How to Squirrel-Proof My Birdfeeder
If you’re wondering how to squirrel-proof your birdfeeder, you’ve come to the right place. There are many different methods you can use, from a Slinky to grease on the pole. There are even Domes that will prevent squirrels from climbing up. Unfortunately, none of these methods is 100% guaranteed. If you’re frustrated by squirrel activity at your birdfeeder, try these methods.
Slinky is a squirrel deterrent
You may have seen slinkys hanging from bird feeder poles, and while the slinky looks like a harmless toy for children, it works well as a squirrel deterrent. They work on any pole with a diameter of 2.5cm or more. Because they’re so heavy, a squirrel can’t grip them or get their food. By hanging a slinky on a pole, a squirrel can’t reach it and is therefore unable to access the pole and thus, the food you’re offering.
Grease on a bird feeder pole
To deter squirrels from accessing your bird feeders, you can try to place the pole far away from tree branches. This is a common weakness of bird food sources. If your pole is close to a tree branch, a squirrel can easily climb it and get on the bird feeder. If you use a copper pole, the squirrel will find it hard to climb. Try using PVC pipe instead. Then, you can use nylon to cover the pole.
Domes prevent squirrels from climbing up
Domes are a great way to keep squirrels from climbing up your bird feeder. These are either above or below the feeder, and are large enough to discourage average-sized squirrels from attempting to jump up them. However, domes can be expensive, with a decent one costing anywhere from PS10 to PS30. For more information and to buy one, check out Amazon. It may be a good investment in the long run.
Grease on a pole is not a guaranteed solution
While putting grease on a pole may seem like a great idea, it isn’t the most effective way to keep squirrels out. For starters, petroleum jelly is toxic to wildlife and should never be applied to poles for birdfeeders. Not only will it stain the pole, but it will also cause squirrels to slide down the pole and potentially ingest toxic substances. If you’re considering using petroleum jelly, make sure it isn’t in the birdfeeder.
Placement of a slinky
If you want to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder, you can use a slinky. Place the slinky two to three feet up the pole. The squirrels will try to climb over the slinky to get to the birdfeeder, and they are likely to fail. This is a fun way to deter squirrels from visiting your bird feeder. But be sure to choose a slinky that is not too large. These aren’t for children.
Grease on a pole
A cheap solution for preventing squirrels from climbing your bird feeder pole is to lubricate it. By adding grease to the pole, squirrels will have difficulty clinging to it, which makes it easier for them to get down. You can use any household oil or grease for this purpose. However, natural oils are recommended for safety reasons, as these reduce the smell. These are also one of the quickest ways to squirrel proof your birdfeeder pole.
Grease on a pole is not a guaranteed solution for red squirrels
You might have seen people using grease on a pole to deter squirrels. But that’s just a myth. These sticky substances can cause harm to the squirrels if they accidentally ingest them. It’s also not safe to use near children and pets, because they can get dirty from coming into contact with the grease. And remember, grease on a pole is not the only solution to red squirrel problems!
How can I keep squirrels from raiding my birdfeeder?
Answer 1: One way to keep squirrels from raiding your birdfeeder is to use a squirrel-proof feeder.
Another way to deter squirrels is to use a feeder that has a weight-activated perch that closes the access to the food when a squirrel sits on it.
You can also try surround your birdfeeder with a squirrel baffle.
What is a squirrel-proof birdfeeder?
Answer 2: A squirrel-proof birdfeeder is a type of feeder that has a weight-activated perch that closes the access to the food when a squirrel sits on it.
What is a weight-activated perch?
Answer 3: A weight-activated perch is a perch on a squirrel-proof birdfeeder that closes the access to the food when a squirrel sits on it.
What is a squirrel baffle?
Answer 4: A squirrel baffle is a device that you can place around your birdfeeder to deter squirrels.
How do I use a squirrel baffle?
Answer 5: You can place a squirrel baffle around your birdfeeder to deter squirrels.
What are some other ways to keep squirrels away from my birdfeeder?
Answer 6: In addition to using a squirrel baffle you can also try using a feeder that has a weight-activated perch that closes the access to the food when a squirrel sits on it.
Will a squirrel baffle work on all types of birdfeeders?
Answer 7: Squirrel baffles are designed to work with most types of birdfeeders.
How do I know if a squirrel baffle will fit my birdfeeder?
Answer 8: Most squirrel baffles are designed to fit most types of birdfeeders.
I’ve tried everything but the squirrels are still getting to my birdfeeder.
What should I do?
Answer 9: If you’ve tried using a squirrel-proof feeder surround your birdfeeder with a squirrel baffle and using a feeder with a weight-activated perch but the squirrels are still getting to your birdfeeder you may need to try a different type of squirrel baffle or feeder.
What is the best type of squirrel-proof birdfeeder?
Answer 10: The best type of squirrel-proof birdfeeder is the one that works best for you and keeps the squirrels away from your birdfeeder.
I don’t want to use a squirrel-proof birdfeeder.
What are my other options?
Answer 11: If you don’t want to use a squirrel-proof birdfeeder you can try surround your birdfeeder with a squirrel baffle.
What is the best type of squirrel baffle?
Answer 12: The best type of squirrel baffle is the one that works best for you and keeps the squirrels away from your birdfeeder.
I’ve tried a squirrel baffle but the squirrels are still getting to my birdfeeder.
What should I do?
Answer 13: If you’ve tried using a squirrel baffle but the squirrels are still getting to your birdfeeder you may need to try a different type of squirrel baffle or feeder.
I’ve tried everything but the squirrels are still getting to my birdfeeder.
What should I do?
Answer 14: If you’ve tried using a squirrel-proof feeder surround your birdfeeder with a squirrel baffle and using a feeder with a weight-activated perch but the squirrels are still getting to your birdfeeder you may need to try a different type of squirrel baffle or feeder.
What are some other ways to keep squirrels away from my birdfeeder?
Answer 15: In addition to using a squirrel baffle you can also try using a feeder that has a weight-activated perch that closes the access to the food when a squirrel sits on it.
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.
