Having squirrels raid your bird feeder can be incredibly annoying. In fact, squirrels can really ruin the entire experience of feeding birds in your yard. Luckily, there are many ways to keep these pesky animals out of your bird feeders, whether you use an open feeder or a tube feeder with perches or baffles inside it. Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders without harming them.

Purchase Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder Pole

This is a simple yet effective way to keep squirrels out of your feeder. Purchase a bird pole made specifically for squirrel-proofing, and then fill it with whatever seed you like for your birds. Over time, squirrels will discover that there’s no point in trying to reach into the feeder from below. The only downside to these poles is they can be expensive. However, most people say they are worth every penny when it comes to keeping pesky squirrels at bay.

Place Your Bird Feeders Wisely

Whether you have a large backyard or a tiny balcony, there’s likely room for at least one bird feeder. To keep squirrels away from your feeder and stop them from digging up your plants (and thus protecting your beautiful garden), place your bird feeder in an area that is difficult for squirrels to get into. If they can’t get there, they can’t bother your birds—or dig up those fresh bulbs.

Use a bird feeder with perches.

This seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked by people who want to attract different types of birds. By having multiple perches on your bird feeder, you can give preference to smaller songbirds while deterring larger ones like jays and grackles. Make sure all perches are equally spaced apart and are sturdy enough to hold both large birds as well as small ones.

Hang your feeder high above ground level.

It may seem obvious, but many people don’t realize how easy it is for squirrels to jump high enough to reach their bird feeders. You can hang your bird feeder 10 feet above ground level or higher if necessary; just make sure not to hang it too close to trees or other objects that might allow squirrels easier access.

Offer foods that squirrels don’t like

Like most wildlife, squirrels will eat just about anything. To keep them out of your feeder, you’ll want to offer foods they don’t like. While there are a number of commercially available squirrel-proof bird feeders on the market, simply avoiding certain seeds and nuts can deter these little bandits. If you use seeds in your bird feeder that squirrels do like, they won’t be able to get enough food. They will then leave empty-mouthed and hungry.

Install a squirrel baffle

A squirrel baffle, placed between a feeder and its pole, will keep squirrels from jumping onto your feeder. Just screw it onto any bird feeder pole, or into a tree. Choose a baffle that’s tall enough for squirrels to jump over, but not so high that birds can’t reach it. Baffles made from metal or plastic work well and are available at most bird-supply stores.

Conclusion

By using some of these tips, it is possible to keep squirrels off the feeders and end the habit of eating feed meant for your birds.