How to Keep Squirrels From Climbing Posts to Bird Feeders

Squirrels are skilled climbers.

A pole-mounted bird feeder is ideal for feeding the birds that visit your backyard. If you share your yard with squirrels, however, keeping the crafty critters off your feeders can prove to be a challenge. Squirrels are adept climbers and are quite resourceful when it comes to obtaining food. With the right setup, you can keep even the most determined squirrels from reaching your bird feeders.

Instructions

1. Mount poles at least 6 to 8 feet away from trees, buildings or other structures -- squirrels can jump from these onto your feeder poles.

2. Attach a baffle (a dome-like plastic piece, available at many home and garden stores) to the pole beneath the feeder. If you're concerned about squirrels jumping onto your feeder poles from above, you may also mount a baffle above the feeder.

3. Encase the pole with a 2-foot-wide metal collar. Mount the metal piece approximately 6 feet off the ground.

4. Set up a feeding area away from your feeders to distract squirrels. Mount a stand feeder designed for squirrels to a tree and keep it stocked with corn or other food. The squirrels may give up on trying to climb the pole if they have food that is easily accessible to them.

References

• Gardener's Supply Company: Gardener's Tips--Outwitting Squirrels
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management: Tree Squirrels

Resources

• University of Kentucky: Cooperative Extension Service -- Wildlife Damage Management