

Hang your bird feeder in the center of the wire, and squirrels who try to access the feeder should be tripped up by the spinners. Use objects that can spin – such as thread spools – and string them on the wire. Run a thin wire horizontally between the trees, pulling it tight and making sure it's far enough off the ground. They often have doors or latches that close when they're triggered by a squirrel's heavier weight.įind an area between two mature trees that are at least 10 feet apart. Some feeders are specially designed to deter squirrels, so when it's time to replace your old feeders, consider buying one of these.
#Protect bird bell from squirrel free#
Keep areas in sheds, under eaves, and in your attic free of squirrel nests. Squirrels will be more likely to raid your bird feeders if they have a nest located conveniently nearby. Some bird lovers have even had success using a child's plastic Slinky for this purpose. Make it harder for squirrels to climb up a birdfeeder pole by adding layers of plastic tubing around it. They should also be attached high enough so squirrels – who can jump several feet high – can't jump over them. Baffles should be wide and long enough so squirrels can't simply reach around them. These curved barriers help make it hard to squirrels to climb over them to reach the food. Smaller birds will be able to fly through the spaces between wires, but squirrels won't be able to fit through.Īdd plastic or metal domes called baffles below feeders on poles. It irritates mammals, including squirrels, but not birds.īuy a feeder that's surrounded by a cage or add mesh to a feeder that you already have. You can also buy bird food with capsaicin, an active compound found in chili peppers. Fortunately, they don't love everything that birds do, so choose safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet, which appeal to but not to squirrels.

To make the situation more annoying, they can even chew on your feeder and destroy it. Squirrels are cute, curious little creatures, but they can dominate your bird feeders and nibble their way through all the food.
