Having squirrels around in the lawn or garden hoovering out all the bird food can be very frustrating. Fortunately, with squirrel-proof bird feeders, you can eliminate the problem of squirrels. Traditional bird feeders often have large mesh openings, which makes it easier for squirrels to access the seeds.
However, squirrel-proof feeders are designed with mechanisms that trigger when a squirrel steps onto the perch or tray. There are several types of feeders, such as - hanging, platform, pole-mounted, etc. If you are worried about squirrels invading the bird food and wondering how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, this blog is for you.
How to Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeder?
Here are a few simple ways to squirrel-proof your bird feeder -
Place the Feeder High Above From the Ground
Squirrels are impressive jumpers and can rotate their feet 180 degrees, allowing them to climb on nearly all surfaces. But they can only jump up to 8 feet horizontally and 4 feet vertically. So, it is advisable to keep the feeder 4 feet above the ground, as this prevents them from leaping to the feeder.
If you’re setting up a hook or pole for your feeder, it’s best to keep at least 16 inches of space between the pole and the hook. Additionally, consider trimming or pruning any bushes or branches within a 12-foot radius of the feeder. This ensures the squirrels cannot reach the food.
Keep the Area Around the Feeder Clean
An effective way to deter squirrels is to maintain cleanliness around your feeder station. Also, remove fallen bird seeds and old seed shells from under the feeder. This will make the area less attractive to squirrels and unwanted pests. In addition to the basic cleaning and placement technique, consider using a squirrel-proof bird feeder with baffles that help keep the squirrels away.
Use Seed-Catching Trays
You can also consider attaching a seed-catching tray to collect the seeds that birds drop, which minimizes the amount that falls to the ground. Although these trays won’t completely stop a determined squirrel, it is advisable to empty them regularly to prevent seed buildup. It is important to note that the seed-catching trays are different from platform-style feeders, which is not recommended, as they are easy for squirrels to access.
Baffles
A baffle is more of an accessory that keeps the squirrel away from the feeders. Baffles are usually dome-shaped or conical and are installed either above the bird feeder or along the pole beneath it. It has a smooth and angled surface, which makes it difficult for squirrels to get a grip on the feeder. When attached to a pole, a baffle effectively blocks squirrels from climbing up and accessing the bird perches.
What Are the Types of Bird Feeders Available?
Here are a few different types of bird-feeder you can set in the backyard, which will prevent squirrels from barging in -
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders have ports located around the base of a polycarbonate tube. The feeder is filled from the top with loose seeds, which allows easy refilling and monitoring of seed levels. Compared to some metal feeders, tube feeders are generally more durable. However, they are vulnerable to wear and tear when used continuously for years. It is advisable to choose models that are UV resistant, which prevents the plastic from yellowing over time.
Cage Feeders
These feeders hold suet and solid bird seed cakes instead of loose seeds. Cage feeders are naturally more effective at deterring squirrels. This is because they usually have two layers of wire that make it difficult for squirrels to access the seed cakes in the center. However, small songbirds and medium-sized birds with longer beaks can easily reach the food inside the cage.
Pole-Mounted Feeders
If you don’t have trees in your yard to support a hanging feeder, a pole-mounted option is an excellent alternative to keep the squirrels at bay. It has a baffle at the base, which stops squirrels from climbing up to the bird perches. The feeder has a clear design, which makes it easy to keep an eye on the seed levels. Also, it has a generous capacity - which can hold over a gallon of seed - which is a big plus.
Though it may not be suited for clinging birds, it attracts various songbirds due to its smooth exterior and no caging. Also, the small perches discourage large birds, such as crows, from accessing the seeds.
Suet Feeders
Suet is a hardened cake made from fat and seed, which serves as a quick source of energy for active birds. A suet feeder is the best feeder option, especially for winter, as it holds two cakes at a time, and you don’t have to worry about squirrels reaching them. The one-inch grid allows easy access to medium-sized birds. Also, the cover ensures that the cake stays dry during winter.
Conclusion
It should not be a battle for you to keep the squirrels off your bird feeders. With the right bird feeders and installing a seed catcher along with it, you can protect the bird seed and keep your yard a welcoming spot for your feathered visitors. Also, try making small adjustments in the placement and keeping the area clean to discourage squirrels from invading the feeder.
