How can I keep squirrels out of my bird feeder?




Our bird feeder hangs from a shepherd's hook and is not near a tree where a squirrel could jump. They somehow shimmy up the pole and help themselves to a free meal. We have tried greasing the pole with Vaseline, but they climb up anyway.
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My aunt said they had the same problem. They tried the Vaseline also to no avail. However, they finally tried Vick’s Vaporub and it worked!
The vaporub did not affect the birds but made the squirrels start coughing. They must have licked their paws. But it worked like a charm!
Fran Evans
,
If you spray your bird seed with cayenne pepper oil, it will keep sqirrels away, but not bother birds.
Hello - Make a baffle— If you are using a pole feeder or shepards hook.
I purchased one 30 years ago and made a second one with hardware store supplies for an additional rear yard birdfeeder last year. They work very well!
https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-make-a-squirrel-and-raccoon-bird-feeder-baffle/
Grease up the pole and they will not be able to climb it, love Fran Evans idea.