How To Do Just About Everything
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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.
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Caglerocks said
on 8/20/2008 We have a feeder hooked on our house under a winder so we can enjoy the birds closer. After 3-4 season the Squirrels have found a way to get to it. I'm trying the hot pepper next.
useful said
on 1/14/2008 You don't have to use a squirrel-proof feeder. Start with a branch hook high in a tree, attach a thin wire (I use welding wire) to the branch hook and hang your feeder from that wire. If the wire hangs at least 4 feet down from the nearest branch and 5 to 6 feet from the trunk of the tree, the feeder is safe. The squirrels can't climb down the thin wire and can't jump over from the trunk. You must use a wire and not rope or chain, the rope or chain gives them something to grip as they try to climb down. I've done this to my feeders and have not seen one squirrel on them. To help reach the feeders for refilling, use an extension hook like the one found at www.thehandyhook.com
jamaclassics said
on 11/14/2007 Squirrels ate the $12 baffle I bought, so I drilled a hole in a big plastic bowl, mounted it under the feeder and slathered it with non-toxic Graffitti Remover. One bite and they don't come back!
dborow said
on 7/22/2007 I have the solution and it WORKS!! Buy a Yankee Flipper bird feeder at www.yankeeflipper.com or go to your local bird store. When the squirrel jumps on it spins them around and they fling off. It doesn't hurt more than their dignity. Some are determined and try several times but will give up. I fee the squirrels cracked corn, bread and sometimes give them sunflower seeds. They actually knock on the slider when they need food. They haved not bothered my feeders. So between using the flipper and feeding them, we all live in harmony. NOW if I can only find the solution for the grackels!!!
jademyst said
on 6/15/2007 My husband has tried every single one of these suggestions and none of them has worked. At best, they provide a slight delay until the squirrels figure it out. I see no reason to even bother; the squirrels aren't eating all the food, every bird we get gets plenty to eat, but he can't stand the thought of the squirrels managing to outsmart him. At this point, I figure I'm just going to have his name changed to Elmer Fudd and leave it at that. :)