Stopping squirrels from raiding your bird feeder is a common problem among bird enthusiasts. There are a few different ways you can go about deterring these pesky critters, but one of the most effective is to prevent them from being able to climb the bird feeder pole in the first place. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
Related Post: Hanging Bird Feeders.
The Problem With Squirrels And Bird Feeders:
One of the main reasons squirrels are so successful at raiding bird feeders is because they are excellent climbers. Their sharp claws and agile bodies allow them to scale just about anything in their way, which includes bird feeder poles. If you’re tired of finding your bird feeder empty after a squirrel has been to visit, then you need to take steps to prevent them from being able to climb up in the first place.
The Best Way To Stop Squirrels From Climbing Bird Feeder Poles:
One of the best ways to stop squirrels from climbing bird feeder poles is to coat the pole with a substance that they don’t like. This could be anything from Vaseline to the hot sauce, but the important thing is that it’s something that will deter the squirrel without harming it. You can also try wrapping the pole in chicken wire or hardware cloth, which will make it more difficult for the squirrel to get a good grip.
5 Effective Tips For Stopping Squirrels From Climbing Your Bird Feeder Pole:
Here are the five effective tips for stopping squirrels from climbing your bird feeder pole:
- Install a Feeder Guard: This is probably the most common solution, and it’s definitely one of the most effective. A feeder guard is a device that’s attached to the pole and hangs down. It’s designed to keep squirrels away by making it difficult for them to climb up.
- Use a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder: This is another common solution, and it works a lot like a feeder guard. It has a shield that covers the top of the feeder, and it’s designed to keep squirrels out.
- Use a Raccoon-Proof Bird Feeder: If you’re worried about squirrels, you might also want to consider using a raccoon-proof bird feeder. This type of feeder has a baffle that covers the top of the feeder. Raccoons can’t get through it, so they won’t be able to get to the food.
- Use a Pole-Mounted Feeder: If you don’t want to install anything on the pole itself, you can also use a pole-mounted feeder. This type of feeder has a mount that attaches to the top of the pole.
- Use a Bird Feeder Net: Finally, one last solution is to use a bird feeder net. This is a type of net that’s attached to the pole and hangs down. It’s designed to catch squirrels as they try to climb up.
How To Make Your Own Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder:
If you’re handy, you can also try making your own squirrel-proof bird feeder. There are a few different designs out there, but they all essentially work by making it difficult for the squirrel to climb up to the feeder or to reach the food once they’re up there. You can find instructions for a few different designs online, or you can get creative and come up with your own.
The Benefits Of Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders:
Squirrel-proof bird feeders have a few benefits beyond just keeping the squirrels away. They can also help to keep your bird seed from getting wet, which can happen when squirrels climb up to the feeder and then urinate on it. Squirrel-proof bird feeders can also help to keep your birds safe from predators, as squirrels can sometimes attract predators like hawks to your yard.
Here are some of the benefits of using squirrel-proof bird feeders, which include:
- Deterring squirrels from raiding your bird feeder, which means more food for the birds.
- Prevent squirrels from climbing the bird feeder pole, which can deter them from damaging the pole or the feeder itself.
- Making it more difficult for squirrels to reach the bird food, which can help to keep them from getting fat on bird seed.
Overall, using a squirrel-proof bird feeder is a great way to keep these pesky critters from raiding your feeder and taking all the food. Not only will the birds appreciate it, but you’ll also save money in the long run since you won’t have to keep buying bird food as often.
Conclusion:
If you’re tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeder, then take steps to prevent them from being able to climb the pole in the first place. You can do this by coating the pole with a substance that squirrels don’t like, wrapping it in chicken wire or hardware cloth, or by making your own squirrel-proof bird feeder. Not only will this keep the squirrels away, but it can also help to keep your bird seed dry and your birds safe from predators.
References: Squirrel.
