How to Keep Squirrels off a Bird Feeder
Squirrels are wily little rodents noted for being able to outsmart just about anyone who tries to deny them access to bird feeders. Squirrels can walk on wire, jump almost 4 feet straight up, leap 10 feet across, and climb almost anything.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bird-feeder Pole Baffles
- Bird-feeder Poles
- Seeds
- Squirrel-proof Feeder
- Thread Spools
- Thin Wires
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1
Contact a bird-feeding specialty store either in person, by phone or online, and ask about "squirrel-proof" bird feeders.
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2
Purchase a recommended feeder.
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3
Buy or make a squirrel baffle if you intend to mount the feeder on a post. A baffle is designed to foil squirrels that can jump or climb onto the feeder from the ground.
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4
Mount feeder on post and add baffle according to instructions. Or,
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5
Mount your feeder in the middle of a long wire that extends from your house to a tree in your yard.
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6
String empty film canisters, empty plastic soda bottles, sections of hose, old vinyl records, spools of thread, or PVC pipe all along the wire. Use any objects that will cause squirrels to slip off the wire if they walk on it.
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7
Try providing squirrels with their own feeding station if all else fails, and give them whole dried corn and seeds that they like.
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1
Tips & Warnings
One of the most successful squirrel baffles, the Pole Mount Cylindrical Squirrel Baffle, is made by ERVA.
Putting grease or oil on poles sometimes prevents squirrels from climbing.
Try enclosing the entire feeder in a wire cage that denies access to squirrels, but allows birds in.
If you are bitten by a squirrel, seek medical attention immediately.
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Comments
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What kind of grease do you use on the pole. Vaseline disappeared. Is there some auto grease for the pole of the bird feeder.
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Just connect a 10/2 or 12/2 wire to your circuit breaker with a switch and a light bulb fixture in between. The lightbulb will prevent the circuit breaker from tripping. Connect wires across a metal feeder pole and switch on when the squirrels are holding on to the pole. Have fun!
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Don't hurt or kill...try live traps and move them to an area far, far, far away. This also works and takes little work. If you don't have a live trap, an easier way is to just add red pepper to bird seed. The birds can't taste it and it is good for them, adds vitamins, yet the squirrels hate it! You can buy it on Amazon or just make it yourself. Much cheaper and very easy to do.
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BB gun, works everytime!
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Are you serious? I don't want empty film canisters, empty plastic soda bottles, sections of hose, old vinyl records, spools of thread, or PVC pipe all along the wire in my backyard. I don't think the neighbors would appreciate it either. Thanks for the info though. John
