Easy Ways To Stop Squirrels From Climbing The Bird Feeder Pole
- Use a slinky One of the things you can do to stop squirrels from climbing your bird feeder pole is using a slinky. ...
- Putting a baffle Another way most bird watchers stop squirrels from climbing a bird feeder pole is by putting a squirrel baffle. ...
- Make A Bird Feeder Pole Out Of PVC Pipe ...
- Following the 5-7-9 rule ...
How to squirrel proof bird feeders [10 proven methods]?
- Attach each end of the wire to any close and convenient structure like a post or tree.
- Use one-liter plastic soda bottles (make sure they are clean)
- Puncture a hole in the bottom of each bottle.
How to get rid of squirrels around bird feeders?
Tips to Squirrel-Proof a Bird Feeder
- Location: Squirrels can jump distances of 10 feet or greater, so place feeders well away from trees, wires, porches, gutters, roofs, and other launching points to make it harder for ...
- Cages: Place a wire cage around a bird feeder. ...
- Baffles: Add smooth plastic or metal baffles above and below bird feeders. ...
How can you keep squirrels away from bird feeder?
Tip #7: Use Repellents
- Decoys. You can use some figurines or statues of any known predator of squirrels. ...
- Squirrel-Proof Flowers. If you’re fond of planting flowers, you can also beautify your yard while driving squirrels away. ...
- Natural Repellents. ...
- Predator Scents. ...
- Pet and Human Hair. ...
- Irish Spring Soaps. ...
How to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder?
Some of the best methods are:
- Putting your feeder 10 feet (3.05 m) away from other objects
- Placing a wire cage around your feeder
- Using baffles to prevent the squirrels from climbing the pole
- Removing old seeds from the ground
- Buying a squirrel-proof feeder
- Selecting seeds that the squirrels don’t like
What to put on a pole so squirrels can't climb?
Many people use products such as Vaseline, WB-40, axle grease or another greasy or oily products, with the idea that this provides a slippery barrier that the squirrel can't get past. At least initially, the animal slides down the pole while trying.
How do you make a squirrel baffle for a pole?
0:124:28Soda bottle squirrel baffle- Cheapest and best squirrel baffle? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe idea was to cut the bottom off and cut the sides into these quarter inch strips. These stripsMoreThe idea was to cut the bottom off and cut the sides into these quarter inch strips. These strips were going to blow around in the wind. Create a visual block.
Does greasing a pole stop squirrels?
A once-popular method to thwart squirrels is to grease your feeder poles. Though effective in the short term, this is one solution we recommend against. If birds get into the grease, it can seriously impair their feathers' waterproofing and insulation.
What kind of pole can squirrels not climb?
More videos on YouTube Because instead of buying a ready-made bird feeder pole and mounting a baffle or a slinky to it, you can make a whole new one using a PVC Pipe. Why PVC Pipe? The reason is simple. Because PVC pipes are made of hard plastic, it would be harder for squirrels to grip onto them and climb up.
How do you make a bird feeder pole baffle?
How To Build The BaffleStep 1: Drill Hole. Clamp the end cap firmly in a vise, or hold it with pliers. ... Step 2: Fit End Cap. Hook the stovepipe together, and fit it snugly inside the end cap.Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes. ... Step 4: Attach Screws. ... Step 5: Slip Baffle Over Pole. ... Step 6: Attach Hose Clamp. ... Step 7: Install Baffle.
What can I use as a squirrel baffle?
What can I use as a squirrel baffle? For our homemade squirrel baffle we used a stainless steel bowl. But you can use a 5" or 6" galvanized duct pipe to slide over your bird feeder pole. A slinky slid over the feeder pole is also an option.
Does WD 40 keep squirrels away?
It's time to grab your trusty blue and red can of WD-40® Multi-Use Product. This high-performance lubricant will make the surface too slippery for squirrels and other pests to climb, so they will have no choice but to stay away. Simply shake the can well and coat all external surfaces of the feeder and pole.
Will Vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeder?
The Center for Wildlife says there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders, however, Vaseline and other lubricants can harm the animals. “Please do not coat your bird feeders in Vaseline, oil, butter, or anything like that.
Is Vaseline harmful to birds?
Birds can also ingest the Vaseline, making them sick. The Center for Wildlife said the woodpecker is in guarded condition in a post on its Facebook page. Center officials said people should avoid using any lubricant to coat a bird feeder.
Will PVC pipe stop squirrels?
(3) Another method you may want to consider is using PVC pipe, available at local building supply stores. They are unable to climb on the PVC pipe if it's diameter is large enough. Using a 8 inch diameter PVC pipe 6 feet long and 1 treated 4 x 4 x 8 post.
How do you stabilize a bird feeder pole?
2 Piece Stabilizer Just slip the two-piece Stabilizer onto the pole, push them into the ground, tighten the thumbscrew, and you'll have a bird feeder mounting/hanging system that will stand straight for years.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole Slinky?
If you have a Slinky from your childhood laying somewhere around your house, you're in luck. If not, you can buy the original Slinky for about $2.99. Just hook the metal spring around the pole of your bird feeder and attach it to the very top. Gravity should pull the spring down, and that's all you need to do.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my 4x4 post?
Mounting a squirrel baffle on your post prevents squirrels and small raccoons from climbing or jumping up to the bird feeder or house. Erva squirrel baffles are made entirely in the US.
How do you make a squirrel baffle out of stove pipe?
2:045:27DIY Squirrel baffle - Bird Feeding Station with cute kitten - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so 1/4 foot 16 inch stovepipe a cap for the stovepipe draw a 4x4 line make it a little bitMoreOkay so 1/4 foot 16 inch stovepipe a cap for the stovepipe draw a 4x4 line make it a little bit bigger. Some eyelets large screw eyes and two of those that's what we're gonna hang the pipe bottle.
How do you make a baffle?
2:465:20How to Make a Predator Baffle with a Can & a Duct Pipe 2019 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe can with your feet place the drill bit on the guide hole. And slowly drill the hole through theMoreThe can with your feet place the drill bit on the guide hole. And slowly drill the hole through the can empty. The metal shavings from the can onto the ground place a plastic bag over the magnet.
How big does a squirrel baffle need to be?
When it comes to squirrel baffle for trees, choose a branch that is high and long enough to place the feeder 4 feet from the ground and 8 feet away from the tree trunk. Hang the squirrel guard with a bird feeder pole that is 18-inches long.
Why do you need to drive away squirrels from your bird feeder pole?
It is really important to make squirrel-proof bird feeder poles so they know their premises. Moreover, in the fall, numerous squirrels attempt to track down cover and may come inside your home. Keep away from this by managing branches that hang close to your rooftop and putting a cross-section monitor on your fireplace. Close up all openings into your home.
Do squirrels eat meat?
That means they can eat both vegetables and meat. Their diet includes fruits and vegetables but they do eat meat when they have the opportunity. Mostly, they will spy on the nest of baby birds or fresh carrion.
How to keep squirrels away from my house?
Remove Shelter: Be sure squirrels don't make a convenient home nearby by removing possible shelter locations. Take steps to keep squirrels from nesting in old sheds, under eaves, or in attics. The further away a squirrel's home is from your feeders, the less likely they will be to visit.
How wide should bird feeder baffles be?
Baffles: Add smooth plastic or metal baffles above and below bird feeders. The baffles should be at least 15-18 inches wide or long to prevent squirrels from reaching around them. Many squirrel baffles are designed to twirl or tilt if a squirrel climbs onto them, keeping the animal off balance and unable to access the feeder.
What seeds do squirrels eat?
Seed: While squirrels will readily sample most types of birdseed, they are less attracted to nyjer and safflower seed, both of which have a slightly bitter taste. By using these seeds exclusively, you close the squirrel snack bar without eliminating feeding the birds. Spicy Seed: Mammals, including squirrels, are sensitive to the perceived heat ...
What is a squirrel spinner?
Spinners may be a line of empty thread spools, short lengths of pipe or hose, or empty plastic bottles strung along the wire that will spin and keep squirrels from accessing the feeder. When squirrels try to cross the spinners, they are tipped over and fall away from the feeder.
How far can squirrels jump?
Location: Squirrels can jump distances of 10 feet or greater , so place feeders well away from trees, wires, porches, gutters, roofs, and other launching points to make it harder for squirrels to get on the feeder.
Can you squirrel proof a bird feeder?
Feeding birds in your yard can be rewarding , but it can also be frustrating if you don’t know how to squirrel-proof a bird feeder to avoid losing seed to furry diners. From buying specialized feeders to easy, quick tricks, it is possible to keep squirrels from taking advantage of your buffet without birds going hungry.
Can poisoning poison squirrels kill birds?
Poison: Poisoning seed or setting poisoned bait for squirrels can result in dead birds that sample the bait. Other wildlife may also be adversely affected by improperly used poisons, including raptors that may prey on poisoned squirrels.
Why do you need a squirrel proof bird feeder?
You don’t appreciate squirrel’s behavior around your bird feeders and that’s why you start to search for a squirrel-proof bird feeder to eliminate or minimize squirrel theft while still being able to attract specific types of birds.
What is the best way to keep squirrels from climbing on feeders?
Bottom Baffle. This is the type of baffle that you place at the bottom of the pole to prevent any squirrels climb up the pole your feeder is hanging from. Once the squirrel tries to climb up the pole, they will just slide off and not reach the top of the pole. DIY Baffle.
What does a weight activated bird feeder do?
This weight activated bird feeder can keep those pesky squirrels away for good. Once a squirrel gets on the feeder, the ports close off to prevent them from stealing the seeds meant for the birds. This is also has a powder-coated finish so that it can withstand all weather conditions.
What is a baffle on a squirrel feeder?
A baffle is a device that looks like an inverted bowl that you place on the pole and the feeder. This stops squirrels from climbing and jumping from the trees that are near the pole and the feeder.
How far can a squirrel jump?
Always remember the 5-7-9 rule for squirrel protection. Squirrels have their limits too. They cannot jump more than 5 feet up from the ground, 7 feet across, say, from a tree, and they do not want to drop more than 10 feet from the feeder above.
What do squirrels eat?
The first thing we have to talk about is why exactly squirrels steal the feed in your feeders. Some of the best birdseed like black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and nuts are just as attractive to squirrels as they are to birds.
How many ports does a bird feeder have?
EFFECTIVE DESIGN: Precisely sized openings to allow in smaller songbirds but not squirrels and larger, undesirable birds. Four well-spaced feeding ports allows for multiple birds to feed simultaneously. Enclosed seed housing keeps up to 2.5 cups of seeds fresh and dry preventing moldy buildup which is harmful for birds. Clear housing lets you see when it's time to replenish seeds. Simply unlatch and raise the lid to refill.
How to make sure squirrels don't get near bird feeder?
If you want to make sure your squirrels don't get anywhere near your bird feeders, you might want to buy a ready-to-install squirrel stopper pole and baffle set, like this one. A squirrel stopper pole combines many of the tactics discussed about for a near-100% squirrel proof bird feeder.
How far can squirrels jump from a bird feeder?
They will not jump more than 7 feet across. And they will not jump down more than 9 feet from above. If you can find a safe space to hang a bird feeder that checks all the boxes of the 5-7-9 rule, you may have some success keeping squirrels from reaching your bird feeder.
How do caged bird feeders work?
How do caged bird feeders work? Well, the openings of the cage are perfectly-sized. They're wide enough to allow small birds in, but narrow enough to keep squirrels out. While there's no such thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeder, this is as close as you'll ever get.
How far up do squirrels jump?
So, here's the scoop: In general, a squirrel will not jump more than 5 feet up off the ground. They will not jump more than 7 feet across.
What is a squirrel baffle?
Squirrel baffles are wobbly pieces of metal that are affixed to the top of bird feeders and bird houses. Here's how they work: Once installed, they literally baffle the squirrel with their slippery, no-grip surface. Baffles are also a protective shield, helping preserve bird seed from the elements.
What material do squirrels climb on?
Squirrels expertly climb up and down these materials, making it even harder to keep them out of bird feeders. Instead, select poles made from PVC or copper. When a squirrel climbs poles like these, they'll have a harder time reaching the birds' food source.
Can you hang a bird feeder from a pole?
Best of all, you can hang your favorite bird feeders right from the pole. No need to go out and buy special feeders or get rid of the bird feeders you already love. Simply hook them right on to the squirrel proof feeder pole and enjoy!
How Can I Keep My Bird Feeder Pole Straight?
It’s also important to note, poles of longer height require more support and firmness from the ground. To maintain a straight feeder pole, dig a hole at least 3 feet deep if your pole is 8 feet tall. Posts below 6 feet only require a 2.5-foot deep hole.
How to keep squirrels from climbing poles?
How Can I Stop Squirrels from Climbing Poles? 1 Buy and install feeder poles, with a baffle set. 2 Coat your poles in oil to create a slippery surface. 3 Take care in the location of your pole, away from platforms.
Where Should I Setup a Pole?
Setting up your pole is a lot like finding the best location for your bird feeders. You should seek out someplace quiet, away from predators as well as pollution. You want to avoid places near shrubs, trees and home extensions like spouts, roofs, and drains, in order to prevent squirrels from stealing food by jumping over to feeders.
How high should a bird feeder pole be?
While some birds have no preference, many prefer to feed higher off the ground. A suitable height for a pole is around 6 to 8 feet, which is suitable for hanging bird feeders. This lends a hand at preventing squirrels from reaching your feeders, along with some other pests.
How to make poles slippery?
Coat your poles in oil to create a slippery surface .
What is a shepherd hook?
These poles are thin and tall, with a curved hook at the top to hang lanterns, planters and, yes, even bird feeders. Shepherd hooks can usually carry a heavy load, considering they are made of solid metal, at 1/2 an inch in diameter.
Where are Erva poles made?
Made in the USA, Erva’s 5-Piece Feeder Pole Set is great for heavy houses and feeders, alike. They are crafted from steel and capable of withstanding multiple seasons of use. The black finish, with its powder coating, adds a classic look to compliment your feeder and garden.
