Are squirrels turn your bird confluent into their personal buffet ? If so , you ’re not alone ! Squirrels are notorious for stealing birdseed and causing defeat for bird lovers everywhere . gratefully , there areeffective waysto deter these clever critters while keeping your feathered friends well - fed .
Here ’s a comprehensive guide with 15 in force methods to keepsquirrelsout of bird feeders .
Why Squirrel-Proofing Your Bird Feeder Matters
opine this : you ’ve set up a beautiful bird feeder in your backyard , hop to appeal coloured songbirds , only to find it overrun by apt , determined squirrels . They climb , jump , and even chew their fashion to the solid food meant for your feather friends . While watch squirrels can be mirthful , their persistence can queer snort lovers .
Squirrels not only consume thebirdseed but can also damage feeders and scare away fowl . save them out is essential to control that the birds get their fair share while maintain the feeder ’s seniority . This article extend 15 effective and humanistic method to discourage squirrel , countenance you to enjoy passive birdwatching without interruptions from these furry encroacher .
Understanding Squirrels and Their Behavior
Squirrels are drawn to bird feeder for a simple reason : intellectual nourishment . Birdseed provides a rich rootage of nutrients , and its handiness makes it an resistless fair game . With their gymnastic abilities and astute minds , squirrels can outsmart many impediment , making them formidable opponents in the fight for birdseed .
However , deterring squirrels is n’t just about keeping them away ; it ’s also about doing so without harming the birds or the ecosystem . ascertain a balance between protecting your feeder and respecting wildlife is central to successfully managing this challenge .
1. Elevation, Elevation, Elevation
raspberry can fell , but squirrels bank on climbing and jump off to access food for thought . Use the5 - 7 - 9 Ruleto outmaneuver them :
Place feeders at least 5 foundation off the terra firma to forbid squirrels from jumping up to them . Keep bird feeder at least 7 invertebrate foot away from jumping - off points like trees or fences . void placing feeders where squirrels can jump down from above , ideally maintaining a 9 - foot clearance .
While this may seem straight , it ’s not foolproof . squirrel are resourceful and can navigate obstruction like great power lines and rooftop . If elevation alone is n’t enough , keep reading for more tips .
2. Use Wire to Outsmart Squirrels
Suspending your bird feeder with durable telegram can make it severely for squirrels to pass . Here ’s how you’re able to do it in effect :
Use a vertical wire to hang the tributary at least 9 - 10 infantry from a pole and 5 animal foot above the ground . select a sturdy , conditions - resistant wire from your local hardware store to insure longevity . This frame-up preclude squirrels from climbing or jumping to your tributary , offering an inexpensive solution to your problem .
3. Purchase a Squirrel Baffle
Squirrel baffles are plot - changer ! These slippery , wobbling barrier make it nigh insufferable for squirrel to access shuttlecock self-feeder . There are several types to select from :
Awrap - around bafflecreates a conical barrier that stops squirrels from climbing pole . Atorpedo bafflehas a bullet - shaped design that turns poles into dead - ends . Adome baffleis an upside - down sports stadium that ’s difficult for squirrels to grip .
These baffles are easy to install and also protect birdseed from the chemical element , preserving it for your feathered friends .
4. Choose Your Bird Seeds Wisely
Certain seeds are less appealing to squirrels , make them a saucy selection for your feeders . false saffron come , nyjer seeds , and white proso millet are among the seeds squirrels tend to avoid . Mix these with standardsunflower seedsto discourage squirrels while keep back fowl well-chosen .
5. Spice Up Your Feed
Squirrels detest spicy food , but birds are insensible . you could splash cayenne common pepper or a like spicery into your bird food . The chemical compound capsaicin repels squirrels but does n’t trouble oneself birds . However , ensure this method is safe for your bird metal money by doing some enquiry beforehand .
6. Put a Spin on It
Using a spinning hook to hang your birdfeeder can deter squirrels effectively . The spinning motion prevents them from getting a secure grip , making it harder for them to hit the seed . you may also purchase a eater project to reel when tampered with .
7. Feed the Squirrels, Too
It may vocalize counterintuitive , but provide squirrels with their own intellectual nourishment can keep them off from razz feeders . Offer peanuts or dried corn whiskey in a freestanding squirrel eater . This strategy divert their attention and preserves birdseed for your feathered guest .
8. Try a Slinky
sequester a slinky to your feeder perch as a DIY squirrel hinderance . When squirrels rise the pole , the slinky transmit them sliding back down . It ’s a simple , cheap , and effective result that also adds a mo of fun to your yard .
9. Upgrade to a Caged Bird Feeder
cage in feeders leave minuscule birds to access seeds while keeping larger animate being out . Look for cages with opening sized to exclude squirrel but accommodate your target area bird species . time of origin caged feeders are both functional and stylish , urinate them a great addition to your yard .
10. Choose PVC or Copper Poles
ward off using wood or metal pole , which squirrels can easily go up . Opt for polyvinyl chloride or copper pole or else . These materials are too slippy for squirrels to scale , keeping them away from the birdseed .
11. Keep Your Yard Tidy
A messy cubic yard attracts squirrels . Clean up spilled seed on a regular basis or install a seed tray beneath your feeder to catch rubble . Maintaining a tidy space minimizes the chances of squirrels lingering in your yard .
12. Deter Squirrels with Soap
Some gardeners take that hanging a bar of Irish Spring goop near feeders deters squirrels . put the soap in an sure-enough sock to forbid wildlife from eating it . Be aware of high temperatures , as liquid ecstasy can melt and make a mess .
13. Buy a Squirrel Stopper Pole
Invest in a squirrel stopper perch , which combines several hindrance methods in one organization . These poles often admit built - in baffle and multiple hooks for affluent . They ’re well-off to install and provide a near - complete solution for keeping squirrels out .
14. Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion - activated sprinklers spray water when triggered , startling squirrels and discouraging them from approaching . These sprinklers are eco - friendly and harmless , make them a humane option for squirrel ascendency .
15. Surround Feeders with Natural Barriers
constitute thorny Bush or place setaceous materials like pinecone around your confluent . These barriers make it uncomfortable for squirrel to navigate , keep down their chance of access your birdseed .
Final Thoughts
safekeeping squirrels out of bird feeder requires a mix of scheme and perseverance . Experiment with these 15 methods to find out the good combining for your railyard . With the correct setup , you may enjoy watching your feathered champion without constant interruptions from pestiferous squirrels .
