Squirrels, which love birdseed and suet, can cause quite a headache for bird lovers. They can damage both plastic and wooden feeders. However, there are several simple methods to deter these uninvited guests from your food.
Protective Measures for Feeders
Step 1. Hang Your Feeder on a Pole or Post.
Place your feeder on a pole or post. The height should be at least 8-10 feet from trees and fences so that squirrels cannot jump onto it from above.
- If you are installing protection beneath the feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up from below, make sure it is also inaccessible from above. Otherwise, the protection won't be effective.
- You can install a squirrel baffle on top of the pole. Keep in mind that such a baffle won't protect against larger animals like raccoons. If there are no raccoons in your area, the baffle will be effective.
Step 2. Buy a Feeder with Built-in Protection.
You can find feeders that already come equipped with squirrel protection. These can be purchased at hardware and pet stores or ordered online.
- Protective features can come in various forms: domes or hemispherical covers shield the feeder from above, while cylindrical guards are mounted on the pole below the feeder.
Step 3. Create Your Own Protection.
You can make a squirrel guard yourself. For a cylindrical guard, you will need a chimney pipe, an end cap, screws, and a hose clamp. Cut a hole in the end cap for your pole, attach the cap to one end of the pipe, and secure it with screws. Attach the hose clamp to the pole at the desired height, then slide the pipe with the cap onto the pole. The cap should rest on the clamp.
- DIY protection may require cutting and drilling metal. If you don't have the right tools, it's better to purchase a ready-made guard.
Changing the Feed
Step 1. Avoid Foods that Attract Squirrels.
Do not use foods that are appealing to squirrels. For example, safflower and thistle seeds are loved by many birds but not by squirrels. They prefer corn, nuts, and sunflower seeds, so avoid those in your feeders.
- Don't add red pepper to the feed as a squirrel deterrent. It can cause significant discomfort to animals, and it's an inhumane way to deal with the issue. Instead, use gentler methods.
Step 2. Fill the Feeder with White Millet.
Fill the feeder with white millet, as squirrels dislike it. This is an excellent choice since finches and doves will enjoy it.
- Changing the feed is a great way to protect your bird feeder from squirrels without harming either birds or rodents.
Step 3. Feed Squirrels Elsewhere.
Offer squirrels another food source in a different location. They are very territorial and will want to mark the new spot as their territory, starting to feed there exclusively. This is not an ideal solution, as squirrels will remain on your property, but at least your bird feeder will be safe.
- If you have both a front and back yard, place feeders for squirrels and birds in different areas to isolate them from each other.
Safe Methods to Deter Squirrels
Step 1. Hang Mint Candies on the Feeders.
Hang peppermint candy canes on the bird feeders. The smell of mint does not bother birds, and they will continue to visit. However, squirrels dislike this scent and lose interest in the feeder.
- Be sure to hang the candies whole, without breaking them into pieces, to avoid choking hazards for birds or other animals.
Step 2. Avoid Squirrel Traps.
Do not try to catch squirrels with traps. If you catch a squirrel and relocate it, it won't solve the problem. More squirrels will come to the feeder instead of just one.
- Additionally, traps can harm squirrels or other animals that get caught in them.
Step 3. Do Not Use Slippery Substances on the Pole.
Do not coat the feeder pole with slippery substances. Using oils or gels can pose a risk to birds, which may get injured if they come into contact with them. If oil gets on their feathers, a bird could die.
- Using protective devices is a safer and more humane method to prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder.
Step 4. Optimal Feeders for Squirrel Protection.
Choose specially designed feeders that prevent squirrels from accessing the food. Some models are specifically engineered so that squirrels cannot sit on them, as they are heavier than birds.
- You can also wrap the feeder with a large mesh netting that allows birds to reach the food but keeps squirrels out.
