11 Effective Tips to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders

1

If you love watching birds but get frustrated when squirrels raid your bird feeders, you are not alone. Squirrels are clever and persistent, making it a challenge to keep them away from the food meant for birds. However, with the right strategies, you can enjoy feeding birds without letting squirrels spoil the fun. This article will guide you through easy and practical ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders.

Why Do Squirrels Visit Bird Feeders?

Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders because they provide an easy source of food. They are agile climbers and jumpers, which helps them reach feeders even in tricky spots. Squirrels can eat a lot of seed quickly and often make a mess by scattering seeds around. While squirrels are fun to watch, they can take away food from birds and damage feeders.

11 Tips to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders

1. Hang Your Feeder in the Right Spot

Place your bird feeder in an open area away from places squirrels can jump from. Squirrels can leap up to 10 feet horizontally and 4 feet vertically, so hang feeders at least 10 to 15 feet away from tree limbs, roofs, or decks. Also, hang feeders at least 5 to 6 feet above the ground to make it harder for squirrels to climb up.

2. Use a Baffle on the Feeder Pole

A baffle is a dome- or cone-shaped barrier made of metal or plastic that you attach to the feeder pole. It blocks squirrels from climbing up to the feeder by creating a slippery or unstable surface. Place the baffle about 5 to 7 feet above the ground. While squirrels are clever, a baffle often stops them from reaching the bird seed.

3. Choose Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

Some bird feeders are specially designed to keep squirrels out. These feeders have weight-activated mechanisms that close off access when a heavy animal like a squirrel lands on them. Others have cages that allow small birds in but keep squirrels out. Investing in a squirrel-proof feeder can save you a lot of trouble.

4. Use Safflower Seeds

Squirrels dislike safflower seeds, but many birds enjoy them. Using safflower seeds in your feeder can reduce squirrel visits while still feeding your feathered friends. Other seeds squirrels avoid include nyjer (thistle) and beef suet, but these may attract fewer bird species.

5. Clean Up Spilled Seeds Regularly

Squirrels are attracted to spilled seeds on the ground. Clean the area under your feeder often to prevent squirrels from finding easy snacks. This reduces the chance that squirrels will hang around your feeding area.

6. Use Spices as Natural Repellents

Squirrels dislike spicy smells like cayenne pepper and cinnamon. You can sprinkle cayenne pepper in your bird seed or make a spray with water and cinnamon or cayenne to spray around the feeder. Birds do not mind these spices, but squirrels will avoid the area.

7. Hang a Bar of Strong-Smelling Soap Nearby

Squirrels dislike strong scents such as minty soap. Hanging a bar of soap in a sock near your feeder can help keep squirrels away. Refresh the soap every few weeks to maintain its scent.

8. Create Physical Barriers

You can make it harder for squirrels to reach feeders by using obstacles like:

• Hanging feeders on cables covered with plastic tubing that spins when squirrels try to walk on it.
• Placing a slinky around the feeder pole, which moves and scares squirrels away.
• Stringing soda bottles on wires near feeders to make squirrels lose their balance.

9. Feed the Squirrels Separately

Sometimes, feeding squirrels in a different spot with their favorite foods like peanuts or corn distracts them from your bird feeders. This can reduce their interest in raiding the bird seed.

10. Use Poles Made of Metal or PVC

Squirrels can easily climb wooden poles, but metal or PVC poles are slippery and harder for them to climb. Using these materials for mounting your feeders can help keep squirrels off.

11. Use Predator Scents

Squirrels avoid the smell of predators like coyotes. You can buy coyote urine and spray it around the feeder pole to scare squirrels away. Reapply after rain for best results.

Summary Table of Squirrel Deterrent Methods

Method	How it Works	Pros	Cons
Hang feeder away from trees	Prevents squirrels from jumping to feeder	Simple, no cost	Requires space
Baffle on pole	Blocks climbing squirrels	Effective, reusable	Squirrels may sometimes bypass
Squirrel-proof feeders	Weight-activated or caged designs	Very effective	Can be more expensive
Safflower seeds	Less appealing seed to squirrels	Safe for birds	May attract fewer bird species
Clean spilled seeds	Removes easy food source	Simple	Needs regular maintenance
Spices (cayenne, cinnamon)	Repels squirrels by smell	Natural, safe for birds	Needs reapplication
Soap hanging	Strong scent repels squirrels	Easy to do	Scent fades over time
Physical barriers	Obstacles prevent access	Inexpensive, creative	May require setup effort
Separate squirrel feeding	Distracts squirrels	Reduces feeder raids	May encourage more squirrels
Metal or PVC poles	Harder to climb	Durable	May require new installation
Predator scents	Scares squirrels away	Natural deterrent	Needs frequent reapplication

Final Thoughts

Squirrels are smart and persistent, but by combining several of these methods, you can protect your bird feeders and keep the food for the birds. Start by placing feeders in the right spot, adding a baffle, and using squirrel-proof feeders if possible. Adding safflower seeds and natural repellents like cayenne pepper can further discourage squirrels. Regular cleaning and creative barriers also help keep squirrels at bay.

With patience and persistence, your bird feeders will become a safe haven for birds without unwanted squirrel visitors.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy watching birds without the frustration of squirrels stealing their food. Happy bird watching!