How to Keep Squirrels From Raiding Your Bird Feeder

Are squirrels driving you crazy contantly raiding and destroying your feeders? With a few pointers you can feed the birds and deter unwanted visitors

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   squirrel proof feeder

   Check out the various squirrel proof bird feeders available commercially. One thing should be noted is that very few bird feeders are completely squirrel proof. If they can hang, dangle, tightrope walk, or jump to it they will eventually find a way. I have used a wire/plastic feeder with a spring that will close when they apply their weight and it has worked well for me. After a couple of years the spring mechanism may rust and break but they are inexpensive enough that they can be replaced easily. The squirrels still hang around to get what falls to the ground but they no longer empty the feeder. Simple wired covered feeders, while they are called squirrel proof will only stop them temporarily till they figure out they can hang from it upside down by their toes.

2. Get and attach a squirrel baffle. This device fits over the top of the feeder and in theory will make it difficult for them to reach the seed. These baffles look similar to an Elizabethan collar one would use to stop a dog from scratching. Works for the dog. Squirrels are a tougher challenge. Make sure it is a large one that will tip him off, or he will hang from it and still manage to raid.

3. Alter the type of seed you serve. Squirrels love sunflower seeds the best and most of the time will spill the feeders to get to their heart's desire. They are not so keen on thistle seed. You can buy a specialized thistle feeder which has smaller holes for the thistle so even if the squirrel gets desperate he will have a heck of time getting it out. The only problem with this method is that you will limit the types of birds who will visit. Goldfinches, purple and house finches and a few other kinds of birds have a fondness for thistle or niger seed.

4. Add cayenne pepper to your bird seed. Some people swear by this method. The cayenne pepper doesn't bother birds but squirrels (theoretically) don't like it. There are even some commercial brands that have cayenne pepper added to the seeds. In actuality it doesn't entirely stop the feeder raids. The squirrels may figure it may burn and not taste good but it sure beats starving.

5. By far the least useful method is to try a squirrel relocation program. It should be noted that trapping and moving squirrels in humane traps may seem like a good idea but it is illegal to do so in some states. In addition squirrels can find their way back from a good distance and the number of squirrels living in your area is larger than you may imagine.

Tips & Warnings

• the life span of a squirrel in the wild is approximately one year ... however they can live over 12 years in captivity and if you live in a temperate climate and your little guy has been feasting on your birdseed for a while, well, lets just say he may have increased his longevity.
• remember it may be illegal to trap and move squirrels
• never use anything to hang a feeder that can be chewed.
• If you have a squirrel problem steer clear of wooden bird feeders that encourage these creatures to chew.

[MarlaineMarie]

on 10/25/2009 My friend has a squirrel she's grown fond of who comes to her door when she calls it, so she is constantly telling me about her little buddy's antics around her bird feeder.

[SarahElizabeth]

on 10/19/2009 Some great ideas on conquering these pesky creatures.

[ttbirdie]

on 7/13/2009 Excellent article, 5*

[Marilynda]

on 7/10/2009 Squirrels can be pests when it comes to bird feeders. You offer some good tips for keeping those squirrels away from the bird feeder. 5*

[princessbrooke]

on 7/4/2009 Great article! Finally, someone telling the truth about "squirrel-proof" bird feeders. And some suggestions I hadn't thought of. 5* and recommended. Thanks!