Squirrels can be the bane of any bird lover’s existence. You spend time and money getting nice birds to visit your yard, but then those pesky squirrels scare them away and eat all the birdseed. But don’t worry—with some clever moves, you can keep those bushy-tailed thieves out of your bird feeder and enjoy feeding the birds without having to worry about them.
Why Squirrels Love Bird Feeders
Squirrels are highly intelligent creatures with incredible acrobatic abilities. This makes them master bird feeder thieves. They can leap astonishing distances, climb anything, chew through obstacles, and problem-solve their way into just about any feeder.
Birdseed is an irresistible, high-energy food source for squirrels. Acorns and other native nuts are good for squirrels’ health, but birdseed is high in protein and fat and they can’t pass it up. They will do anything to get to your bird buffet once they find it.
Squirrel-Deterring Strategies
Luckily, ornithologists and backyard birders have come up with numerous techniques to foil squirrels. Here are the 13 best methods for keeping squirrels off your bird feeders
1. Ensure Proper Placement
Strategic feeder placement is key. Squirrels can leap 10 feet horizontally, so feeders should be at least that far from trees, fences, poles, etc. They can jump about 5 feet high from a standing start, so elevate feeders at least 6 feet high or more. Also, give them a 9 foot circle of bare space around the feeder. Squirrels won’t risk jumping into unknown territory.
2. Invest in Squirrel-Proof Feeder Poles
Some poles, like the Squirrel Stopper, have cages or baffles that keep squirrels from climbing them. If you want to do it yourself, put a smooth plastic or metal baffle under feeders on regular poles. Dome and cone baffles work well. Set it at least 5 feet high so squirrels can’t get over it.
3. Choose Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Try feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close when heavy squirrels land on them. Those with wire cages or battery-powered spinning mechanisms also deter squirrels. Chew-proof feeders made of steel, glass, or hard plastic are best.
4. Offer Foods Squirrels Don’t Like
Feed safflower seed, nyjer thistle, and white millet. Squirrels dislike these. Avoid peanuts, corn, sunflower seed, and other nuts. Also, consider adding dry cayenne pepper to seed – it deters squirrels but not birds.
5. Provide Separate Squirrel Feeders
It may seem counterintuitive, but giving squirrels their own feeders can keep them away from bird feeders. Fill squirrel feeders with inexpensive seed, corn, or peanuts to satisfy them. Position far from bird feeders.
6. Use Natural Repellents
Squirrels apparently don’t like the smell of predator urine or piperine extracts. Coat feeder poles with fox or bobcat urine or spray feeders with liquid bird repellents containing piperine derived from black pepper. Strong minty smells may also deter squirrels.
7. Employ Physical Barriers
Wrap feeder poles with a slick plastic or metal barrier to prevent climbing. Sheet metal shields staked around feeder poles also work. For hanging feeders, encircle the suspension wire with a smooth plastic pipe or lubricate with petroleum jelly.
8. Scare Them Away
Use deterrents like plastic owls, rubber snakes, aluminum pie pans, pinwheels, and clanging pie tins to frighten squirrels. Shiny spinning pinwheels are especially effective. Move deterrents regularly so squirrels don’t get used to them.
9. Block Access Routes
Prune back branches overhanging the feeder area. Squirrels use these as launch points. Also prune branches of trees near feeders. Cut off any limbs within 10 feet of feeders to block aerial routes.
10. Try Habanero Peppers
Put a thin layer of habanero pepper powder on dry seed to keep squirrels away. The capsaicin in peppers bothers squirrels but not birds. Reapply powder after rain or every 2-3 days. Handle peppers carefully and don’t inhale powder.
11. Install Solar Lights
Strategically place solar-powered LED spotlights around feeders. The random flashing lights will startle and scare off nocturnal squirrels. Position lights high up pointing down at feeders. Use multiple lights for full coverage.
12. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Coat feeder poles and suspension wires with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Squirrels will avoid the greasy poles and wires. Reapply frequently, as the jelly wears off. Ensure poles are still safe for birds to perch on.
13. Try Chili Pepper Flakes
Mix a few tablespoons of chili pepper flakes into each batch of birdseed. The spiciness bothers squirrels but not birds. Replenish the flakes every time you refill the feeder. Wear gloves when handling peppers to avoid skin irritation.
When All Else Fails…
If squirrels outsmart your every deterrent, all hope is not lost. As a last resort, consider installing a squirrel feeder at least 50 feet from bird feeders. The further their food source is from yours, the less likely they’ll raid bird feeders. Just be sure to keep it stocked so squirrels don’t get desperate.
With persistence and creativity, you can win the battle against these nut-loving bandits. Try different methods and use multiple deterrents at once. This will prevent squirrels from adapting and will keep your birdseed where it belongs – in your feeders and birds’ bellies!
A variety of seed type and feeders is essential
Variety is essential. Not just variety in the seed you put out for the birds, but a combination of feeders of different types, seeds of different types, and garden plants that offer annual crops of seed/fruit will yield the greatest results and the widest variety of birds.
Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
FAQ
What repels squirrels from bird feeders?
Squirrels can be repelled from bird feeders using physical barriers like baffles and by altering the environment to make it less appealing.
What is the most effective squirrel deterrent?
The most effective squirrel deterrents often combine multiple strategies. Professional pest control services say that strong-smelling things like cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, and vinegar can keep squirrels away. Physical barriers, like baffles on bird feeders and wire mesh around light bulbs, can also keep people from getting to certain areas.
How much cayenne pepper do you put in bird seed to keep squirrels away?
To deter squirrels from bird feeders, use about 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper per pound of birdseed. Mix the cayenne pepper thoroughly into the seed to ensure even distribution.
Is there really such a thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeder?
… our favorite, go-to recommendations are from the Brome Bird Care Squirrel-Buster series and The Droll Yankees’ family of Squirrel-Proof Feeders.