Squirrels frequently target deer feeders, quickly depleting expensive feed intended for larger wildlife. Effectively deterring squirrels requires a combination of physical barriers, strategic placement, and modification of the feed itself. These strategies provide actionable methods to protect the deer feed from unwanted visitors.
Utilizing Physical Barriers on Feeder Stands
The most direct method to prevent squirrels from reaching the feed is by installing physical barriers on the feeder’s support structure. Squirrel baffles, typically large metal cones or domes, create an insurmountable obstacle on the pole or leg. For pole-mounted feeders, the baffle should have a diameter of at least 18 to 22 inches to prevent squirrels from reaching around it.
Correct placement of the baffle is necessary for success. It must be mounted four to five feet off the ground, which is above the average squirrel’s vertical leap capability. If a feeder uses tripod legs, individual PVC pipe sleeves can be installed on each leg. The slick, unstable surface of a four-inch diameter PVC pipe sleeve makes it impossible for a squirrel to grip and climb the support structure.
The PVC sleeves should spin freely around the leg, as this instability prevents the squirrel from gaining purchase. Even with a baffle in place, the feeder must be positioned high enough to prevent a direct jump onto the feeder itself.
Strategic Isolation and Feeder Placement
Feeder placement is a factor, as squirrels are adept at horizontal and vertical leaps from surrounding structures. A squirrel can jump horizontally up to 10 feet and vertically about five feet, which dictates the necessary clearance zone. To eliminate jumping access, the feeder pole or tripod must be positioned a minimum of 8 to 10 feet away from any tree, fence, building, or other launch point.
Any low-hanging branches that extend over the feeder area should be trimmed back to maintain this radius of isolation. Squirrels often use overhead branches to drop directly onto the feeder, bypassing a pole baffle entirely. Raising the feeder’s height also helps, as the bottom of the feed dispensing mechanism should be at least six feet off the ground to complicate a squirrel’s vertical jump.
If the feeder is hung from a single line, a large, inverted dome baffle placed above the feeder will prevent squirrels from climbing down the line. The feeder must still be hung far enough from the tree trunk or branch to prevent a horizontal jump.
Adjusting Feed Types to Discourage Squirrels
A non-physical deterrent involves modifying the deer feed with ingredients that squirrels find unpalatable. The most effective method is the addition of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. When mixed with feed as a powder or oil, capsaicin deters squirrels because they are sensitive to the burning sensation.
Deer, in contrast, have far fewer taste receptors for capsaicin and are unaffected by its presence in the feed. This allows the feed to remain attractive to the intended wildlife while serving as a taste-based repellent. Capsaicin-treated feed significantly reduces the amount of seed consumed by squirrels.
Alternative grain choices can also discourage squirrels, as they exhibit distinct food preferences. Safflower seeds, for example, have a bitter taste that most squirrels dislike. Grains like milo can also be mixed into or substituted for traditional corn mixes, as squirrels often find them less appealing. Including these grains can reduce the overall attractiveness of the feed to squirrels without completely repelling the deer.