How to Build a Squirrel Collar Guard

Keep squirrels out of your bird feeder with a simple baffle.

A squirrel collar guard, also known as a squirrel baffle, is a cone mounted on a pole underneath a bird feeder to block squirrels' access to the seed. It can be made quickly and easily from pliable plastic, cardboard or metal.

Things You'll Need

• Circular piece of plastic, cardboard or metal, 2-foot diameter
• Scissors or snips
• Drill (optional)
• Tape or adhesive

Instructions

1. Drill a hole in the center of the circular plastic or metal large enough to get the end of your scissors or snips in. If using cardboard, make a hole with the point of your scissors.

2. Cut a circular hole in the center of the piece at least as large as the diameter of the pipe on which you will be installing the guard.

3. Cut a slit from the inner cutout to the outer edge.

4. Wrap the guard around the pole with the cutout circle at the top, flush against the pole.

5. Fold one end of the guard over the other to form a cone that is widest at the bottom.

6. Secure the guard into this shape using tape or adhesive designed for the material you are using. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the guard from sliding down the pole by putting a screw or bolt through the pole just below the top of the guard, or by wrapping a nonslip material such as fabric, rope or tape around the pole.

References

• Gardening Know How; Foolproof Tips on How to Keep Squirrels Out of Birdfeeders
• Penn State University; Tree Squirrels; Shannon N. Thurston, et al.; 2009