Types of Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrels that get into your bird feeder frighten away the birds, eat the birdseed and leave it scattered all over the ground. Utilizing a squirrel-proof bird feeder alleviates this problem. A number of squirrel-proof bird feeders are available at most home improvement stores; you just need to decide what style is right for you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Baffles
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Squirrel baffles change your existing bird feeder into a squirrel-proof model. One type of baffle is a dome of plastic that you hang above the feeder. Its shape and slick surface make it difficult for squirrels to climb down to a feeder; those that try it usually end up on the ground. Another type of baffle fits around the pole of pole-mounted bird feeders. These plastic or metal tubes prevent the squirrel from climbing the pole to reach the feeder. You can make your own tube baffle using a stovepipe piece.
Cages
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Cage-style feeders use small openings to prevent squirrels from eating the birdseed. A mesh cage fits over a long tube-style feeder. The holes in the mesh are large enough for the birds' beaks to fit through and reach the seed inside, but they are too small for a squirrel to reach the seed.
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Pressure Activated
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Bird feeders with spring-action weight sensors prevent squirrels from reaching the birdseed, discouraging them from trying in the future. These come in two main styles. The first is tube-shaped with holes in the side. There is a cover on the feeder that sits well above the holes until a squirrel climbs on it. The weight of the squirrel pulls down the cover on the feeder, blocking the feeding holes. When the squirrel jumps down, the feeder opens back up. The second type is a box-shaped feeder. The perch on the front of the feeder that the birds use to reach the seed is weight activated, as well. When the squirrels stand on the perch to reach the food, the perch drops down, closing a door to the birdseed and dropping the squirrel to the ground. When the squirrel falls, the perch releases, opening the door again.
Food Alternatives
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After you choose a squirrel-proof bird feeder or install a baffle, you can also use food to control squirrels at feeders. Cracked corn is inexpensive and squirrels love it. Sprinkle it on the ground. Squirrels will eat the corn instead of trying for the seed in the feeder. Another option is using safflower seeds. Birds enjoy these seeds, while squirrels do not. Likewise, squirrels do not like cayenne pepper, but birds do not mind it. Sprinkle a little into the birdseed before filling the feeder to keeps squirrels at bay.
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References
- Photo Credit Downey Woodpecker at birdfeeder image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
