Are you struggling with squirrels raiding your bird feeders? Want to know how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders effectively? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Keeping squirrels away from your feeders can be challenging. These clever creatures seem to find a way to steal bird food no matter what you do. But don’t worry, there are proven methods on how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.
In this article, you’ll discover 6 effective ways to protect your feeders from squirrels. We’ll also explain why squirrels target your feeders and what methods you should avoid. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why squirrels are attracted to bird feeders
- How squirrels get into bird feeders
- How to keep squirrels out of bird feeders
- Never use these harmful methods
- Closing remarks
Why squirrels are attracted to bird feeders
Before we get into how to keep squirrels away from bird feeders, let’s first understand why they love them so much. The main reason is simple: bird feeders are an easy food source.
Squirrels are always looking to build up their food reserves. They need to eat a lot to maintain their high energy levels. They also store food for winter. So, when they find a bird feeder full of tasty treats, it’s like discovering a free buffet. Many common bird foods, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and corn, are also squirrel favorites.
Bird feeders also offer something valuable that natural food sources don’t: reliability. While nuts and seeds in nature are seasonal and scattered, bird feeders provide a constant food supply in one convenient spot. Once a squirrel finds your feeder, it will remember the location and return regularly.
The height and placement of bird feeders also appeal to squirrels. Most feeders hang at levels similar to tree branches where squirrels naturally feed. Plus, feeders often provide a safe eating spot away from ground predators.
The timing matters too. Many birds feed early in the morning and late in the afternoon, the same times when squirrels are most active. This overlap in feeding schedules makes your feeder a prime target during peak squirrel activity hours.
How squirrels get into bird feeders
If you want to learn how to keep squirrels off bird feeders, you need to know their capabilities and how they get into feeders.
First of all, squirrels are amazing athletes. They can jump incredibly far horizontally and high into the air. Their sharp claws help them climb almost any surface. Their strong legs let them hang upside down for long periods. Plus, they can squeeze through surprisingly small holes.
These critters are also incredibly smart. They can remember the location of hundreds of food sources. They also quickly learn how different bird feeders work. When they find a new feeder, they’ll study it and try different ways to get the food. If one method fails, they’ll keep trying until they succeed.
Here’s how squirrels typically raid bird feeders:
The jump attack
They leap from nearby trees, fences, or structures to land directly on feeders. If they miss, they’ll try again and again, adjusting their jumps until they get it right.
The pole climb
When feeders are on poles, squirrels will climb straight up. If they find a baffle (dome-shaped barrier), they’ll try to grip around it or jump above it to reach the feeder.
The hang and stretch
They’ll hang from branches above the feeder, stretching their bodies to reach the food ports. Sometimes they’ll even hang by their back feet to get an extra reach.
The team approach
Multiple squirrels may work together, with some knocking seed to the ground while others collect it. They might even take turns testing different ways to access the feeder.
The chew through
If all else fails, they’ll try to chew through plastic parts or weaken the feeder’s hanging mechanism until it drops.
How to keep squirrels out of bird feeders
Keeping squirrels away from bird feeders doesn’t have to be complicated. While these smart animals can be persistent, you can protect your feeders with proven methods. Here’s how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders:
Choose feeders that keep squirrels out
Many brands now make special squirrel-proof feeders that actually work. Weight-activated feeders close when something heavy (like a squirrel) sits on them. Cage feeders have an outer mesh that lets small birds in but keeps squirrels out.
Metal feeders are best because squirrels can’t chew through them. Look for feeders with strong metal ports and perches, as these are the parts squirrels usually attack first.
Place your feeders where squirrels can’t reach
Location is crucial for keeping squirrels away. Mount feeders on smooth poles at least 8 feet away from jumping points like trees, fences, or buildings.
Clean up fallen seeds daily, as ground feeding attracts squirrels. A tray under your feeder can catch falling seeds and make cleanup easier. Regular cleaning also prevents mold and keeps birds healthy.
Feed the birds food that squirrels dislike
Some birds love foods that squirrels usually avoid. Try safflower seeds, nyjer seeds, or white proso millet. Many birds like these options, but squirrels typically don’t.
You can also add hot pepper powder or liquid to your seed mix. Birds can’t taste the heat, but squirrels hate it. Just be careful when handling hot pepper products and keep them away from your eyes.
Set up barriers to shield your feeders
Good barriers make a big difference. Install dome-shaped baffles above hanging feeders and below pole-mounted ones to keep squirrels out.
Use smooth, wide baffles that squirrels can’t grip. You can also try plastic domes that cover the whole feeder while letting birds access the food from below.
Use plants that keep squirrels away
Plant mint, daffodils, or fritillaria near your feeding station. Squirrels don’t like their smell and usually stay away. You can also plant these in containers if you prefer.
As a bonus, these plants add beauty to your yard while helping protect your feeders. Just make sure to choose plants that grow well in your area.
Give squirrels their own feeding station
Set up a separate feeding station for squirrels far from your bird feeders. Stock it with cheap corn and sunflower seeds.
This gives squirrels their own food source, making them less likely to bother your bird feeders. It’s often cheaper than constantly replacing damaged feeders or lost bird seed.
Never use these harmful methods
When looking for how to keep squirrels away from bird feeders, you might come across some harmful suggestions. Yes, some methods can seriously harm both squirrels and birds. Here are methods you should never use, no matter how desperate you become:
Greasing poles or feeders
Never use grease, oil, or petroleum jelly on poles or feeders. These substances can get on birds’ feathers, destroying their ability to stay warm and fly properly. This can even kill birds, especially in cold weather. You should never involve methods that risk birds’ lives.
Sticky traps or glue boards
These traps cause terrible suffering. Animals stuck in them often die slowly and painfully. Both squirrels and birds can get caught in these traps. Even if you find and free them quickly, the glue can still cause serious harm.
Harmful chemicals or poisons
Never use chemicals or poisons to deter squirrels. These substances can kill squirrels, birds, pets, and other wildlife. They can also make children sick if they touch affected areas. Plus, poisons can harm the environment by contaminating soil and water.
Pellet guns or weapons
Using weapons like pellet guns is often illegal in residential areas. It’s also cruel and dangerous. You might accidentally hurt birds or pets, damage property, or injure people. There’s no need to harm squirrels when many humane solutions exist.
Closing remarks
Now you know how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. Remember that success often comes from combining different methods. You might need to use squirrel-proof feeders, place them in the right spots, and set up barriers all at once.
Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t work perfectly. Squirrels are smart and persistent, so it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for your yard. Keep testing different methods until you find what works best.
Most importantly, always use humane methods. Stick to the safe solutions we’ve discussed and avoid harmful tactics. With patience and the right approach, you can keep squirrels away from your bird feeders.