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Keeping feeders full, using good quality feeders with metal ports or using open-tray style platform feeders where the seed is readily available will help eliminate squirrel damage to bird feeders. However, if you aren't sure what will work best, here are some good ways to stop squirrels from taking over your bird feeders.
Steps
Use squirrel-proof feeders.[1] There are several on the market that are weight-activated, allowing birds to feed but not squirrels. Some have better features, and might last longer, but are also a bit on the expensive side.
Use a squirrel-resistant feeder if you are budget minded. These tend to be less expensive, and are not quite as sturdy but will do the trick. These feeders will definitely slow down the seed consumption and might work if you only have an occasional squirrel, but are not truly squirrel-proof like the choices above.Advertisement
Use baffles to prevent a squirrel or raccoon from climbing to a feeder. Baffles can be hung or placed on poles or posts and they work if used correctly.[2] The magic formula is ten feet by five feet. That is, athletic squirrels can jump ten feet horizontally and five feet vertically.- Pole baffles are the easiest to situate. You can use either a straight pole or a shepherd's staff pole, just make sure that it is tall enough. Place the pole ten feet away from any trees, fence or other structure from where the squirrel might jump. Mount the baffle five feet high on the pole.
- Make sure that feeders hang above the top of the baffle. If you want to hang a baffle, the best way is to string a wire between two trees, place the baffle in the middle, ten feet away from either tree, and hang the feeder underneath the baffle.
- Make sure the bottom of the feeder is above five feet. Metal baffles tend to be most effective.
Buy foods that squirrels do not like. Nyjer seed, millet, safflower, canary seed and canola seed all are ingredients that squirrels avoid. Unfortunately a hungry squirrel will eat anything that will provide it nourishment.
Mix hot pepper (capsicum) into birdseed. It is a non-toxic ingredient and will not harm or kill birds. It will not lower body temperature and will not freeze birds in cold climates. Pepper seeds are disseminated naturally by birds eating these seeds in the wild.- The only caveat might be the use of powdered hot pepper. This powdered form is not natural to birds and if wind-blown could cause temporary discomfort to the eyes due to nerves about the mucous membrane. An alternative would be the use of crushed hot pepper flakes, hot pepper seeds, hot peppercorns (whole or cracked) or coarsely ground hot pepper.
Try diversion feeding. It doesn't always work that well, but if you can't beat the squirrels, at least enjoy them![3] Get a squirrel feeder and give them a little corn or some critter munchies. They can be very entertaining when pursuing their own food.- If you prefer the entertainment value, make the feeder difficult to reach and enjoy their gymnastics trying to reach it.
Hang some suet in a small suet wire cage several feet from the feeder, in the squirrels' trees. Suet is very cheap and it bribes the squirrels to eat the suet, which can help encourage them to leave the bird feeder alone. Once again, the entertainment factor will be high.
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow do I stop squirrels from eating from my window bird feeder?
Community AnswerTry crushed pepper in there as a deterrent; they hate it. Birds won't mind. - QuestionDo squirrels hate pepper or cayenne pepper?Community AnswerMammals, such as squirrels, raccoons, and other pests, cannot tolerate the spiciness of peppers. To them, it's like eating ghost peppers. Birds, however, don't seem to mind. I've had some finches eat jalapenos from my garden (which I wasn't too happy about) and they kept returning for more.
- QuestionIs it safe for wildlife if I use white lithium grease to grease a bird feeder pole?
Community AnswerNo. Squirrels cannot get rid of grease or oil. They need to fluff up their fur for winter and grease stops them from doing so. Mix hot pepper such as cayenne into the bird seed. Squirrels hate it but it does not harm the birds.
Tips
- All wooden and plastic feeders can be damaged by squirrels if they can get to them. Most damage occurs when the seed is hard to get to, such as when the feeder is almost empty. Squirrels will chew into wood or plastic to get the last few seeds.Thanks
References
About This Article
To stop squirrels from eating your birdseed, try filling the birdseed with foods that squirrels don't like. For example, place nyjer, safflower, or millet seeds in your feeder, which are all seeds that birds eat but squirrels don’t like. You can also add things to bird food that squirrels don't like. Mix in hot pepper, which squirrels won't eat. If these options don’t work, try distracting the squirrels. Set up a squirrel feeder in a different part of your yard and fill it with nuts or corn to keep them occupied. For tips on how to change your bird feeder’s design to keep squirrels away, read on!
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