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Reducing Squirrel Access to Bird Feeders

By far this is the most difficult task to do. After all if it was easy and convenient everyone would be doing it. However, the strategies are simple and straightforward.

Strategies for feeders on posts

Attach feeders on posts at least 6 feet off the ground and at least 10 away from any nearby branches/structures. The fact is that any squirrel can access a feeder hanging from a tree branch.  The feeder at the right was situated on a pole which was covered with aluminum flashing. Always start flashing from the bottom of the pole and be sure that each layer of aluminum overlaps the lower one. (like the way you shingle a house). Also the pole is not round it is a square log approximately 3"x3". This feeder proved that a squirrel proof feeder is possible.

Remember that squirrels don’t need to reach the feeder to eat. They only have to get the food onto the ground. If they can shake a feeder so that it spills its cargo, the squirrels are still satisfied.

Attach baffle cones around the pole with the widest part facing out and down to prevent squirrels from climbing the pole. These cones should be attached at least 4 feet off the ground and extend out at least 2 feet. You don’t want a squirrel able to hang ten around the baffle. This baffle should also prevent other animals like raccoons from accessing the feeder.

5 Gallon Water Jug Baffle: Cut off the bottom of 5 gallon bottled water jug and slide it the bird feeder pole so that the narrow tip is facing up. Use a wire to secure it to the top of the pole. The wide mouth of the open bottom will prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole, because if they do they will be inside the water bottle and unable to sqeeze through the hole at the top of the jug. Make sure that the base of the jug is at least 4 feet off the ground. Source: June 2005, Handyman Mag.

 Strategies for hanging feeders

This hanging feeder utilizes a thin metal wire coupled with two baffles. This technique can be a very effective way in preventing tree squirrel access to your feeder provided the baffles are large enough and smooth enough to prevent the squirrel from reaching around it to get to the wire below.

You must make sure that the feeder is 6-10 feet away from platforms where the squirrel can jump to the feeder!!

ICWDM would like to thank the Burgess Family for the following tip.

Some of the more expensive type of store-bought tube bird seed feeders come supplied with a metal hood, but the cheaper ones don't. I recycled an aluminum pie plate to make an effective alternative. Cut a slit in the center of the plate, same width as the tube, remove the wire hanger from the feeder, upturn the plate and thread it onto the hanger then put the hanger back on the tube, with the plate forming a second roof over the tube. The squirrels find it very difficult to negotiate around the pie plate and cannot climb down onto the feeder. Hang the feeder from a large branch far with enough distance from tree trunk and ground. Before I did this, squirrels were all over my feeder, now they can never get on it.

Screen Your Feeder

This feeder, sold by Handsome Rewards (909-943-2023), may be helpful to keeping away larger, messier birds. Larger birds are more likely to spread food onto the ground increasing food availability to various squirrels. Of course appropriate baffles and feeder positioning should take place.

One difference in this feeder, is that we do NOT recommend using mixed seed in a feeder. Each feeder should only contain one type of seed.

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There are a number of feeders that do a pretty good job of repelling squirrels.

Do you have your own suggestions for making feeders feed the birds and not other animals? Then why not send your idea in?

Feeders wth Gravity Door Protection. The feeder pictured at the left, utilizes a weight activated bar to prevent access to the bird seed. A screw is used to create tension. Since squirrels weigh more than birds, when the squirrel steps on the bar, it closes off access to the seed. Whereas, when a bird lands on the bar, they don't weigh enough to make it move, thus they are able to keep eating.

Please note, however, that some squirrels have learned how to hold on to one end of the feeder and hang down to get the seed, thereby bypassing the need to step on the bar. These feeders are more costly than alternatives, but they have a good reputation and may well pay for themselves in seed savings.

POPULATION REDUCTION

Sometimes the only solution is to trap down the squirrel population. Click for trapping instructions