Key Takeaways -

• Use squirrel-proof feeders and baffles to block squirrels from accessing bird food.
• Place feeders strategically to limit squirrels' jumping and climbing opportunities.
• Opt for squirrel-resistant birdseed and natural repellents to deter them.
• Regular garden maintenance helps reduce squirrel attraction and nesting.

Squirrels can be a big problem when they keep stealing food from bird feeders. Their clever tricks often mean birds miss out on the food you put out for them. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to stop and prevent squirrels eating bird food from your feeders.

This article will share nine easy tips to prevent squirrels from accessing bird feeders, including the best feeder types, smart placement strategies, and natural ways to keep squirrels out.

Keep reading to learn how to protect your bird feeders from squirrels and make your garden a welcoming place for garden birds. By following these tips, you can keep squirrels away and ensure your feathered friends get the bird feed they need.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Why Squirrels Are Attracted to Bird Feeders

Squirrels are naturally curious and always on the hunt for food. Their foraging habits lead them to explore various food sources, including bird feeders. Bird food is appealing because it’s rich in energy, providing the fats and nutrients squirrels need, especially before winter.

Since feeders are often placed in accessible spots, squirrels see them as an easy and plentiful meal source, making it hard to resist the temptation.

The Challenges of Deterring Squirrels

Squirrels are incredibly agile and skilled at solving problems. They can climb, jump, and squeeze through tight spaces to reach bird feeders. Their persistence means they quickly adapt to obstacles or deterrents, finding new ways to get to the food.

This makes traditional methods like basic barriers or scare tactics less effective. To keep them away, it’s essential to use multiple strategies that consider their clever nature.

Now that we understand why squirrels are attracted to bird feeders let's explore the nine tips to prevent them from accessing the feeders.

1. Use a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

Weight-activated feeders are a smart choice for keeping squirrels out. These squirrel-proof bird feeders automatically close access to the food whenever a heavier animal, like a squirrel, lands on them, allowing only lightweight birds to feed.

Another great option is caged feeders, which use wire mesh to keep squirrels out while allowing small garden birds to eat comfortably. Look for feeders that are made from high-quality materials to ensure they last and withstand squirrel attempts.

2. Install a Squirrel Baffle and Barrier

Squirrel baffles can make a big difference when it comes to protecting bird feeders. Install a baffle above or below your feeder to create a barrier that blocks squirrels from climbing up or down. Dome, torpedo, and wrap-around baffles are all effective at preventing access.

You can also make a DIY baffle using materials like plastic or metal. Just be sure the baffle is wide enough to stop squirrels from stretching around it. This simple addition can make your bird feeders much more squirrel-resistant.

3. Place Feeders Strategically

Proper placement is key to keeping squirrels away. Follow the 5-7-9 Rule: position feeders at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet from any surfaces or structures that squirrels could jump from, and 9 feet below any overhanging branches.

Hanging feeders from wires that are strung at least 10 feet apart can also help. Adding spinners, like plastic bottles, to the wire can make it even more difficult for squirrels to cross. This reduces the number of ways they can reach the bird food.

4. Choose Squirrel-Resistant Bird Food

Squirrels have specific tastes, so using bird seed they dislike can be an effective strategy. Safflower, nyjer, and white proso millet are all great choices, as they are still attractive to birds but less appealing to squirrels.

For an added layer of protection, mix hot pepper (capsaicin) into the bird seeds. The spice deters squirrels without affecting birds, but remember to reapply after rain to maintain its effectiveness. This combination can help ensure your bird feeders remain squirrel-free.

5. Secure Bird Food Storage

Protecting your bird food from squirrels starts with proper storage. Use metal containers with tight-fitting lids to store bird food securely, and keep them in a shed, garage, or other safe place. This prevents squirrels from chewing through the container to get to the food.

Additionally, be sure to clean up spilt seeds regularly under feeders to avoid attracting squirrels and other unwanted critters. Keeping the area tidy can make a big difference.

6. Set Up Separate Feeding Areas for Squirrels

Creating a separate area to feed squirrels and help keep them away from bird feeders. Set up a squirrel feeder stocked with foods they enjoy, such as hazelnuts, peanuts, or dried corn. Place the station at least 10 feet away from the bird feeders to reduce competition for food.

This approach can help keep squirrels occupied and less likely to raid bird feeders, allowing you to enjoy watching both birds and squirrels in different areas.

7. Use Natural and DIY Repellents

Natural repellents can be a simple and safe way to keep squirrels away. Scatter chilli flakes, cayenne pepper, or other spicy ingredients around feeders, as these spices are unpleasant for squirrels but harmless to birds.

You can also make a spray using strong-smelling ingredients like garlic, peppermint, or vinegar. Apply the spray near feeding areas or around the base of poles. The strong scent will help deter squirrels from approaching.

8. Try Creative Deterrents

Get creative with deterrents to keep squirrels from accessing bird feeders. For example, attach a Slinky to the pole of the feeder. When a squirrel tries to climb, the Slinky will cause it to slide back down, making it a fun and effective solution (1).

You can also use seed trays under feeders to catch any fallen seeds, which helps keep the ground clean and reduces the attraction for squirrels. Both methods add extra layers of protection.

9. Maintain a Clean Garden

A clean garden can make a big difference in keeping squirrels away. Regularly clean up dropped seeds, shells, and other debris around the feeders to reduce the food source for squirrels. Also, trim nearby branches and remove any structures that squirrels could use to leap onto the feeders.

By keeping the area tidy and reducing access points, you make it more challenging for squirrels to get to the bird food.

Avoid Harmful Deterrent Methods

It's important to avoid harmful methods like poison, glue, or petroleum jelly, which can injure or kill squirrels and pose risks to other wildlife. Also, refrain from using sharp objects, sticky substances, or any other inhumane tactics.

These approaches are not only ineffective in the long term but can also cause unnecessary suffering. Instead, stick to safe, humane deterrents that protect both the birds and squirrels while keeping the feeding area under control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Homemade Squirrel Repellent?

The best homemade squirrel repellent often includes strong-smelling ingredients like garlic, peppermint oil, or cayenne pepper.

Mixing these with water and spraying them around the bird feeder area can help deter squirrels. The strong scents are unpleasant for squirrels but generally safe for birds and other wildlife.

Can Wild Birds Help Deter Squirrels From Bird Feeders?

Wild birds themselves do not typically deter squirrels, as squirrels are attracted to the bird food rather than the birds. However, certain bird activity may scare off a squirrel temporarily.

Installing feeders specifically designed for small birds may also reduce squirrel interest since larger birds won’t be present to spill extra seed.

How Can I Keep Squirrels From Digging Up The Bulbs In My Garden While Protecting Bird Feeders?

To prevent squirrels from digging up bulbs, cover the planting area with chicken wire or mesh and then add mulch on top. You can also sprinkle natural deterrents like chilli flakes or cayenne pepper in the soil. Maintaining clean feeding areas will help minimise squirrel activity in the garden.

Will Ultrasonic Devices Effectively Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders?

Ultrasonic devices can sometimes deter squirrels, as they emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to small animals.

However, squirrels may eventually get used to the noise, reducing the device's effectiveness over time. For long-term control, it’s best to combine ultrasonic devices with other deterrent methods.

Can I Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers To Deter Squirrels From Bird Feeders?

Yes, motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to keep squirrels away from bird feeders. The sudden burst of water startles the squirrels, making the area less appealing for them to explore. Regular use of these sprinklers helps reinforce the area as a place to avoid.

Can I Use Predator Urine As A Natural Deterrent For Squirrels?

Predator urine, such as that from foxes or coyotes, can act as a natural deterrent by mimicking the scent of potential threats. However, it needs frequent reapplication, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness. While it may help deter some squirrels, it is not always a reliable long-term solution.

How Can I Stop Squirrels From Nesting Near My Bird Feeders?

To discourage nesting, trim branches and clear away dense vegetation or debris that could be used for building nests.

Avoid leaving out materials like leaves, twigs, or fabric scraps that squirrels may gather for nesting. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the area helps make it less attractive for squirrels.

Do Bright Colours Or Certain Feeder Designs Deter Squirrels?

Bright colours do not typically deter squirrels, as they are more focused on the food rather than the appearance of the feeder. However, certain feeder designs can be more effective at keeping squirrels out.

Feeders with narrow perches, enclosed feeding ports, or weight-sensitive mechanisms can make it difficult for squirrels to access the bird food, helping to reduce their interest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a variety of strategies can effectively stop squirrels eating from bird feeders and help protect the food for your feathered friends. By combining squirrel-proof feeders, proper placement, natural repellents, and creative deterrents, you can keep these persistent critters at bay.

Regular maintenance and a few simple changes can make a big difference in creating a bird-friendly environment while keeping squirrels out.

Sources -

- https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-birds/feeding-birds/squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/