5 Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders

Are squirrels starting to take over your bird feeders? If so, you might be wondering what to do! Luckily, there are plenty of natural and humane ways to keep squirrels at bay and keep your feeders free from their wrath. Take a peek below at these 5 Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders. Once you give these tips a try, you can make sure your birds get to enjoy their food in peace. Take a look!

5 Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders

1. Consider your menu.
Try to fill your bird feeders with food that your squirrels won’t be interested in. Examples would include: safflower seed, white proso millet, and thistle. These seeds will still attract birds such as finches, cardinals, and mourning doves, but will not interest the pesky squirrels.

2. Look for small openings when choosing a bird feeder.
When picking a bird feeder, look for one with small openings. This way, the birds can get to the food but it isn’t easy pickings for the squirrels. Eventually they will figure this out and decide to get their food elsewhere.

3. Use a baffle to block squirrels.
A baffle is a device that can be easily installed onto the pole of the bird feeder, and it will keep the squirrels from being able to run up. It looks like a cone or disc, and easily slides up the pole. Position your baffle about 5 feet up and see how it works. You can buy a baffle at any home and garden supply store.

4. Be mindful of where you place feeders.
Do not hang your feeders near a tree where squirrels can easily climb onto them. You also don’t want to place them in or near shrubs where it would be easy for them to jump on. Place your feeders on a shepherd’s hook that is also equipped with a baffle (see above) to ensure it is unable to be climbed or jumped on by these pesky critters.

5. Try noise deterrents.
Watch your feeders for a few days and make a loud noise anytime a squirrel jumps on. This can be a loud bell, whistle, etc. Repeat this several times and eventually the squirrels will relate the scary sound to the feeders and stay clear.

It should also be noted that negative reinforcement such as hot pepper, hot sauce, or hot seeds of any kind should never be used. Such methods are not only painful and cruel to the squirrels, but can actually hurt the birds as well. Avoid such measures.

Give these 5 Natural Ways to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders a try and see what a difference they can make.