How to Squirrel Proof a Bird Feeder Pole
You may have wondered how to squirrel proof a bird feeder pole. Here’s how to squirrel proof a pole with a few inexpensive and easily available products. You can also install a platform-style squirrel baffle, add shepherd’s hooks, and paint. But how do you get started? First, make sure the pole is strong enough to support the feeder. Then, place a slinky or an empty soda bottle on top. It’ll deter the squirrels and keep them off the feeder pole.
Add-on squirrel baffles
For the bird lover, an add-on squirrel baffle is an easy way to keep out pesky squirrels. These rodents can be quite destructive to bird feeders. A squirrel baffle is designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder by widening the diameter of the pole. If you want to keep the squirrels away from your feeders, you can also install a rodent-proof bird feeder.
Squirrels are known for their destructive habits. They will gnaw through just about anything, and they can destroy plastic, plexiglass, and hard plastic. If you’re planning to put a bird feeder pole in your backyard, then you need to consider adding squirrel baffles. This is an easy task for a DIY enthusiast. And besides, these products are portable and made to last!
Platform-style baffles
You don’t need to spend a fortune to squirrel proof a bird feeder. Whether you’ve got a platform-style baffle or a standard dome, these devices keep out squirrels. Not only do they deter small rodents, but they can also keep larger animals out. You can choose to place the baffle on a pole or hang it from the feeder.
These devices are often dome-shaped or made of solid plastic. Their success depends on where they’re mounted on the pole and how high they’re placed. The higher they’re installed, the less chance squirrels have of reaching the feeder. The purpose of the baffles is to stop squirrels in their tracks, not to eat bird food. If the squirrels manage to climb up to your feeder, they won’t be able to eat it.
Shepherd’s hooks
A shepherd’s hook pole is a great way to hang a bird feeder and prevent squirrels from getting inside. The pole should be staked in the ground. If you’re concerned about squirrels, a baffle or slinky will keep them from climbing the pole. While you should avoid using grease or oil on the pole, you can always try baffles that are made especially for squirrels.
A shepherd’s hook is an excellent way to squirrel-proof a bird feeder pole, but it’s also an effective landscape accent. These short poles feature a curved hook at the top that is perfect for hanging planters, bird feeders, and lanterns. These hooks are made from solid metal and are 1/2 inch wide (or less).
Paint
You can use Irish Soap to squirrel-proof your bird feeder pole. This substance is non-toxic to the animals, but it is an effective deterrent. Copper and PVC pipes are also difficult for squirrels to climb. Irish Soap works by making the squirrels slide down the feeder pole. Unlike other chemical products, Irish Soap doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. You can also use layered tubing to make the feeder pole more slippery.
Slinkys work well, too. If the squirrels can’t climb the pole, they’ll try to get over the slinky to get to the feeder. Make sure the slinky is fastened securely, but not high enough for the squirrel to reach. If it does, cut it down to expose the pole. Otherwise, you may have to repurchase the slinky.
Capsaicin
If you’d like to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper on the seeds. This chemical is harmless to birds, but squirrels find it very unpleasant. You can buy capsaicin-coated bird seed or mix cayenne pepper into the seed. Keeping the area around the feeder clean also helps to reduce the squirrel attraction. The best way to keep the squirrels away from the bird feeder is to ensure the bird seed is not spilled.
Then, place the pole in an appropriate location. A squirrel can jump about eight to ten feet horizontally, so it is impossible for the pole to be too high for it. When it reaches the pole, it must jump several feet to get to the seed. A squirrel can easily break the fishing line, spilling the food. Then, the whole affair ends in a mess and no one wants that.
Shepherd’s hooks are not strong enough to hold a squirrel’s weight
A shepherd’s hook will only hold a small portion of a squirrel’s weight, but that is often not a problem. Install a shepherd’s hook several inches below ground level in a tree or a nearby area that is free from bushes or shrubs. Make sure that the hook is inserted straight into the ground, as it should not lean. After you install it, check it periodically for loose dirt.
To avoid having your feeder damaged by a squirrel, place it in a difficult-to-reach location. A squirrel’s distance from the feeder should be at least nine feet, and it should be located at least ten feet away from a fence. You can also use a shepherd’s hook, but be sure that it’s strong enough to support a squirrel’s weight.
How do you squirrel proof a bird feeder pole?
By using a squirrel baffle.
What is a squirrel baffle?
A squirrel baffle is a cone or cylinder shaped device that is placed around the bird feeder pole.
It prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole and getting to the bird feeder.
How do squirrel baffles work?
Squirrel baffles work by making it difficult for squirrels to climb up the pole.
The cone shape of the baffle makes it difficult for squirrels to grip the pole and the cylinder shape prevents them from being able to wrap their tails around the pole.
What are the benefits of using a squirrel baffle?
The benefits of using a squirrel baffle are that it prevents squirrels from stealing bird food and it also protects the birds from being attacked by squirrels.
Are there any downside to using a squirrel baffle?
The only downside to using a squirrel baffle is that it may also prevent some small birds from being able to use the feeder depending on the size of the baffle.
What are some other ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder pole?
Some other ways to squirrel proof a bird feeder pole are to use a pole that is made of metal or plastic to use a pole with a smooth surface or to use a pole that is covered in Vaseline.
What are the benefits of using a metal or plastic pole?
The benefits of using a metal or plastic pole are that it is more difficult for squirrels to grip and it is also more difficult for them to chew through.
What are the benefits of using a smooth pole?
The benefits of using a smooth pole are that it is more difficult for squirrels to grip and it is also more difficult for them to chew through.
What are the benefits of using a pole covered in Vaseline?
The benefits of using a pole covered in Vaseline are that it is more difficult for squirrels to grip and it is also more difficult for them to chew through.
What are some other ways to keep squirrels away from bird feeders?
Some other ways to keep squirrels away from bird feeders are to place the feeder in an area that is difficult for squirrels to reach to use a squirrel proof bird feeder or to use a squirrel proof bird feeder pole.
What are the benefits of placing the feeder in an area that is difficult for squirrels to reach?
The benefits of placing the feeder in an area that is difficult for squirrels to reach are that it prevents them from being able to climb to the feeder and it also protects the birds from being attacked by squirrels.
What are the benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder?
The benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder are that it has a weight activated perch that closes the access to the bird food when a squirrel gets on it and it also has a baffle that prevents squirrels from being able to reach the bird food.
What are the benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder pole?
The benefits of using a squirrel proof bird feeder pole are that it has a weight activated perch that closes the access to the bird food when a squirrel gets on it and it also has a baffle that prevents squirrels from being able to reach the bird food.
What should you do if you find a squirrel in your bird feeder?
If you find a squirrel in your bird feeder you should try to scare it away by making loud noises or by spraying it with water.
What should you do if you find a squirrel in your bird feeder pole?
If you find a squirrel in your bird feeder pole you should try to scare it away by making loud noises or by spraying it with water.
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.
