To keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, several effective strategies and products can be used:
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
- Weight-sensitive feeders: These feeders have perches that close off access when a heavier animal like a squirrel lands on them, preventing seed access while allowing lightweight birds to feed. An example is the Woodlink Absolute II feeder
- Caged feeders: Enclosing feeders in wire mesh sized to allow small birds but exclude squirrels is effective, especially for small birds like finches and chickadees
- Feeders with baffles or domes: Installing a dome-shaped or baffle guard above or below the feeder prevents squirrels from climbing down or jumping onto the feeder
Placement Tips
- Mount feeders on metal poles rather than wood, as squirrels find metal harder to climb
- Place feeders at least 10 feet away from trees, branches, roofs, or fences that squirrels can use as launching points
- Install a squirrel baffle on the feeder pole about 4 feet off the ground to block climbing squirrels
Additional Deterrents
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to bird seed; birds are unaffected but squirrels dislike the spicy taste and smell
- Use strong-smelling deterrents like peppermint oil, garlic, or onion powder around the feeder area to repel squirrels
- Applying Vaseline or petroleum jelly to poles can make them slippery, but this is not recommended due to potential harm to birds and the need for frequent reapplication
DIY and Alternative Methods
- Build or buy feeders made from materials like steel fence pipe that allow birds but block squirrels
- Use a separate squirrel feeding station stocked with nuts to distract squirrels from bird feeders
- Employ flexible perch designs or PVC pipe guards to make feeders harder for squirrels to access
By combining these methods-using squirrel-proof feeders, careful placement, physical barriers like baffles, and natural repellents-you can effectively keep squirrels out of your bird feeder and protect your bird seed
