Are those pesky guests still showing up uninvited? Here are more tips to help you squirrel proof your bird feeder. If you haven’t already, you may want to check out Part 1 for other tips on getting a squirrel proof bird feeder.
- If you hang your bird feeder from a wire, string or thread empty water bottles through the wire on each side of the feeder. This should make it more difficult for those squirrel tightrope walkers. It’s not very aesthetically pleasing but may work for you.
- Avoid hanging your bird feeder on a tree. This maybe the worst location for a feeder. It’s on the squirrel’s territory and gives wild squirrels too many access points from the various tree limbs.
- Remember the guideline of distances 10 feet from trees,fences or any jumping off point and at least 5 feet from the ground
- Try an ultrasonic noise machine. The effectiveness of this product is going to depend on the size of the machine. Make sure you get one appropriate for the size of your yard. You should also note that wild squirrels may just get used to the noise and no longer works as a deterrent.
- Try a squirrel repellent. This has had mixed results also. The idea is to spray the area with a scent of a predator, like fox urine. A homemade solution worth a try is dumping your cats litter box or blood meal around the base of your bird-feeder.
- Some people suggest wrapping nixalite around a pole. . It looks like a strip of porcupine spikes that is very unsightly. I’m not so sure this would work as I have personally watched wild squirrels climbing razor wire fencing. And I would worry about a squirrel actually falling on it.
- Buy an umbrella style overhead baffle that sits above a bird feeder. Get the largest size to place above the feeder. This should make things a bit more difficult for those trying to get at a hanging bird feeder from above.
- Try a climbing baffle for poles. It looks like an upside-down saucer that is placed halfway up a pole support. It prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole and tips if a squirrel tries to land on it. A cheap version uses an empty plastic bucket half way up the pole. Again not very pretty.
- If your bird feeder is sitting atop a pole try these tips: use pvc pipe around the pole, it has a slippery surface that makes it hard for squirrels to climb.
- Do you have an old slinky? Place it on your pole and watch squirrels have a really difficult time climbing the pole
Getting your bird feeder to be squirrel proof may involve some troubleshooting and creative thinking on your part. Try the tips listed and see what works best with your particular unwelcome wild squirrel. Remember a squirrel’s brain is the size of a walnut, if he can problem solve getting into your feeder, I’m sure you can problem solve getting him out. Good luck at finally getting squirrel proof bird feeders.
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Carnival Of Tips - February 9, 2008
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I find that distracting squirrels elsewhere usually works… we put random ears of dried Indian corn around the yard, and the squirrels get their fill from that.