Asked on Nov 20, 2013
How to keep squirrels from my bird feeders?
by
Donna J
+40
What can I do to keep the squirrels from eating the food in my bird feeders? I have tried sprinkling some paprika on the seeds and from my observance, it does not work. Any ideas?
I enjoy feeding the birds but not the squirrels.
29 answers
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There is NO way! I stopped having bird feeders because I did not want to feed squirrels! And the seeds under it brought weeds!
Jeanette S
on Nov 20, 2013
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There are a number of squirrel proof bird feeders that may help. Some people also try putting up a squirrel feeder in another part of the yard to keep them away from the birds' food. Have you tried putting something around the pole under the feeder so the squirrels can't climb up? Something like a plastic coke bottle that they can't grip or jump over might be worth trying. Good luck!
SheilaShrubs.com
on Nov 20, 2013
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How about squirrel corn on the trees for the squirrels.
G. Bryant
on Nov 21, 2013
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In my experience the only way to keep squirrels out of a bird feeder is to get a squirrel-proof feeder. I have a Brome Squirrel Buster Plus and I have happily watched many a thwarted squirrel try to get seed out of it. http://bromebirdcare.com/products/plus/
Douglas Hunt
on Nov 21, 2013
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Keep the post slicked down with some Vaseline or WD40 they can't climb it.
Debbie Harris
on Nov 21, 2013
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http://deadsquirrel.com/
Jerusha
on Nov 21, 2013
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Put ground hot pepper on the bird feed. The birds don't mind but the squirrels hate it and will not eat it..
Beverly
on Nov 21, 2013
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I agree with the others......get a squirrel proof bird feeder. I had one and had more fun watching the squirrels getting into the feeder! They are not cheap but worth it.
Elaine Simmons
on Nov 22, 2013
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I agree squirrel proof feeder with a baffle on pole, away from trees helps. I like the squirrels just not in my bird feeders.
Michael Willis
on Nov 22, 2013
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In your picture, your feeder is too close to the ground, those buggers can jump; just watch one going through the trees. I have a plastic dome that fits on top of the feeder which hangs from a tree. Squirrels are not a problem since the feeder is far enough away from the ground and the dome keeps them from accessing the feeder from the tree.
Szewe
on Nov 22, 2013
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Thanks for all your suggestions. I've tried just about everything suggested here except the squirrel buster bird feeder. Thanks @Douglas Hunt for the suggestion. I've visited the website and decided to get at least one to start. They are a little expensive but, it would be worth it. Enjoy the weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Donna J
on Nov 22, 2013
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Forget about the cones that are meant to be mounted on your pole because squirrels will figure out how to jump on them. If the squirrels are climbing up your pole you can get a baffle that is a hollow tube. We have our feeders hanging from shepherd hooks and use the tube baffles and they work! If the squirrels are getting to your feeders from surrounding trees, then you simply must move your poles far enough from tree branches or trim the tree branches away from your feeders. We have now conquered our squirrel problem but have the fattest squirrels in our neighborhood because they feed off the seeds that spill onto the ground underneath the feeders.
Margie*Lee
on Nov 22, 2013
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we changes to safflower seeds only. The squirrels hate it. The beautiful colored birds loved it.
Mary Ann Coleman
on Nov 22, 2013
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I Crisco the pole and watch them slide down.
J K Weigle
on Nov 22, 2013
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I save the used grease from cooked hamburger and spread it on my birdfeeder pole and watch the squirrels try time after time to climb the pole without success. It is so funny to watch them slid up and down the pole until they finally give up. Also, my feeder is mounted on a tall 9' pole and that makes a lot of difference because I have to use a ladder to fill the feeder.
Mary M
on Nov 22, 2013
- See 1 previous
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I have a big feeder and just let them all eat together. I love watching the squirrels as much as the birds. I buy cheap bird food and mix it with more expensive bird food so that it last longer and feeds all kinds of birds. Be careful about corn in your yard if you have a dog. We had Dachshund almost die from eating moldy corn that had fallen from a corn cob.
Donna R
on Nov 22, 2013
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My husband put a big round metal round plate under the feeder, it seems to help.
Linda
on Nov 22, 2013
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put the pole inside a piece of 4" PVC pipe with a squirrel baffle on top of that.
Pat Mountfort
on Nov 22, 2013
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100% effective, my is mounted on a pole. http://www.sportys.com/toolshop/product/8647
Lou
on Nov 22, 2013
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The baffle should work the hot pepper didn't work on my red squirrel. It was the sharp Shin Hawk that reduced the numbers.
Kathy
on Nov 23, 2013
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LOL...I think we got them at a a bird feeder store like Wild Birds Unlimited. You may be able to find them at a garden center too. They were pricey but they work! We put the cone shaped ones in our last garage sale because the squirrels were able to jump up on them and feed away!
Margie*Lee
on Nov 24, 2013
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Donna, as Margie suggests, we have a lot of squirrel-proof and squirrel resistant feeders at Sheila Shrubs. Feel free to check them out and holler if you have any questions. I'll do what I can to help out.
SheilaShrubs.com
on Dec 01, 2013
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Sorry,no. Wish I did.
J K Weigle
on Dec 01, 2013
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Mary Ann Coleman. The Squirrels chase my birds away.I bought Safflower seed and Squirrels will not eat it. My birds are much happier now.
Barbara C
on Dec 28, 2014
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Get axle grease at the auto parts store & grease the pole.
Judy
on Dec 28, 2014
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Grease the pole, so the squirrel will slide each time he tries to climb into the bird feeder. Also fun to watch him slide. Ha-ha !!
G. Bryant
on Dec 31, 2014
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My husband screwed a metal slinky to the bottom of the feeder around the pole & it's worked amazingly! It's funny to watch the squirrels try to climb it but they've given up now & stay on the ground to eat the seed lol
Tina Jones
on Dec 31, 2014
- See 3 previous
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My first thought was to buy a squirrel proof bird feeder, but the slinky idea is genius!
BS
on May 04, 2015
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My Squirrels don't climb poles, they jump from trees onto the top of the feeders.But they will not eat Safflower seeds.Birds love these seeds,Squirrels don't.
Barbara C
on May 05, 2015
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