How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders | Simple Solutions
Squirrels are notorious pests when it comes to stealing bird food. Here are three ways to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.
By Earl Proulx|Jul 15 2022|
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders
Photo Credit:Squirrels are notorious pests when it comes to stealing food that’s been put out for the birds. Here are some helpful ways to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders
1. Slip the feeder onto a long wire and hang it between two trees, but away from any low branches. Also, string empty thread spools on the wire to act as a further deterrent.
2. If your bird feeder sits on a pole and you’re pestered by squirrels stealing the seeds, go to the pet store and buy a squirrel baffle. This is a plastic dome that you attach under the feeder. It curves downward and away from the feeder, providing a barrier against upwardly mobile squirrels. Make sure the baffle is high enough that the squirrels can’t jump past it.
3. If you’re truly desperate to keep squirrels out of bird feeders, set up a small squirrel feeding area on the ground a good distance away from your feeders. Though you will have to sacrifice some bird seed occasionally, it should keep the pests occupied and let the birds feed in peace.
More Squirrel Solutions
- Squirrels sometimes like to chew on outdoor redwood furniture. To discourage this, try rubbing the legs with chili sauce, then buffing.
- To keep squirrels out of the attic, check the space for holes. Use wire mesh to close all openings under the roof edge where it joins the sidewall. Also get rid of any branches that hang over your house and outbuildings so squirrels can’t use them as ladders.
- It’s worth trying an ultra-high-frequency sound devices to repel squirrels and other small animals.
Do you have any good tips for how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders? Let us know in the comments!
This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated.
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How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Attic | Ask the Expert
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a way to deter squirrels from bird feeders would be to get a metal collander with small holes and put screws/nails in them. hang it on top/directly above the bird feeder.
Thanks for an additional “squirrel-be-gone” bird feeder idea/suggestion, J.E! We’ve concluded that squirrels have a higher IQ than we previously thought !! (OR…we happen to have the largest group of Mensa squirrels ever seen in the world! )
I have learned thru research that squirrels can grip onto almost any surface, with one exception being sheet metal. We cut a large sheet metal circle, punched a hole in the middle, then cut a straight line to the hole in the middle. Bend into a cone and attach to the bird feeder pole BENEATH the bird feeder. Just providing another idea/suggestion! Good Luck to ALL!
Question: Has anyone tried using a flying dragon tree to keep squirrels from getting to a bird feeder?
These little critters are amazingly agile acrobatic athletes. Use a P.T. 4×4 pole secured deeply 25% of it’s length. Use plastic rain gutter to cover both sides of the pole. It’s slippery. Some of the best squirrels can jump up to 6′ high and grab something. They can leap out up to 8′ from a nearby height. Some folks slide an 8″ dia. PVC pipe over the 4×4 pole. Squirrels are always searching for something to eat. Field corn satisfies them.
That does not work I bought one
I went to Walmart and bought a slinky.I came home and attached it to the pole the bird feeder is on with two plastic zip ties.guess what? Problem solved.
Slinkys DO work if installed properly. You must install them so that when they are compressed (at resting position) they are attached below the base of the feeder enough so that the squirrels cannot jump to the base. When they climb the pole (use a HIGH pole) they have to grab onto the bottom of the slinky. Then watch the yoo yoo fun and frustration of the squirrels. GO EAT ACORNS you dirty rats !
you are right. slinkys worked for about 2 weeks
Take the hanger off the pole and slip the slinky over the pole.Then re attach the hanger.Lift up the slinky and mount it to the hanger.Then sit back and laugh at the little dickens as they keep falling off.Enjoy.
What’s a “flying dragon tree”?
Aw, the poor little squirrel critters have to eat too! How about setting out some corn cobs or peanuts for them. They try so hard just to get a meal!!!
We did this and it was fun to watch. The squirrels got faster and faster eating the corn. However, we took it down because the squirrels spilled corn on the ground as they ate and that attracted rats.
I did the slinky trick. it worked for about two years until a smart little critter just climbed up like there was no slinky there. I also feed them corn. but all they do with that is bury it. we have corn growing all over the neighborhood.
I put my granddaughters’ rubber play lizard on the top of the bird feeder, & the squirrels are scared to death of it – doesn’t bother the birds. No more squirrels eating the bird seed.
I found a super soaker at the Dollar Store and filled a bucket of water and sat by an open window with it aimed at the squirrels. Within an hour of trying, they finally gave up and whenever I go near the window they run. It does not keep them completely away but it is better than nothing! I have also taped the pole with sticky tape – that too is not permanent but it slows them down.
After stumping them with a ‘squirrel proof’ feeder, they just chewed a hole in my shed and spent the winter dining on the 40 lb bag of sunflower seeds I had stored in there.
These are great ideas if you are using a pole or have trees close together. I have a small tree in my yard and no matter what I do I cannot keep the squirrels away. I tried different things I have read but no results for good. My tree branches are about 6 feet from the ground. I need to find away to keep them from climbing my tree. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
This sunflower seed feeder has defeated my squirrels. The cap snaps on very tightly. https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Ball-Wild-Bird-Feeder/dp/B0040QAE2O/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1483412322&sr=8-7&keywords=no+no+bird+feeder
Instead of empty spools of thread I used empty two liter bottles together with a small hole in the bottom and cap. It was great fun to watch them plan spin the bottle.
They loathe safflower seed. It’s a bit more expensive than regular seed mix, but worth it.
Don’t be fooled – squirrels eat the safflower seeds that I put out and safflower is more expensive. They eat well at my house as I’ve run out of things to try. The greased pole only lasts a short while but it is so funny to watch! I want to video it one day.
The only thing I can think of is this: Encase the feeders in plexiglass with holes in the plexiglass only large enough for birds! You can still see the birds but no squirrels eating the seed. Now if anyone comes up with this design and sells it let me know! I really should patent this idea! 🙂
We grease the poles! My husband has some sort of grease in a tube in his shop. Doesn’t freeze just keeps them slipping and sliding of the pole.
As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator I rescue many orphaned and injured squirrels and release them back to the wild once healthy. We provide ample seed for both squirrels and birds with no problems. Squirrels have a preferance for sunflower seeds in a broad, flat plate tney cam sit in. Put one in another location and add a few real tree nuts which are much healthier for them and a treat. Almonds, pecans and also various kitchen scraps including carrots, apple cores, squash and pumpkin seeds, zucchini, orange pieces and avocado without the pit, a all tasty for squirrels. Often an alternative treat is better than birdseed.
Yeah…I am not wasting a ton of money to feed squirrels. I want to feed the birds. not them
Not everyone can afford to feed squirrels. They are greedy and start bringing their family. I like to feed and watch birds.
Try buying “Sizzle n’ Heat Spicy bird food. It is sold in Walmart and have seen it in Ace Hardware. Spicy seed doesn’t bother the birds but too hot for squirrels. If they are desperate, however, they will eat some but a rare occurence.
I have a large platform feeder on my deck railing because I have about 18 Mourning Doves plus Cardinals and Blue Jays (larger birds that cannot sit on the smaller hanging feeders I have.) Any suggestions about keeping the squirrels from eating all the seed on the platform? They have easy access to this feeder, but I keep it there because I also have easy access to it when there is a lot of snow and ice on the ground!
I mounted my three feeders using a 1/2″ EMT conduit at the top of an 8 ft. 4″ electrical conduit. They are not able to climb the plastic surface. They do hang around and feed on dropped seeds…Problem solved !!!
To deter the pesky squirrels away from my pole-mounted feeders, I use a 24″ piece of stove pipe. I cut out a wooden disc to fit in the top of the stove pipe and drill a hole large enoigh to fit over pole/1″ pipe. Drill a hole a foot or so below the feeder through the pole and slide the baffle down over the pole/pipe so that it will swing loosely. The squirrels will go,up,the pole and into the baffle but no further.
Being in VT-NH I’ve had to deal with them a lot. I appreciate birds moreso. They are destructive rodents and breed like rabbits. I tried many devices to deprive them from the bird feeders. Like one comment said they are adaptable to any discouragement means. AND I’m not about to unload my wallet for special feeds or devices. My solution is lead poisoning…they don’t return. For the novice, the lead is a .22 bullet. Hey, squirrel pie tastes good and not wasted.
History shows me that when you shoot one, thirty come to the funeral!
Bought steel bird feeder and put on a PCV pipe and I have had not more problems.
what is the circumference of the pipe I have a fat pole and they can still get up it
Squirrel and feeders deception is the best game, out smart them. Beside the bird feeders plant stake another easy to reach – accessible pole for the squirrels. On the top attach a (wooden) disc with holes to string (fish line-wire) the “food”, being a old corn cob with the kernels, about 4-6 of them, get cheaply at a feed store. Colored kernel Squash corn should also do. They’ll chew anything that’s food hard. Hang the cobs on about 1-2 feet of wire. When the squirrels jump onto the cobs, they will swing all around making for a visual delight. You should have many of them as they spread the word. Photograph them. You might get a better pic then on this article….send it to your local news source, get $$$$. My two cents from experience. Have fun or a great meal.
The slinky works great on pole feeders. As for keeping squirrels out of the house (attic, porch, barn, garage, crawl space) I stuff dog hair (from two Bernese Mountain dogs) sprinkled with cinnamon in the hole before covering it up. Even if the squirrels chew thru, they will be deterred by the dog hair. It has worked great so far.
slinky does not work but for a few weeks. after they stretch it they can climb the pole again
For the complete novice and lovers of everything. Having lived in NH many years and dealt with squirrels, they are highly disruptive. I had a barn and they ate thru the roof shingles & boards, costing for repairs and leave a mess. Red Squirrels and Raccoons are worse. They ain’t “cute”. Red Squirrels will chew and rob anything and are highly intelligent to survive. Raccoons can get into anywhere and kill chickens. Some openings being only 6 inches wide. Rodents aren’t cute. Maybe if you keep them fed, they may not ruin your place. BUT feeding them, will attract more…and the potential problems. Live with it.
I wanted a feeder that could be moved for easier mowing, so I welded up a post using a scrap car wheel and an adjustable house support post. The feeder is mounted on a 2″ removable post section for ease of loading. To keep the squirrels away, I cut a hole in the bottom of a 5 gallon Poly Bucket, hole sized to fit the post, removed the bucket’s reinforcing rings and handle, upended it and slid the bucket over the post to the adjustment pin stop.. Little devils can climb up the post, but can’t figure out the sudden ceiling and walls. Note: Place the feeder well away from elevated platforms that they can use to jump directly on to the feeder! Poly Bucket will take paint.
…the replies are great, thank you to everyone!
I use squirrel free hot pepper suets, the won’the eat it but the birds can.
.22 solves the problem.
I get by with a .177 Gamo. You wouldn’t care to know the number who have departed. However, I do recycle; there are two Red Tails that are frequent guests.
Yep,.177 is a great dispatcher…I have even resorted to my .22Colt Gold Cup,but my wife says it’s too loud from inside the house(imagine that!)but it can’t be heard that well outside…no police(so far).Maybe invite them for some range time with moving targets…..
I like using a Crosman 1377. It’s a pump .177 air pistol. 10 pumps are lethal but 2 pumps will just sting the fanny…and get the point across.
I am in hysterics reading all the comments and the length to which we go to deter squrrels from invading our bird feeders! Funny.
This is something that I have not done yet but I am close.Take a small rodent trap (which is what squirrels actually are), catch the varmit and put the entire trap, squirrel included in a galvanized trash can filled with water and come back about a week later to see if he has learned how to swim yet.I bet that it works every time.
There is absolutely no need to try something inhumane like your statement. These are suggestions to keep them out of the feeders not kill them.
By the Way, I forgot to mention that you can get arrested. I am not with an animal rights organization, I love animals and would not treat them that way.
I love it.
I use tangel foot on the post
We smear a mixture of Vaseline and cayenne pepper, 50/50, on poles holding feeders. Squirrels will try to climb but will slide down. When the try to groom and clean off the Vaseline they get a big dose of cayenne. They don’t like it at all and they stay away from the feeders. Put a big thick layer of the glop on the pole.
I have been reading various articles for deterring the squirrels and using vaseline and oils on the poles can be harmful to them.
Oh darn…maybe they will stay away then.
I saw a video on You Tube where someone wrapped a slinky around the pole… No way a squirrel can climb up one of those!!
Used for 2 yrs. Slinky works GREAT!
I did that also but after a few times it stretched and now they can climb up
Look for a tree on your property that has a branch that is at least 8 feet (preferably 10 feet) above the ground. Attach a 14 gauge wire to the end of the branch so that the other end of the wire is at least 5 feet above ground level, where you can secure a hook. (Apply at least 3 twists of the wire with a set of pliers and secure at a branch location that is at least 1 inch in diameter .) Suspend feeder from the hook. Of course the longer the wire, the greater the entertainment. Some squirrels will risk climbing out on the branch and descending down the wire to the feeder. Their terminal velocity is a function of wire length. Their desperation at trying to cling to the feeder makes for at least a 5.6 on the Olympic Gymnastic scale along with a few laughs. After a while they are content to look for the seeds on the ground.
I have another suggestion that is working great. We have a brand new bird feeder that holds a large amt of seeds plus suets on a pole that the squirrels would not leave alone. My husband went to Lowe’s and purchased (2) – 3 inch (6 feet long) heating duct work that wrapped right around the pole. Nails were not even needed to keep them on. The squirrels have no idea what to do. They try jumping up and slide right down. Now they eat the seeds that are on the ground around the pole and the birds got their new feeder back. Does not cost that much and everybody gets fed.
what is heating duct
A heating duct is a 6 ft long piece of metal, the same thing that is used in your house that distributes the hot or cold air in your house.
Every time I see a squirrel in the garden I let my schnauzer out and she gives chase and up the tree they go. Its her exercise for the day and goes on a lot.
Squirrel Boss. Google it. Works like a charm. When you see a squirrel climb on, you hit the button and turn him into a FLYING SQUIRREL! Hours of entertainment! They Learn not to mess with you or your seeds. It’s good training for them, and the word gets out to their little squirrel friends. We love it.
Yikes! Priced a “Squirrel Boss”. Way too expensive for my small budget!
having the same squirrel issues as all of you. Read all the good (and bad) suggestions and then realized that I only have 1 furry beast that can easily climb pvc pole wiped with cooking oil and leisurely enjoy the bounty-haha. Decided to go with those who recommend distant feeder just for him-set it up and have now filled with yams and will use this as my compost to see what he likes. * he’s certainly earned a few yummy treats for his considerable efforts!
I was trying to figure out how to get rid of this one pesky squirrel. Im going to try a few of the ideas on here. Right now the birds dive bomb the one squirrel that keeps trying to eat their seed. They fly down and peck him in the head it hysterical to watch. It runs away and goes up a tree so they quit pecking him.
I can absolutely relate to the frustrations and aggravations on this page. I actually found this page looking for a solution to keep pesky squirrels out of my new bird feeders. However after reading many suggestions I went to my local Job Lot to look for a squirrel baffle. Unfortunately only to find out that they don’t have them. Instead I purchased a large, clear, round, plastic dome lid for a pastry or catering tray. I used a nail to put o hole directly in the center without cracking it. I then ran the wire my bird feeder hangs on directly through that hole. It tips whenever the varmints now try to raid my feeders from above. I also found it works like an umbrella for the birds when raining. I highly suggest trying this, it was a great fix for only a buck!!!
Hi April, I hope that’s still working for you. Not so much for me! I tried that, too with some plastic catering trays & lids I saved from last year’s office Christmas party. After about 2 weeks, those little buggers managed to find a way to defeat it! I was so frustrated yet found myself laughing at how smart they are. Well, back to the drawing board I went. I knew there had to be something else I could try without having to spend a lot of $$ so I thought maybe some kind of outer cage made with some salvaged materials around the feeder would work. I work for a landscaping co. so I figured there might be something around they would let me use. It so happened they were throwing out a lot of chicken wire so I scapped up a couple of yards of it. Then I was trying to think what I could use as a ‘skeleton’ or support frame on which to fasten it so it would surround the feeder with at least 5-6″ of space in between. As I was looking around my basement I spotted an outer safety cage my husband removed from an old round kerosene heater we had. ????BINGO! It was exactly the right size and everything. It was two separate pieces which I wired together and tied some of the chicken wire to the bottom which was open. The spaces in between the bars on the sides, top and chicken wire on the bottom are just big enough for the birds to get through but not the squirrels. It’s now been up for a week and so far, so good but I wouldn’t put it past them if they found a way in. I’ll update if that happens. Good luck!
I have also used wire to keep out the big grey squirrels, and larger birds that just throw out what they don’t like. My problem is trying to keep out our pesky little red squirrels. They can get through the holes that let in our small birds. They empty the feeders in minutes. We have lots of squirrel feeders and enjoy them as much as the birds, but at present I only have one feeder for the birds, because I can’t seem to find a solution in keeping out the red squirrels. Help.
Out of all the suggestions that I’ve read thus far, your idea seems to be the wisest & most economical. I plan on buying one today. Thanks for your post, you may have helped zillions of people who just like to feed & watch nature in action.
I have a feeder hanging from my awning. I finally have a squirrel that can jump into feeder. I don’t want to move feeder because there are tree all around. Is there something I can put on outside window sill to keep them off ? HELP
Try putting pepper corns in the feeder….the squirrels have taste buds, the birds do not and it will not harm the birds…but once the squirrels get a pepper corn, they will not return….this is a process you have to play with as to how much can be used until they not return.
I can guarantee no squirrel issue by purchasing a 6 inch by 6 ft long heating duct and cap and sliding over your pole. Then mounting your feeder. Squirrels can’t climb it because they get no traction and when they climb the pole they go up into the duct and find that the cap blocks them from the feeder. Works like a charm and believe me I tried everything until this method finally put an end to my issue.
Hi Sam. I am glad that the Heat Duck that I suggested in Jan 2017 works good for you. Of course there is always one little devil that tried multiple times but after falling on his head, he decided to give up.
Hey Sam! I also use those metal heat duct pipes – I think they are aluminum. They go up the pole and the squirrels can’t climb them. However, my athletic squirrels can leap up from the ground, and grab ahold of the hanging feeders, and then wrap themselves around the feeder using the perches to hold on with. I am putting more seed on the ground now and for now, the squirrels are staying on the ground eating the extra seed there, and peanuts, which I throw down every day for the Blue Jays and Woodpeckers. I use Slinkies across the top of the poles from one feeder hook to the other, too. All this works, but for a few years, I wondered how a bunch of wild creatures could outsmart me!! I finally got the last laugh!
I bought a bird feeder that had a spring load that was adjusted so that two Cardinals could eat at the same time, but a squirrel would snap the feeder shut. I had it for years, but had to move to a retirement community where feeders are not allowed.
after years of battling squirrels I wrapped a crumpled strip of aluminum foil around the top of the feeder. 3 months and I haven’t had the rodents come close!!! They are aggravated and are chewing on the porch chest & pillars but that’s a separate problem.
Mean people! Just add extra food and maybe extra feeders. The squirrels are hungry too and so precious to watch. We feed bird, squirrels and raccoons. Animal food is our one luxury in life. St. Francis would not like any of you squirrel abusers.
Oh really! In my yard the birds were starving and the squirrels got fat! After trying every trick available to reverse this trend I bought a slingshot; lucky for the squirrels, my aim is terrible!
St.Francis didn’t have to buy bird seed and replace feeders that the tree rats chewed up.
Have you ever had your home invaded by these pests ?? We had more than several raccoons and squirrels take up residence in the attics of two rural residences of ours. They causes thousands of dollars of damage and can also spread disease. Believe me, once you experience the damage and expense of eliminating them and restoring your property you will think of these ” cute and cuddly” creatures differently. They are also extremely aggressive. I’ll bet you are a city dweller who has a rose colored view of viewing wild animals. I admire creatures from a distance, but when they begin harming property or livestock they are eliminated. And please, don’t tell me they need to eat and my acreage was once theirs…..that humans took over their habitat areas. That song has been sung too long…
You wouldn’t think they were so cute if you had to replace a window because they chewed the wood around it. They is plenty of food and water for them, but they would rather eat my house!
Glad to know that you have an unlimited supply of funds to purchase bird seed. Please let me know where to send you an envelope so that you can mail $$ to me.
i have a pole for my bird feeder i use tangle foot on the pole.
One that is not listed – but, that I use is: smearing lots of petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) on the entire bird feeder hanger (including the “roof” of the feeder). It frustrates the little buggers to no end.
I would suggest using three inch PVC pipe. Made up a large “T” with the post 10 ft with 2ft in ground. Add caps to the end of the “T” and four “eye bolts” to attach feeders. You will also have to make a broom handle with a hook at the end to service the feeders. We have had the best deterrent of the squirrels with this set-up. Early on one squirrel jumped from a arbor only to fall off to the ground. Next I think I’ll add Rain-X to the post.
I put my feeder atop a 6ft high 3in pvc years ago and have never seen a squirrel try it. I enjoy watching many around them.
I have a pole feeder and squirrels just chewed at the underneath bracket until the plastic baffle broke…so I went out to Walmart and bought a metal one & that is successful. I also schmered the pole w/Vaseline and thats a deterrent also.
after several years battling the squirrels with various devices on poles, I went to the following system: hung a dog trolley run (most hardware stores, pets stores) between the house and a large maple; used extra wire to create loops, attached with clamps, use my roof rake poles and special “high reach hanger” for feeder and baffle. Squirrels have not tried to climb wire eventough I put a couple pole baffles described here already as well as “cut up short pieces of PVC pipe, say 2 inch diameter. Also, high enough off ground, NO PROBLEM with BEARS in Spring, SUMMER or FALL. The current trolley run is 60+ feet in length, needed a support pole (conduit pipe with extra squirrel pole baffle) to remove SAG… Best investment given cost of seed. Good luck to all!!
Another distraction for squirrel is to leave out corn cobs; I would survey a local corn field, namely cow corn, after a farmer had harvested the crop; Most times, the machinery “missed” a cob or two per stalk. Some Ag stores will sell this separately, but expensive. Put a nail or long screw on a fence post or saw horse, slide the cob over the nail, the squirrels will sit and feast. used cobs will burn easily in fireplace for complete recycling…
Best solution I have found for metal poles is wrapping a ‘slinky’ around the pole. They can be purchased at Walmart for $2.99. Checkout YouTube videos.
Try SQUIRREL-SLIP. SAFE, eco friendly natural product. As seen on NBC Boston TV.
Tried Squirrel Slip. Total scam. Slathered it all over the poles. Squirrels had no problem climbing right up. Don’t waste your money.
I run out the door, barking like a mad dog, and the squirrels go flying away into the woods. My neighbors think I”m a bit looney, but the birds are getting to use the feeder without the expense of vet bills and dog food.
Hahaha
I saw a video a few weeks ago that putting a slinky spring on your bird feeding pole works a treat so I got a set of 3 mini ones from eBay for next to nothing and they fit the pole perfectly and the squirrels can’t get up the pole they just bounce back to the bottom of the pole when they try to get up and guess what it really does work! Problem sorted
I actually thought the problem was solved when I attached a slinky as well. These little creatures “learned” to hold on, ride it to the ground (stretching if fully), then climbing back up. Initially, ONE squirrel pulled this off, the NEXT DAY there were 3-4 that somehow “learned” this tactic. These monsters are relentless…
Yeah,I heard that about the slinky toys,bought two,banded them together,attached to my shepherds hook hanger.Now they have one helluva ride along with seed.Got saffron for big feeder,thats worked so far.But my finch/wren feeder is driving me CRAZY!!
I have been told by friends in the area to put red pepper on my suets and to spread tabasco on the suets. It doesn’t hurt the birds but the squirrels don’t like it one bit. I have used Vaseline on the rims also but that only worked for a while.
Spray cooking oil on the feeder support, makes it very difficult for the squirrels to climb.
We have tried so many ways to keep squirrels off our feeders but those wiley tree rats always figure out a way to get in. Finally found some red hot bird seed at Walmart the other day and it really worked! Doesn’t bother the birds and now when they fly in there are no squirrels wrapped around their feeders. We still have a corn cob feeder on a tree nearby for the squirrels but now they stick to that only.
Cayenne pepper works wonders, sprinkle on seed. Squirrels don’t like it, & birds are not bothered by it-their digestive system is different than ours!
Go to Agway(home and garden store) and buy container of LIQUID FENCE ALL-PURPOSE ANIMAL REPELLANT(pepper spray) and spray feeder and bird food. Harmless to birds but squirrels hate it- works great- no more party-crashing squirrels!
Sprinkle cayenne on the bird seed – old gardening trick for repelling rabbits from eating up vegs and cats from ‘scratching’ around loose soil! When the squirrels (etc.) come sniffing around the seed, the pepper gets in their nose and they run away sneezing! We all know how a sniff of pepper feels up our nose! Not lethal – but certainly not pleasant! Works like a charm!
I tried everything and was going to get rid of the feeder because I couldn’t keep the squirrels out BUT then this young girl said try petroleum jelly on the poll and I did now they can’t climb up to get to the feeder .
Vaseline works only when temperatures are warm. It hardens in cold weather allowing the squirrels to dig in with their claws and climb the pole. Please read my comment on how I solved my squirrel problem FOR EVER !! It’s posted in this forum. Thank you.
Here is a FOOL PROOF method that is GUARANTEED to keep the squirrels off of any pole mounted feeder. Last year we were inundated with gypsy moths here in my area. We bought the bands and sticky adhesive that you put around the tree trunks to capture the caterpillars as they climb the trees. When the squirrels learned how to get over and around the 18″ baffles that I had installed I was at a loss. Apparently a whole family of gymnastic squirrels moved into the area and could actually spin around and flip onto the feeders after climbing the pole up to the baffle, reaching up and tipping it sideways, then with a mighty push of their hindlegs, flip, swing and grab onto the feeder. Think of Tarzan swinging from vine to vine. These crafty critters had it down to a science. I tried vaseline and assorted vegetable oils and none of it worked for very long……THEN I REMEMBERED THE STICKY STUFF WE PUT AROUND THE TREE TRUNKS !!! I simply smeared the metal feeder pole with the slippery, sticky goo. The first squirrel to hit it slipped down the pole like lightning. The sticky stuff pulled some hair out of him on the way down, making the experience certainly unpleasant !! He ” flipped out ” on the lawn trying to get the stuff off of his paws and belly. The next two who tried to go up the pole got the same. Now, this crafty group still come into the yard, but never try to climb the pole! Other than some pulled hair they are unharmed. The ” goo ” stays on the pole regardless of weather conditions and I am finally not at war with the squirrels. I recommend this over all other methods….and I think I have tried them all.
Hi Patricia,
We are actually having the same problem with the squirrels! What exactly is this sticky goo that your talking about?
what is the sticky stuff called and where can I buy it? Thanks
What is the name of the sticky stuff that you have used to id yourself of the annoying pest. I have used all that everyone has mentioned and nothing works. The olive oil and cayenne pepper works for awhile. Please advise on HELPING ME with these annoying pest. Thank you.
The gooey stuff is called Tanglefoot. It is used on the wrap you put around young trees. I use it with yellow plastic cards in my garden to trap beetles. You could try it on your feeder. Wear disposable latex gloves, or you will have a hard ti getting it off your hands.
My squirrrels do NOT loathe safflower seed, they like garlic, vinegar, hot sauce, hot peppers and moth balls. They are very agile at jumping onto the bird feeder. I’ve tied a rope to keep them from lifting the lid on a hopper feeder……….they untie it ! Any suggestions to get rid of the monsters ? How can they possibly eat so much ? They’re snacking 24/7. Any bets on when they will explode ?
Lol
They learned to hang upside down on the weighted feeders from the hanger, mine love hot peppers of all types, I’ve even sprayed the poles & feeder, sprinkled coffee grounds and hung cloth bags with crushed garlic and mothballs, they can jump 10ft (up, sideways, and of course down, they eat any type of seed, and I can’t use a suspended wire as that would decapitate the lawnmower guys (thankful my HOA even allows bird feeders!). Stopped filling the feeders and haven’t seen a squirrel in weeks, but no birds either. I have surrendered. ????
What about making the pole that has the insides of it all filled with a pepper scent to ward off the squirrels? Kinda like they do for catnip, so it wouldn’t get into the food but have a permanent pepper scent… eventually, with technology, I could see a bird feeder being made that actually has a camera that can identify squirrels (sorta like what they are doing currently for self driving cars)…
Either that, or, I have an idea that would basically have a roller slide theme to it…where it’s a roller slide for the pole, except like a roller slide loop, so there would be atleast 5 ft of wheels that all roll down vertically, so the squirrel would be on a treadmill to nowhere.
I was told Bob wire or some type of metal because they can’t clamp onto it
It’s ‘barb’ wire not Bob. Unless you really know a Bob Wire.
Not necessary to criticize or correct people who obviously made a typo error….rude
Actually, it’s ‘barbed’ wire, Kevin.
For log feeders with suet, try a metal funnel, turned upside down and strung through the wire that hangs the log. The funnel needs to be just a little bigger than the log; and I think they’d chew through a plastic one. The metal prevents squirrels and perching birds (think starlings) from sitting on the log and figuring out how to shimmy down. They all get confounded and quit.
We have had good luck with a bird seed called “Sizzle N Heat” by Wild Delight. It’s a bird seed prepared with chili pepper. Haven’t had a squirrel raid the feeders since we started using it.
Do the birds eat hot and spicy bird seeds?
Birds don’t have taste buds so yes they do. Doesn’t bother them at all.
I hang my bird feeders on a 4×4 post that is covered in PVC plastic. The plastic is slippery and the squirrels can’t climb it. Also, I am able to hand 4 feeders on the same post
Please don’t use any sticky stuff or grease. If birds get it on their feathers, it can diminish their ability to fly. Don’t use slinkies, either. Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds can be trapped in it. Either use hot pepper seed or buy a feeder like a Squirrel Buster, which has weighted perches that close the feeder ports when a squirrel lands on it.
Can you tell me where you got your Squirrel buster. I bought one several years ago and it work like a charm, but now needs repair or replacement. I tried calling the contact number and can’t get a decent person to answer. Can you reply with some contact information. Thank you, I’d like to get a replacement top for it.
This year I found a big old one at Savers that has the tray when the squirrel steps on it the tray snaps shut.
I think it is going to be a crazy squirrel season as for the last month they have been running all over stocking up. I have never used this particular type of feeder and hope it works because I can not afford to feed an army of squirrels.
I buy the cheapest bird seed I can find because when they are hungry they will eat anything and am perfectly fine with all the birds it does attract. I also only feed from November to about April, the rest of the months there is enough things in nature for them to fill their bellies such as insects and berries and then the others that do feed seed all year. Watching bird feeders is so therapeutic!
I buy “hot pepper suet” at Home Depot. For the seed feeders I grate some and infuse it into the sunflower seeds.
My Droll Yankee feeders hang on a pole. I grease the pole several times a year. I also grease the top of the baffle.
what kind of greese do you use
Our bird feeder is sitting on a pole. We put a metal slinkey on the pole. It’s really funny to watch the squirrel try to climb the pole and the slinkey springs him back down.
I’ve tried everything to keep squirrels off of my feeder. How did you attach the slinky…wire??? if so, where did you start the slinky??? thanks so much
You put the pole through the slinky, attaching it at the top, so the slinky is wrapped around the pole.
After many frustrating years of having these pesky rodents “stealing ” bird food I arrived at a solution that has the squirrels cursing me. I have 2 suet feeders and one seed feeder. I bought 3 10 ft. rebars at Lowe’s. I cut off 2 feet of each whit a hacksaw. I then drilled at the end of 2″ by 2″ wood planks ( 6 inches long for the suet feeders and 1 foot long for the seed feeder ) with a bit whose diameter is just wide enough so that I could then hammer the wood onto the rebar without any slippage of the wood. I then inserted the rebar into 4 ft. long aluminum poles and hammered the rebar into the ground. The poles are vital otherwise the squirrel can climb the rough rebar. I then permanently attached the suet feeders to the wood using small ring clamps. I installed a hook eye in the top of the seed feeder and have this feeder hanging by its handle placed behind the hook eye.
End result is happy birds and thoroughly P.O.’d squirrels. It only took me 20 years of feeding birds to arrive at this brilliant solution.
Rick, that sounds interesting. By any chance do you have a photo anywhere that can help us see what this looks like? Thanks for sharing.
Yes, photo please 🙂
We ran a cable between our Arbor and a tree and suspended a feeder from it. There isn’t anything near the feeder for squirrels to climb so they can’t get to it. This also works by suspending a cable from a sturdy tree limb that hangs fear enough from the tree that a squirrel can’t jump to it. It really works!
Didn’t the squirrels climb on the cable from the tree?
I have used Vaseline on the pole, moth balls, fake snakes, nothing worked. Now I’m going to try the funnel and grease the pole with Vaseline and also the funnel.
I used Vaseline on my hummingbird feeder poles for ants, suns dried it and made a gooey mess. Didn’t work after this they walked right over it. Probably be the same with squirrels.
WOW! Some many “Interesting Ideas”, but the simplest seems to be the “Red Hot Bird Seed” from WallyMart or your local Bird Store. So, why doesn’t this work for everyone? I don’t mind a few of the buggers on the feeder periodically, but it’s just plain Out-Of-Control these days!! LOL
Mr. Ruger always does a great job.
Haaa, I got the rugeralso.Robin Charest
Definitely going to try the capsicum, but out of desperation today, I took a fly strip that kept falling down and wrapped the 2×4″ Post the birdhouse is on (landlord installed) to see if that works. I’ll let ya know!
Stopping them from below might work, but in my neighborhood
they simply climb into the tree overhead and free-fall ten or fifteen
feet down onto the feeder. Solution: don’t put any food in the feeder.
It works for me.
There are a number of excellent squirrel proof feeders available at online as well as brick and mortar stores. If you follow the directions for placement and add pole baffles, they work really well. I’ve used both the squirrel buster tube feeders and counter-weighted hopper feeders successfully this way for 40 years. BUT you absolutely need to place them away from trees and use pole baffles.
squirrels will not touch SAFFLOWER SEEDS…available at Home Depot and Agway ….use this bird food in your feeders and your problem is solved!
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Unfortunately that’s what I thought too and for two years it worked. But no longer. As I sit here on my front porch like every morning, I watch them climb up and hang upside down dining at my two feeders filled with Safflower seeds! It has become quite frustrating because while they hang there the birds can’t get anything!
Get a stove pipe (Lowe’s or Home Depot); cut in 4-5 ft length and slip over (or around) bird feeder stake. Squirrels cannot climb up the stove pipe.
tried it, they climbed that too1
The baffles don’t work either! Don’t waste your money. They worked at first, but not anymore!
I bought a Patriot electric fence Energizer and I’m trying to figure out how to connect it to my bird feeder. I seen a lot of videos but nothing explains how to connect it. Anyone know how that can help me? Thanks. These rodents have to go.
Hi, I bought this charger 2 years ago and still can’t find anything about how to hook it up. Did you figure it out? If so please help. Thank you
Robin Charest RI
had a lot of laughs reading these “soluyions”. Give the squirrels credit, they are smart,learn fast and are not going away. You either love them or hate them but don’t waste your money to solve the problem if they don’t work. I trap and move them far far away to another galaxy,but I won’t get vthem all. Where there is free food there cometh the squirrels.
Last year a Fox family took up residence just beyond my yard and my nuisance wildlife problem was solved. Red squirrels, gray squirrels, woodchucks, skunks, chipmunks, opossums, Gone!! Now if the coyotes leave the fox family alone, I’ll put my bird feeders back up. The dog keeps the foxes off the lawn.
Chili sauce, flakes and powders DO NOT WORK for me.. The squirrels still take the bird seed and they also keep digging in my plants.. I’ve tried plants that squirrels are supposed to not like but that hasn’t worked, I’ve tried peppermint oil (worked for a while but that gets expensive).. So far the only thing that seem to be working (Fingers crossed) is coffee… I sprinkle coffee (fresh or used) around my plants and so far that seems to keep them away.. I also sprinkle it in around the base of the pole where my feeder is along with a slinky on the pole, and so-far-so-good….
Feed the squirrels something they like. Bird seed is not their food of choice. They eat nuts (I have pecan trees), acorns, and even deer corn. If you have a plate of food a short distance from the bird feeder, chances are, the squirrels will leave the bird feeder alone.
Oh I fed them alright, now I have 14 instead of two, they are so fat they look like fat puppies, furnace clean out man said what’s with the gargoyles on the fence!
My husband solved the problem by also using a piece of stove pipe and blocked up the end nearest the bird feeders. It was quite funny at first. They would go up inside the stovepipe and slowly slide down. The stovepipe is still up but we haven’t seen a squirrel try to get up there in years!
I’m on oxygen 24/7 and in a wheelchair, so birdwatching is my past time.
My suggestion is to just enjoy the squirrels and their antics. We have been feeding the squirrels, along with birds, bunnies and occasionally chipmunks at our family home in South Jersey since 1962. We have a National Wildlife Federation certification as a backyard wildlife habitat.
We have two feeding areas, including water bowls. One in the side yard, where feeders are hung in a tree and also on a shepherds hook. One in the back, A shepherd’s hook with two feeders. Each area is a combination of sunflower feeders and bird seed feeders.
We have tried various squirrel proof feeders and remedies over the years and have found none will truly keep these highly intelligent, creative, problem solving creatures out. The only thing they’ve not figured out are the square suet cages and one small seed feeder hung by wires and hooks under the eaves of the roof. So if you have a place you can hang a feeder from a wire that they can’t jump to, it is probably your best bet. A wire strung between two trees or poles with wires and hooks to hang the feeders will probably work as long as its high enough and has nothing they can jump from.
Grease just makes a mess and is harmful if the birds get it on them.
We also ground feed with sunflower, bird seed and a squirrel food that is a combination of peanuts, sunflower and corn. If they have their own easy pickings to start with they tend to leave the rest alone long enough for the birds to have their chance. We are not wealthy and only buy and feed what we can afford. Fill the feeders only half way, just more often, it lasts longer and everyone gets some.
Our landscape has multiple trees, shrubs and plants that provide natural food for the wildlife, pinecones, sunflowers, plant seeds and such. We also put out fruit and vegetable trimmings they will eat…strawberry tops, carrots, watermelon rinds, apple cores, corn cobs. Stale bread, crackers for the birds. Pumpkins in the fall are a particular favorite. We put out small cooking pumpkins whole and get hours of entertainment watching the squirrels chew holes in them and climb inside to eat the seeds. There’s rarely a scrap left to throw in the composter.
Red and grey squirrels are too numerous and breed “like rabbits” 🙂 .
Control the squirrel population and diseases with
1. firearms
2. large rat traps
I rub Vicks on the pole and it works. Have to reapply occasionally but it repels them. Knock off Vicks from the ‘Dollar’ stores works too.
We solved the problem by putting the bird feeder under water. Squirrels are hydrophobic
my friend connected a 6 volt battery through a switch to the wire holding the feeder, he send a harmless zap as soon as the squirrel would make contact, they soon learned the lesson
For squirrels – Gamo Hunter .177 caliber.