5 Expert Tips on How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders
5 Expert Tips on How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders
These tips on how to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders will ensure a cleaner outdoor space and happier birds.
- Add a Baffle: A baffle is a metal or plastic structure you place over a feeder to block squirrels or other critters from accessing the feeder. “Baffles can deter squirrels from accessing the feeders from below or above,” says Jen McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening and Micro Food Gardening. Baffles are typically dome- or cone-shaped and can be purchased or homemade.
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Choose squirrel-proof bird feeders: Some bird feeders are designed to keep critters out, including weight-sensitive feeders or those designed only to be accessible for bird-sized visitors. “A feeder surrounded by a mesh cage with openings large enough for small birds to fit through but not squirrels is one type,” says Mizejewski.
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Hang the feeder on a pole: “Squirrels are excellent climbers, so hanging a bird feeder from a tree branch is not a good idea if you don’t want them to take advantage of it,” says Mizejewski. A better option is to hang a bird feeder from a pole. “Mount your feeder on a pole fitted with a baffle to prevent squirrels from climbing up it,” says Mizejewski.
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Place bird feeders away from objects: “Squirrels are great problem solvers, so when hanging or mounting your feeders, analyze whether there are any structures, trees, or shrubs that squirrels can jump from to access the feeder are nearby,” says McGuinness. Placing a feeder at least 6 feet high may be a rule of thumb, but you also need to consider potential objects squirrels can use to reach their prize: the birdseed. “Feeders should be placed 8 to 10 feet away from other objects to minimize the opportunity for squirrels to jump onto the feeder,” she says.
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Hang bird feeders high: If you want to outsmart a squirrel, hang the feeder out of reach. What's a good height to hang a feeder? “A feeder at least 6 feet from the ground is a great way to discourage access,” says McGuinness. She adds that you can also place it higher than 6 feet, but you might need a hanger to reach it. “I use a long hook to hang the feeders on my feeder stations in my garden,” she says.
Aside from creating a distraction or having a baffle, do you have any other bird feeder-friendly tips to keep those squirrels away?
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