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!
Facebook 
Instagram 
Youtube 
Spanish 
English