Many homeowners enjoy watching birds in their backyards and listening to the joyful tweets of birds in the spring. However, if you want to create a bird-friendly backyard, you’ll need to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder. Most squirrels are on a mission to steal food from the bird feeder in your yard, and if they succeed, it could drive the birds away and lead to an overpopulation of squirrels. To help all the birdwatchers out there, I’ve pulled together a list of tips you can use to keep mice, rats, and squirrels away from bird feeders.
Start by moving the bird feeder to a location squirrels can’t get to, using a bird feeder baffle, or buying a squirrel-proof bird feeder. While many homeowners opt for the latter option, it’s not a foolproof solution. Read on to learn all the ins and outs of squirrel-proofing your bird feeders and keeping these pesky critters away.
Why Do Squirrels Eat Bird Seed?
Squirrels aren’t picky eaters, and contrary to popular belief, they don’t only each nuts. Squirrels also love snacking on different types of seeds, fruits, flowers, vegetables, fungi, plants, and insects. While birdseed may be produced for birds, there are plenty of backyard creatures that eat the same types of food that are in birdseed.
Many kinds of bird food blends contain seeds and nuts, which are two of squirrels’ favorite foods. Better yet, most homeowners put birdseed in a convenient place for animals to snack, which eliminates the squirrels’ task of scavenging for food. When you put birdseed out for wild birds, you’re actually feeding squirrels and other creatures, too. Rather than scrounging around for food, squirrels can just climb up to a bird feeder for an easy meal.
How To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Bird Feeder
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to stop squirrels from getting into your bird feeders (or hummingbird feeders). But, there are lots of different methods you can try to control common pests in your yard and keep them out of your bird seed. Use the tips below as a starting point for dealing with hungry backyard squirrels.
Move Your Bird Feeder Out of Reach of Squirrels
According to Mass Audubon, squirrels can jump six feet vertically and 10 feet (or more) from a tree, so it’s best to position your bird feeder at least 12 feet away from anything a squirrel could use as a launching point (like bird baths, trees, stumps, etc.). This position makes it much harder for them to get into your birdseed.
Ideally, you should situate your bird feeder in the middle of the yard. Use a freestanding metal pole designed specifically for bird feeders. Make sure to sink it at least two feet into the dirt and make it at least eight feet tall so that squirrels can’t get to it from ground level. Some squirrels may still be able to reach it if they’re especially good at climbing, but it will keep most of them from getting to your bird feeder.
By removing the squirrels’ food source, it could also help get rid of squirrels in your yard. If you have a squirrel infestation, start by moving your bird feeder out of reach.
Use a Bird Feeder Baffle
If relocating your bird feeder isn’t an option, consider installing a squirrel baffle. These baffles are shaped like an upside-down bowl and attach to the pole below your hanging bird feeder. It acts as a shield to guard your bird feeder from squirrels and raccoons. When a squirrel jumps onto the baffle, it slides down the smooth surface back to the ground.
For pole-mounted feeders, position the baffle above the feeder itself. The squirrel will likely still jump onto the baffle, but it’ll slide down its slick surface without reaching the bird seed. To make your own baffle, check out our guide on how to make a squirrel and raccoon bird feeder baffle. If you’d rather buy one online, check out our list of the best squirrel baffles.
Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Specialized squirrel-proof bird feeders are one of the easiest ways to provide another line of defense against thieving squirrels. These feeders employ a closing mechanism that slams shut when anything heavier than a bird lands on the perch.
Some feeders forcibly shake or spin the intruder off to the ground. Then, they’ll reset to allow feathered friends back in for a snack.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for a new feeder, check out our list of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders.
When browsing online, look for bird feeders advertised as “squirrel-proof” or “squirrel-resistant.” Customer reviews on sites like Amazon can help determine which anti-squirrel feeders work the best. Be aware that crafty squirrels may eventually outwit these tricky feeders, but they can still discourage most squirrels from stealing your bird seed.
Switch Your Bird Seed
You can also deter squirrels by changing the food inside your bird feeder. Certain seeds appeal to birds but not squirrels. For example, try offering millet to attract house finches. Woodpeckers and nuthatches love suet. Nyjer seeds lure in hungry goldfinches, and safflower seeds entice cardinals, chickadees, and other backyard songbirds.
Squirrels don’t particularly care for any of these birdseed varieties. Taking away their favorite snacks like sunflower seeds and corn will send squirrels looking elsewhere for their next meal. Just be sure to transition gradually to the new seed mix so you don’t also scare away your feathered visitors.
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Use Hot Peppers
Adding hot spices like jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or habanera peppers to your existing birdseed mix creates an unpleasant surprise for nibbling squirrels. Birds won’t mind the spicy seeds, but squirrels will get an unwelcome burn from the capsicum oils and avoid your feeder in the future. These hot peppers can also help you get rid of squirrels in the yard so they don’t come back to your property in search of food.
If you want to prevent squirrels from eating your bird seed, look for seed blends advertised as “squirrel-free” or “hot.” You can also buy pure pepper seeds to mix into your existing feed. Start with a small amount until you find the right pepper level to deter squirrels without overwhelming the birds. The irritating heat from peppers offers a natural squirrel repellent.
Add a Squirrel-Only Feeder
As a final strategy, try adding a feeder that’s just for squirrels. Pick one that is easy for them to access, like a corn cob feeder or open platform feeder filled with nuts. This can satisfy the squirrels’ hunger while keeping them away from your bird feeding area.
Other Squirrel Deterrent Options
If the above tactics aren’t working, there are a couple of other DIY pest control methods you can try to get rid of ground squirrels. Check out our list of the best squirrel deterrents for even more ideas.
- Try spraying smelly squirrel repellents like predator urine around your yard and on the bird feeder pole. The strong scent warns squirrels away. Reapply frequently for best results.
- Install a thistle tube feeder with small openings specifically for finches. Squirrels can’t squeeze inside to reach the seeds.
- Consider a feeder with an electric shock feature that gives squirrels a harmless but startling zap. They learn to avoid the unpleasant jolt.
- If all else fails, hire pest experts to remove the squirrels. If you’re wondering how much squirrel removal costs, the national average price is anywhere from $200 to $600, according to our research.
So, How Do I Keep Squirrels Away From My Bird Feeder?
It’s important to accept that completely squirrel-proofing a bird feeder is nearly impossible. Squirrels are smart and agile enough to get into bird feeders, but fortunately, there are many tools and techniques to deter these pesky criminals. With a bit of trial and error, bird lovers can reclaim their yards for peaceful bird watching again.
When in doubt, using multiple deterrents together gives you the best chance for success. For instance, pairing a baffle with squirrel-proof seed can prevent squirrels from accessing and enjoying the food simultaneously. Squirrel deterrents can also be a worthwhile investment if you enjoy watching backyard birds.
If you try all the methods above to fix your squirrel problem and nothing works, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the best pest control companies to handle your squirrel infestation. Connect with local pest control experts below to find a squirrel removal service near you.
FAQs About Deterring Squirrels
How do I stop squirrels from chewing on my bird feeder?
Pole-mounted metal feeders are harder for squirrels to chew through. You can also apply hot pepper gel repellent onto surfaces to keep them from chewing.
What scent repels squirrels from bird feeders?
Squirrels dislike the scent of predator urine, especially coyote or fox urine. Apply these repellents around your feeding area and yard to keep them off your property.
What is the best type of squirrel-proof bird feeder?
Look for feeders with weight-sensitive closing mechanisms. Companies like Perky-Pet and Droll Yankees make reliable squirrel-proof models.
How do you keep squirrels from climbing pole feeders?
Try installing a squirrel baffle at least five feet off the ground. This should prevent squirrels from climbing the pole. If that doesn’t work, apply a slippery grease like Vaseline to the pole.
Will squirrels eventually defeat squirrel-proof feeders?
In rare cases, particularly clever squirrels learn to outmaneuver squirrel deterrents over time. Using multiple obstacles makes this less likely.
Can I use hot sauce on bird feed to deter squirrels?
Using actual hot pepper seed for the highest capsaicin content is much better than hot sauce. Mix this with other seeds gradually to find the right ratio that deters squirrels, not birds.
