Tips on How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Bird Feeder
Are the squirrels driving you nuts and you’re now looking for a squirrel-proof bird feeder? You came to the right place! Bird feeders are a great way to attract birds to your yard and enjoy their beauty. They help us connect with nature, but unfortunately, squirrels can also be attracted to them. Even though these furry little creatures aren’t evil, you’re probably looking for a safe and ethical way to keep them at bay. In this article, we will share with you some simple tips that can help keep squirrels out of your bird feeder. Read on to learn how to protect your bird feeder from these furry little thieves.
Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Choosing a bird feeder that is difficult for squirrels to access is one of the easiest ways to keep them out of your bird feeder. There are many bird feeders that can help to keep squirrels away. Squirrel-Proof Feeders are specifically designed to prevent squirrels from accessing bird food. They typically have mechanisms that close off the feeding ports when a squirrel's weight is detected, allowing only birds to access the food.
Choose the right location
Location is important when it comes to protecting your bird feeder from squirrels. Squirrels are known for their impressive jumping abilities.
The Eastern gray squirrel, which is the most common squirrel in the United States, can jump up to four feet vertically. This is quite remarkable considering their size. When it comes to jumping horizontally, they can cover distances about 20-30 times bigger than their size under proper conditions. Squirrels can jump 3.5 feet straight up, so if a bird feeder is situated more than 4 feet off the ground. It is usually safe from squirrels. What's more, they can climb with great agility!
Therefore, you need to place the feeder far from trees, clotheslines, gutter roofs, or anything that may give them a way to reach the bird feeder. More than 5 feet at least, 10 feet will be better. For best results, locate your bird feeder out in an open area away from easy access points for squirrels.
Remove Shelter
It is also crucial to by removing any possible shelter locations for the squirrels. Be sure that squirrels don’t make a convenient home nearby right next to your bird feeder. So, ensure that you get rid of any possible shelter places like old sheds, attics, or under eaves for good. The further away the squirrel home is from your bird feeder, the less likely they will be to visit. You can also hire experts to remove the shelter carefully without hurting the squirrels.
Install a Squirrel Baffle
If you have a bird feeder on a pole and squirrels are stealing the seeds, getting a squirrel baffle is a great idea.
A squirrel baffle is a great tool that helps prevent squirrels from getting to your bird feeder. It is a dome-shaped device that is installed above or below the bird feeder. The baffle is made of metal or plastic and it prevents squirrels from climbing up or down the pole. But you should make sure the squirrel baffle is high enough that the squirrels can’t jump past it.
Use Slippery Poles
Much like the squirrel baffle, slippery poles can prevent squirrels from climbing up a feeder. Make sure that your bird feeder is sitting on smooth metal or PVC poles. These materials make it hard for squirrels to climb and thus giving them a hard time getting to the food.
By the way, the poles should be at least 6 feet high because squirrels cannot jump more than 4 feet up in the air. If your poles are not slippery, adding grease or vegetable oil can make them extra slippery.
Choosing the right bird food & additive
Feeding with the right bird food also can help to discourage squirrels from stealing your bird food from the bird feeders. Choosing some bird foods that squirrels don’t like for example safflower seeds.
Safflower seed has almost the same fat and protein content as sunflower seeds. Most birds love safflower seeds but it is less appealing to squirrels. So, you can fill the bird feeder with safflower seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
What's more, you can also try adding cayenne pepper to the food. Cayenne pepper also can help to keep squirrels away. Because squirrels can’t stand the heat from the spice. They will tend to stay away from your bird feeder.
Keep the Ground Clean
It is important to keep the ground under the bird feeder clean at all times. Squirrels enjoy feeding on the seed on the ground and the debris from your feeder could be attracting them.
Once they are in the area, and all food on the ground is done, they will try to invade the feeder as well. For that reason, attach a large tray on the poles beneath the bird feeder to catch falling debris. Keeping the ground clean also helps deter other unwanted pests like rats.
Upgrade Your Bird feeder with Camera
Technological advancements have brought new solutions to bird feeders. Now, you have an additional option with a bird feeder camera. A bird feeder with a camera can provide insight into the situation when squirrels visit your feeder.
Our Birdfy feeder Ai, for instance, offers Bird Notifications, AI Recognition, and two-way audio functions. When squirrels come, you can use your phone to make noise and scare them away!
Feed Squirrel too
In the end, squirrels are just as much a part of the backyard wildlife as jays and cardinals. Therefore, you can create a squirrel's own feeding area away from your bird feeder. Use their favorite foods to attract them to their feeding area.
Squirrels are forest creatures looking to feed on natural resources so there’s no need to kill them or treat them inhumanely. And when they have enough food to eat, they won't eat the bird food, right? So, if you have the condition, you can feed them.
Conclusion
All in all, keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder is not an impossible task. From choosing the right devices or the right location, upgrade your bird feeder with cameras to feed them to. And Bird feeder cameras also provide a great new choice for you. They are very popular recently. It can provide you with nature while also having the ability to monitor potential threats like squirrels coming near your seed. What's more, it can make your birdwatching indoor come true!
