Picture a peaceful morning in your garden, with the gentle chirping of birds as they flock to your bird feeder for their morning meal. Suddenly, a group of pesky squirrels invades the scene, wreaking havoc as they climb up the feeder, scatter seeds all over the ground, and scare away the birds. If you’re a bird lover, this scene is probably all too familiar.
Squirrels are notorious for their relentless efforts to get into bird feeders, and their persistence can be frustrating for those who want to provide a safe and peaceful environment for their feathered friends.
In this guide, we cover various strategies and tips for keeping squirrels out of bird feeders, so you can enjoy the tranquility of your garden without any interruptions from these bushy-tailed creatures.
Understand the Behavior of Squirrels
Squirrels are perhaps some of the most nimble and adaptable creatures in the animal kingdom. These clever rodents possess a keen sense of balance and agility, making them skilled climbers and jumpers. They are also very persistent and will go to great lengths to obtain the food they desire.
When it comes to bird feeders, squirrels are drawn to the tasty seeds and nuts that are available. Once they spot a feeder, they will do everything in their power to access it. They will climb up poles, jump from branches, and even leap onto the feeder from nearby structures.
Once they have successfully reached the feeder, they can be incredibly destructive. Squirrels have sharp teeth and strong jaws and can easily chew through plastic or wood to get to the food.
But why are squirrels so attracted to bird feeders in the first place? For starters, bird seed is a high-energy food source, which provides squirrels with the nutrition they need to survive.
Additionally, many bird feeders are designed with an open top or easily accessible seed ports, making it easy for squirrels to access the food. Squirrels are also creatures of habit, and if they’ve found a good source of food, they will keep coming back for more.
Understanding squirrel behavior is critical if you want to effectively keep them out of your bird feeders. With their natural agility and persistence, squirrels can be a formidable opponent when it comes to protecting your feathered friends. But don’t worry. With the right strategies and techniques, you can keep these critters at bay and enjoy a peaceful and harmonious garden.
Bird Feeder Placement
The placement of your bird feeder can make all the difference when it comes to keeping squirrels out. Squirrels are expert climbers, and if your feeder is too close to a tree or building, they will use those structures to their advantage. So, where should you place your feeder?
One option is to hang your feeder from a pole or wire that is at least 10 feet away from any other structure. This will make it difficult for squirrels to jump onto the feeder from nearby objects. Additionally, make sure the pole is made of slippery material, like PVC, which will make it harder for squirrels to climb.
Another option is to place your feeder on a squirrel-proof pole. These poles typically have a built-in squirrel baffle, which is a dome or cone-shaped device that prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole. When a squirrel tries to climb up the pole, they will slide down the baffle and be unable to reach the feeder.
If your feeder is too close to trees or other structures, you can also try wrapping a slick material, like a sheet of metal or PVC, around the trunk to prevent squirrels from climbing up. Alternatively, you can use a squirrel-proof cage that fits around the feeder to keep squirrels out.
Physical Barriers
Sometimes, the best way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is to physically prevent them from getting to it. There are several types of physical barriers you can use to keep squirrels away.
One option is to use a squirrel-proof feeder. These feeders are designed to keep squirrels out using a variety of mechanisms, such as weight-sensitive perches or cages that only allow birds to access the food. Squirrel-proof feeders are a great option for those who want to enjoy watching birds without the constant interruption of squirrels.
Another option is to use a squirrel-proof cage. These cages fit around the feeder and have small openings that only birds can fit through. They are typically made of wire mesh and are very effective at keeping squirrels out. Plus, they provide an extra layer of protection for your feeder, as they also deter larger animals like raccoons.
One unconventional method for keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder is to use a slinky. By attaching a slinky to the top of the feeder pole, you can create a physical barrier that squirrels are unable to climb.
To use a slinky, simply attach it to the top of the feeder pole and stretch it out so that it hangs down the pole. When a squirrel tries to climb up the squirrel-proof feeder pole, they will encounter the slinky and be unable to pass through it. The slinky will bounce and sway, making it difficult for the squirrel to maintain their grip and eventually causing them to give up and climb back down.
Using a slinky is a creative and effective way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, and can add an element of fun to your garden as well. Plus, slinkies are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great option for those on a budget.
Using a wire is another effective way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder. By using a chew-resistant wire or mono-filament fishing line, you can create a physical barrier that is difficult for squirrels to cross.
To use a wire, simply string it above the feeder and attach it to nearby trees or structures. Make sure that the wire is taut and that it is located at least 10 feet away from any structures that squirrels can climb.
When a squirrel attempts to cross the wire, they will find it difficult to maintain their balance and will eventually fall off. This creates an effective way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder.
Food Choices and Amount
Offering foods that squirrels don’t like is an effective way to keep these creatures away from your feeders. There are several foods that are unappealing to squirrels, but that many birds love. By offering these foods, you can create a more challenging environment for squirrels and reduce their chances of accessing bird food.
- Safflower seeds: Squirrels are not particularly fond of safflower seeds, but many birds love them. Switching to safflower seeds can help deter squirrels from accessing the feeder.
Nature's Nuts, Premium Safflower Seed, 4 lb
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- Nyjer seeds: These tiny seeds are a favorite of finches and other small birds, but squirrels generally don’t like them.
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Nature's Nuts, Permium Nyjer Thistle Seed
- Hot peppers: There are certain foods that are known to repel squirrels, such as hot peppers and cayenne pepper. Adding these foods to your feeder or scattering them around the area can help keep squirrels away.
Songbird Essentials Hot Pepper Suet Plugs, 3 pk.
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On a similar note, overfilling your bird feeder can attract not only birds but also squirrels and other animals to the area. When the feeder is overfilled, there is more food available for squirrels to access, increasing their chances of accessing the food and causing damage to the feeder.
Clean the Feeding Area
Squirrels are attracted to fallen seeds on the ground, so it’s important to keep the feeder area tidy to help deter them from the area. Clean up any seeds that have fallen from the feeder, and remove any debris or clutter that may attract squirrels.
In addition to cleaning up fallen seeds, keep the area around the feeder-free from food scraps or garbage that may attract squirrels. Garbage cans should be securely closed and any food scraps or compost piles should be located away from the feeder area.
Keeping the feeder area tidy not only helps deter squirrels from the area, but also helps to prevent the spread of disease among birds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the feeder and surrounding area will help create a healthy and safe environment for your feathered companions.
Feeder Design
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is to purchase a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These feeders are designed with various mechanisms to prevent squirrels from accessing food. Some of the most popular squirrel-proof feeder designs include weight-sensitive perches, caged feeders, and baffled feeders.
Weight-sensitive designs are a popular and effective way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder. These designs work by closing off access to the food when a squirrel (or any other animal that is too heavy) steps on a weight-sensitive perch or platform.
When a bird lands on the perch, the weight is distributed evenly and the food is accessible. However, when a squirrel lands on the perch, the weight is too heavy and the perch will close off access to the food, preventing the squirrel from accessing it.
Weight-sensitive designs are easy to use and are available in a variety of styles and designs, including tube feeders and platform feeders. They are a natural and effective way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder, and they won’t harm the squirrels or other animals in the area.
Battery-powered feeders that spin are a high-tech solution for keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder. These feeders are designed to spin rapidly when a squirrel (or any other animal) lands on them, causing the animal to lose its grip and fall off.
Battery-powered feeders are easy to use and are available in a variety of styles and designs. They can be set up to spin only when a squirrel lands on them, conserving battery life and preventing unnecessary spinning.
Things to Avoid
While it’s important to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, it’s equally important to do so in a safe and humane way. Here are some harmful methods that should be avoided:
Poison
Using poison to repel squirrels can be dangerous to other animals in the area. Poison can harm not only the squirrels, but also other animals that may eat the poisoned food.
Glue Traps
These traps can cause extreme distress and harm to the squirrels, and they can also harm other animals that may come into contact with them.
Petroleum Jelly or Grease
Using petroleum jelly or grease to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is a controversial method. While it may seem like a good idea to apply petroleum jelly or grease to your bird feeder pole to prevent squirrels from climbing up, this can actually be harmful to the squirrels.
These substances can get on the squirrel’s fur and hinder their ability to stay warm, clean themselves, and climb trees. In addition, the grease can get on the bird’s feathers and make it difficult for them to fly and maintain their body temperature.
Feeding Squirrels
Feeding squirrels in a separate area can be a highly debated topic. While it may seem like a good idea to provide a separate area for squirrels to access food and keep them away from your bird feeder, it can actually have the opposite effect.
If you feed squirrels in a separate area, it can actually attract more squirrels to your property, increasing the likelihood that they will access your bird feeder. Additionally, squirrels are opportunistic creatures and will often seek out additional food sources, even if they are being fed in a separate area.
In addition, feeding squirrels can lead to other problems, such as increased litter and potential damage to your property.
Check Up On Your Feeder
Checking up on your bird feeder regularly is essential to ensure that it is functioning properly and that birds are able to access the food. Here are some tips for checking up on your feeder:
- Check the seed level: Check the seed level in your feeder regularly and refill it as needed. This will help ensure that birds have access to food and reduce the likelihood that squirrels will monopolize the feeder.
- Check for damage: Check your feeder for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or loose parts. Repair or replace any damaged parts to ensure that the feeder is functioning properly.
While the methods mentioned in this guide can be effective at keeping squirrels out of bird feeders, they are not foolproof. Squirrels are intelligent and persistent creatures, and may find ways to access the feeder even with these methods in place.
Persistence Is Key
When it comes to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeders, persistence is key. Squirrels are incredibly persistent creatures, and they won’t give up easily. As a bird feeder owner, try different methods and techniques until you find one that works for you.
Don’t get discouraged if the first method you try doesn’t work. There are many different strategies you can use to keep squirrels out, and it may take some trial and error to find the right one for your situation. Keep trying different methods until you find one that is effective.
You should also be vigilant and proactive in keeping squirrels away from your feeder. Check your feeder regularly to make sure it hasn’t been accessed by squirrels, and be quick to make any necessary adjustments. Remember that squirrels are clever creatures, and they may find ways around your barriers if you’re not careful.
Shop for Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders at Wilco Farm Stores
If you’re in need of squirrel-proof feeders, cages, or squirrel baffles, look no further than Wilco Farm Stores. We carry a wide selection of bird feeders and accessories, including many squirrel-proof options. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right solution for your specific needs.
Visit us in-store or online at FarmStore.com to shop our selection of bird feeders and accessories today. With our help, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and peaceful, and enjoy the company of your feathered friends without interruption from pesky rodents.
