How to Squirrel Proof a Pole 
If you’ve ever tried to squirrel-proof a pole, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, there are some easy ways to protect your pole from these pesky critters. You can install squirrel baffles, which tilt when a squirrel climbs the pole. Then, your pole will be off-balance and they can’t get to your feeder. There are also squirrel-resistant poles that can be purchased separately.
Woodlink Post Mount Squirrel Baffle
The Woodlink Post Mount Squirrel Baff is a stylish way to keep squirrels out of your birdfeeder. The squirrel-proof wood-based baffle features a hook assembly for easy hanging. This squirrel-proof baffle is available in green and fits 4″ x 4″ posts. You can also purchase brackets to hang your baffle from, which is perfect for keeping the squirrels out!
Torpedo Squirrel Baffle
To effectively protect your bird feeders from squirrels, install a Torpedo Squirrel Baffel at the base of the pole. This simple device encloses a feeding station and prevents squirrels from accessing the feeder. The baffle is a six-inch cylinder, which can rotate on the bottom of the pole. Because the squirrel baffle is so small, squirrels must first reach the outside of the pole before they can reach the top.
Woodlink Dome Squirrel Baffle
The Woodlink Dome Squirrel Baff is the ideal choice for homeowners who want to prevent squirrels from destroying bird feeders. This baffle can be used on hanging or pole bird feeders. Its dome shape keeps squirrels from stepping on it, and the 16-inch diameter of the baffle protects the seed chamber from water. Water will cause the seeds to spoil, and birds won’t feed on them.
Slinkies
A Slinky is a great way to deter squirrels from climbing a pole. Unlike traditional traps, slinkies can be attached to any pole. While some bird poles are more effective than others, all types of poles can be squirrel-proofed using Slinkies. Metal poles are particularly easy for squirrels to climb, while wood and copper piping are more difficult to climb. Slinky poles are also effective when inserted into the pole itself, as adding grease to the pole will keep squirrels from gripping it.
Copper poles
To prevent squirrels from climbing your copper poles, you can use a baffle. These are metal items that are half sphere shaped and attached to the pole. Squirrels can’t jump over a six-foot pole, and they will also have a hard time climbing over a seven-foot pole or a nine-foot pole from an overhanging tree. So you can place the baffle on the top of the pole, and make sure to keep the pole at least eight feet away from trees or bushes.
PVC poles
To protect your property from squirrels, you may want to know how to squirrel proof PVC poles. The easiest way to do this is to cover the pvc with a coating of petroleum jelly or grease. This will keep the squirrels from sticking to the pole. However, these coatings are not foolproof, as squirrels will still find a way to climb the pole. To make the squirrel-proof coatings even more effective, consider painting them.
Grease poles
In order to keep squirrels from climbing your pole, consider lubricating it. Vaseline, WB-40, or axle grease are all good options for making your pole slippery. But keep in mind that these lubricants are toxic for wildlife, so you need to reapply after every rain. Adding these lubricants is not enough to deter squirrels. You also have to consider the amount of grease you apply, as some lubricants are more toxic than others.
Place feeders away from trees
To squirrel-proof a pole, you should install a feeder that is higher than trees. If you can’t afford to replace the pole, then consider purchasing a slinky squirrel feeder. These are slinky-like devices that go down the pole and open when a squirrel reaches them. These are great for preventing squirrels from stealing food from your feeder.
Wires
One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels out of a pole is to hang a feeder from the pole. To keep the squirrels away from the feeder, you need to place it high enough on the pole, and far enough away from the pole to prevent them from walking across it. To build a squirrel feeder, simply purchase some wire at your local dollar store. Make sure to put the wire in two points, and place them 14 feet apart. Then, thread the wire through a piece of PVC pipe. The wire should be at least five feet long and four inches in diameter, so that the squirrel cannot walk across it.
Gutters
In order to keep squirrels from climbing your pole, you need to remove any debris that could attract them. One common mistake is adding grease or oil to the pole, which will cause them to become slick and slippery. These substances can also coat the animals’ feathers and fur, causing them to become vulnerable to predators. To completely squirrel proof a pole, you can use glue traps. However, this method can be dangerous as it can also catch birds or other animals and leave the pole vulnerable to attacks by predators.
What is the best way to squirrel proof a pole?
Answer: The best way to squirrel proof a pole is to use a squirrel baffle.
What is a squirrel baffle?
Answer: A squirrel baffle is a device that is placed around a pole or tree trunk to prevent squirrels from climbing up.
How does a squirrel baffle work?
Answer: A squirrel baffle works by providing a barrier that the squirrels cannot climb over or around.
What are the benefits of using a squirrel baffle?
Answer: The benefits of using a squirrel baffle are that it is a humane way to keep squirrels off of a pole or tree and it is also effective at deterring other animals such as snakes and raccoons.
How do I choose the right squirrel baffle for my pole or tree?
Answer: When choosing a squirrel baffle you will want to consider the size of the pole or tree as well as the type of squirrels that are in your area.
What are some of the different types of squirrel baffles?
Answer: Some of the different types of squirrel baffles include dome-shaped baffles tube-shaped baffles and baffles with a skirt.
How do I install a squirrel baffle?
Answer: To install a squirrel baffle you will first need to select the right size and type of baffle for your pole or tree.
Once you have the baffle you will then need to attach it to the pole or tree using screws nails or zip ties.
How often do I need to replace my squirrel baffle?
Answer: The frequency with which you will need to replace your squirrel baffle will depend on the type of baffle you are using as well as the weather and other conditions in your area.
Are there any other steps I can take to squirrel proof my pole or tree?
Answer: In addition to using a squirrel baffle you can also apply a squirrel repellent to the pole or tree.
What is a squirrel repellent?
Answer: A squirrel repellent is a substance that will deter squirrels from climbing or chewing on a pole or tree.
How do squirrel repellents work?
Answer: Squirrel repellents work by either emitting a scent that squirrels do not like or by making the surface of the pole or tree unpleasant for the squirrels to touch.
What are the benefits of using a squirrel repellent?
Answer: The benefits of using a squirrel repellent are that it is a safe and effective way to keep squirrels away from a pole or tree.
How do I choose the right squirrel repellent for my pole or tree?
Answer: When choosing a squirrel repellent you will want to consider the type of repellent as well as the size of the area that you need to cover.
How do I apply a Squirrel Repellent?
Answer: The instructions for applying a squirrel repellent will vary depending on the type of repellent you are using.
Are there any other steps I can take to prevent squirrels from damaging my pole or tree?
Answer: In addition to using a squirrel baffle or repellent you can also trim any branches that are close to the pole or tree as this will make it more difficult for the squirrels to climb.
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.
