Bird feeding is a popular backyard activity, but it often attracts persistent and resourceful squirrels. These agile rodents quickly deplete seed supplies and can damage equipment. Effective bird feeding requires strategic methods to ensure the seed is reserved for birds. Successfully deterring squirrels involves smart setup, physical barriers, engineered equipment, and alternative food choices.
Strategic Feeder Placement
The most cost-effective defense against squirrels is intelligent placement of the feeding station. Squirrels are accomplished jumpers, capable of leaping up to five feet vertically and ten feet horizontally. To defeat this, position the feeder a minimum of ten feet away from any potential launch point, such as trees, fences, or railings. The feeder should also be mounted on a smooth, metal pole at least five feet off the ground, which makes climbing difficult.
Utilizing Physical Barriers and Baffles
When a feeder is mounted on a pole, physical barriers known as baffles provide an effective defense against climbing squirrels. These devices create a slick, unstable surface that the animal cannot grip. Pole baffles are typically cone-shaped or cylindrical and must be installed below the feeder to prevent ascent from the ground. For maximum effectiveness, the top of the baffle should be mounted between four and five feet from the ground, and the baffle must be wide enough—at least 18 to 22 inches in diameter for cone styles—to ensure a squirrel cannot reach around it. If the feeder must be hung from a tree, a broad dome-shaped baffle installed above the feeder can prevent squirrels from dropping down onto it.
Choosing Specialized Squirrel-Resistant Feeders
Many modern feeders are engineered with internal mechanisms designed to exclude larger animals. Weight-activated feeders utilize the squirrel’s mass, triggering a closing mechanism when a predetermined weight threshold is exceeded. This mechanism typically closes the feeding ports or collapses the perches, denying the squirrel access while remaining open for lighter birds. Another common design is the caged feeder, which features an outer wire mesh surrounding the seed reservoir. The mesh openings permit access only to smaller songbirds, blocking the bulkier bodies of squirrels. These specialized feeders work well in locations where the ten-foot placement rule cannot be followed, such as on a deck.
Using Taste and Scent Deterrents
A non-physical approach involves using seeds or additives that squirrels find unappetizing. Safflower seed is a popular choice because it has a naturally bitter flavor that squirrels dislike, yet common songbirds like cardinals and finches readily consume it. Using safflower exclusively reduces squirrel interest while providing a high-protein food source for birds. Another potent deterrent is capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Capsaicin-treated bird seed is safe for birds because they do not register the burning sensation felt by mammals. When a squirrel attempts to eat the treated seed, the uncomfortable heat deters it without causing harm. It is recommended to use commercially prepared capsaicin seed mixes, as loose pepper powder can cause irritation to human eyes.