How to Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

Squirrels are a menace to people with bird feeders just about everywhere. You fill up your bird feeder and before you know it the bird food is gone and the birds are still hungry. Squirrels can jump several feet to get to your bird feeders. There are several effective ways to stop the squirrels from invading your bird feeders. If squirrels are a menace to you and your birds this article is for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• See Steps

1. Make sure your bird feeder is way from places that the squirrels can jump from to get to your feeder. Examples of launching points are building, laundry poles, trees, telephone wires, and hill sides.

2. Hanging a bird feeder in a tree can be tricky. Be sure to hang it 12' from the tree trunk or any limbs. Also make sure that the feeder is at least 4' from the ground.

3. Use 8' fishing line when line hanging a feeder and be sure the feeder is at least 4' from the ground or bird bath.

4. 
    
   Squirrel Baffle from birdfeeders.com

   For pole mounted bird feeders, be sure that the pole is long enough that the feeder will be at least 4' from the ground or bird bath. Adding a squirrel baffle is a good idea when pole mounting your feeder. A squirrel baffle is a clear or colored dome that is sloped and slick on the surface so that the squirrels can not cling to it and get to your feeder. The baffle can be attached above or below the feeder.

5. 
    
   Deer Off, Deer & Squirrel Repellent

   There are many squirrel repellents on the market such as "Deer Off" Deer & Squirrel Repellent. This one cost about $45.00. Repellents use a scent to keep squirrels from coming around your bird feeder.

6. 
    
   Weight sensitive bird feeder

   There is also the option of a squirrel-proof bird feeder. They range in size, shape, price, and design. There are weight sensitive feeders available at birdfeeders.com. These feeders are sensitive to the squirrels weight and close off the feeding ports when a squirrel jumps on to the feeding dock. These feeders range in price from about $30-$70 depending on size. Avaiable at birdfeeders.com

7. 
    
   Metal cage bird feeder

   Another type of squirrel-proof bird feeder is the type with the metal cage surrounding the food source. Birds can still feed but the squirrels can not get to the food. Theya re chew proof and effective at saving your bird feed. They range in price from $15-$50 available through birdfeeders.com.

8. If all else fails you can always make friends with the squirrels by offereing them nuts, corn cobs, and other foods away from your bird feeders.

[melly1143]

on 8/3/2009 Lots of great suggestions! 5* and a rec