical barrier and Irish Soap repels rodents.
Using a cage
A squirrel-proof bird feeder will keep the critter out, and also help your birds. These creatures are scavengers, but you do not want them to take your bird food. If you hear people suggest that using repellents can make squirrels stay away from your bird feeder, think again. A squirrel proof bird feeder will not only keep out birds, but also provide a safe haven for the rodents.
Some people also suggest wrapping the poles with plastic or metal pipes. Stove pipe and 3-inch PVC pipe are common options. Another clever way to keep squirrels away is using spinners. These are slinky-like ropes that are wrapped around the poles. These can be attached to your bird feeder to keep squirrels from climbing it. But be careful! These ropes can be poisonous if squirrels eat them, so make sure to secure them firmly.
What type of bird feeder will Squirrels not be able to eat from?
A tube feeder with a small opening will prevent Squirrels from being able to eat the bird seed.
How can I keep Squirrels from eating all the bird seed in my feeder?
By Squirrel proofing your bird feeder you will be able to keep the Squirrels from being able to eat the bird seed.
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 Squirrel proof it.
What will happen if a Squirrel is able to eat from my bird feeder?
The Squirrel will be able to eat all the bird seed in the feeder which will leave the birds hungry.
How can I stop a Squirrel from being able to eat the bird seed in my feeder?
By Squirrel proofing your bird feeder you will be able to stop the Squirrels from being able to eat the bird seed.
Will a Squirrel proof bird feeder keep all Squirrels away?
Yes a Squirrel proof bird feeder will keep all Squirrels away from the bird feeder.
How do I know if my bird feeder is Squirrel proof?
If your bird feeder has a small opening it is Squirrel proof.
Is there a certain type of bird feeder that I need to get in order to keep Squirrels away?
Yes you will need to get a tube feeder with a small opening in order to keep Squirrels away from the bird feeder.
How can I make sure that Squirrels are not able to eat from my bird feeder?
By Squirrel proofing the bird feeder you will be able to make sure that Squirrels are not able to eat from the bird feeder.
What is the best way to keep my bird feeder safe from Squirrels?
By Squirrel proofing the bird feeder you will be able to keep it safe from Squirrels.
How do I keep Squirrels out of my bird feeder?
By Squirrel proofing your bird feeder you will be able to keep the Squirrels from being able to get into the bird feeder.
What happens if I don’t Squirrel proof my bird feeder?
If you don’t Squirrel proof your bird feeder the Squirrels will be able to eat all the bird seed in the feeder.
Is there anything I can do to keep Squirrels from being able to eat the bird seed in my feeder?
By Squirrel proofing your bird feeder you will be able to keep the Squirrels from being able to eat the bird seed.
How can I make sure that my bird feeder is safe from Squirrels?
By Squirrel proofing your bird feeder you will be able to make sure that it is safe from Squirrels.
Is there anything I can do to keep Squirrels away from my bird feeder?
By Squirrel proofing your bird feeder you will be able to keep the Squirrels away from the 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.
