How to Choose the Best Squirrel Baffle
Squirrel baffles are must-have items for bird lovers with bird feeders in the yard. Since squirrels care more about their appetites than your hobbies, it is important to build a few controls into any part of the yard where you want to attract birds but not the squirrels. Otherwise, the squirrels will invite themselves to every available crumb you put out. The squirrel baffle design is fairly simple, but there are a few things you'll want to consider before purchasing one.
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Instructions
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Look for one that will fit your needs. Bird feeders mounted on poles need baffles that are designed to adhere to a pole. Those that hang from chains will require different models that are attached above the feeder on the chain.
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Pick a baffle that fits. If a squirrel can squeeze through a gap between the baffle and the pole, it will. You need a baffle that can mount flush with the pole to provide a true barrier to the squirrels. Measure the diameter of the pole on which you want to mount the squirrel baffle, and consider only those baffles that include your pole's circumference in their suitable range of use.
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Avoid baffles made from plastics or particularly cheap materials if possible. Many of these can degrade with temperature fluctuations such as intense summer heat. A few cracks or fissures in the surface may provide a squirrel all the traction it needs to scale the barrier and enjoy the bird feed you lovingly set out for your cardinals.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a baffle that fits your yard aesthetically. A natural garden with tranquil fountains and beautiful cedar wood furniture is no place for a glaring metal squirrel baffle. Remember that any metallic surfaces will reflect the sun. If your pole mounted feeder is in the middle of an important focal point of the garden, you may want to choose a model that is painted with a weather resistant, non-toxic paint that doesn't draw attention to itself.
Buy new. In the past many manufacturers used paints that were toxic, and this could adversely affect birds and squirrels that come into contact with the baffle---particularly as the baffle ages and paint chips fall to the ground where many animals forage.
