How can something so cute be such an annoyance?
Oh, don’t look so surprised, chubby squirrel, that you’ve been caught helping yourself to BIRD treats on the new bird feeder wreath. You are such a little stinker, you fury little squirrel invading the bird feeder!
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Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted January 2011 with better photos and additional information.
Squirrel on Bird Feeder
All kidding aside, it can be really frustrating to have a squirrel dominate a feeder and empty the seed in record time. Squirrels have voracious appetites and tend to scare or chase away birds until a feeder is empty. I did some research and compiled a list of tips that will help combat the problem if you are finding the squirrels a little too aggressive at your bird feeders. Tips to keep squirrels away from bird feeders
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Place your feeders strategically
Since squirrels generally can’t jump more than 5 feet up from the ground, or more than 7 feet across from a tree or building, and they are reluctant to drop more than 9 feet onto a feeder from above, place your feeder with the numbers 5-7-9 in mind to deter a large majority of squirrels.
So, if your feeder is 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet on each side from a launching place, and 9 feet below an overhang, 90% of squirrels will be unable to jump onto a baffled feeder.
If you add 6 inches to those dimensions, you should prevent 100% of squirrels from reaching the feeder.
Get a squirrel-proof feeder.
If you cannot place your feeder in a location squirrels can’t get to, a squirrel-proof feeder might be the answer. They come in a variety of styles. Some work well and others not at all. I have had one with a spring-loaded door that worked well. Because most birds are much lighter in weight than squirrels, access to the bird food is denied. When a squirrel jumps on, typically a door closes!
Use a baffle
Install a squirrel baffle if your feeder is on a pole. Squirrels are amazing climbers, even on metal poles. Buy a squirrel baffle and attach it to the pole to prevent them from climbing up from below. Just be sure to place it at least five feet high so squirrels can’t just jump over it to the food. 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.
Put a Slinky on the Bird Feeder Pole
An original metal Slinky toy can be a deterrent to squirrels. Simply fasten the spring to the top of your feeder pole. Shorten it if the Slinky touches the ground. When the squirrels try to scale the pole, they get a ride back to the ground every time.
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Spicing it up
Purchase capsaicin-coated bird feed products, suet’s and sauces. You can also just mix some cayenne pepper into seed you already have.
Capsaicin is the compound in hot peppers that makes your tongue burn, but it only affects mammals—not birds. It is safe for birds and they feel no ill effects.
Many bird foods add capsaicin as a powder coat, liquid coat, or as part of a suet mix to stop squirrels from eating and is one of the best squirrel repellants you can utilize.
Keep the Ground Clean Under Feeders
Squirrels love to forage for seeds on the ground, and the debris from your feeders may be attracting them. Once they’re in the area, they’re sure to try to invade the feeders as well. Keep the areas underneath your feeders clean (this is also a good way to deter other unwanted pests like rats or raccoons). Attach a large tray on the pole beneath the feeders to catch the falling seed.
Irish Spring Soap
I haven’t tried this tip but read that hanging a bar of Irish Spring soap in a sock near your feeder, repels squirrels and other unwanted rodents, supposedly because of the scent.
Offer food that squirrels don’t like
Squirrels love birdseed, as well as nuts, sunflower seeds, fruit, and corn but they don’t like everything that birds eat. Squirrels don’t care for seed such as safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet and will be likely to look elsewhere for food.
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I photgaph squirrels all the time – because they are so abundant at my feeders. I wonder if the fight between "bird feeder" and "Squirrel" will ever end!
Dearest LDH,
Oh we love animals too, used to feed the squirrels and even tamed one to come up the steps to the gazebo, into our veranda and kitchen for some treats of course. My Mom & Dad, visiting from the Netherlands could not believe their eyes for having breakfast with a mocking bird and a squirrel that I'd trained to come inside. Now we have cats so they no longer come that close but we still have many.
Aha, Scherenschnitte wird genannt hier also vieleicht sprichst du auch Deutsch?
Lieber Gruß,
Mariette
LOL – Oh, my!! That little guy is just gorging himself on all those delightful tidbits!! I'm sure he does feel like he's at a buffet!!
We don't have tree squirrels here – only ground ones – and I've only had one of those. Honestly, I'm thankful. I would hate to have to share the precious, expensive bird food with a little gluttonous squirrel!! 🙂
Thanks for the cute pictures! Gave me my giggle for the day!
God bless you – Julie
what beautiful photos. At least he gave you something in return since he stole the bird treats. Cheeky thing !
wonderful photos and they are fun to watch. I agree a nuisance though, the ones that come around here make such pigs of themselves. They clean the feeder out at an alarming rate.
The critter may be annoying but your photos are stunning.
hehehe I watched a show once that was about squirrels and it showed one climbing into a vending machine to get a snickers bar lol!! Good luck with your new friend….they are cute though aren't they! Great pictures Love Heather
Annoying ~ perhaps. But, oh, so adorable! And you have captured him so perfectly!
Blessings!
What a cute post! Great photos and commentary on your adorable and chubby squirrel! My squirrels gorge themselves on the cat food at Kitty Kat Kafe and then go across the street to my neighbor's house where she set up a peanut station for them.
~ Tracy
He's so cute that I wouldn't mind him stealing some bird food. Those are the cutest shots and they made me laugh. Joni
So cute!!! They are quite clever, aren't they?
Blessings,
Bren
Great pictures too!!! At least he let you get a few fanastic shots. LOL
LOL…he is a chubby one isn't he. I think he's come back for more.
As always you capture him in action so well, close up and personal.
Oh~ He is a cheeky little devil, for sure! Our squirrels seem to like the bird food better than their own too….and we cater to the crazy things. Looks like yours, like our own, is well fed!;>) Hugs-Diana
"Oh well, they have to eat too. I have the same problem here so I put food at the front for the squirrels and the back for the birds but they still show up. They sure are adorable though and your photos are fantastic. They always are. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
I'll admit squirrels are cute and so acrobatic. They sure can be gluttons though! Looks like Mr. Squirrel thinks you made the wreath just for him! Enjoy your day friend.