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Once they discover your feeder, they’ll keep coming back for more, treating it like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Some squirrels may even go so far as to break feeders just to get to the food inside. But with a few clever strategies, you can protect your birdseed and keep those pesky squirrels at bay!

How To Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders
Keeping squirrels away from your bird feeders requires a combination of strategies. When these tips are used together, they can effectively redirect squirrels to seek out easier meals elsewhere.
One of the most effective methods is to place your feeders in locations that are difficult for squirrels to access from the start!
Locating Feeders For Success
Squirrels are surprisingly agile and can jump up to 5 feet high and 7 feet across. This means they can easily reach feeders if they are located too close to trees or structures. To prevent squirrels from accessing your bird feeders, avoid placing them directly in trees or beneath buildings. Even positioning the feeder a few feet away from these objects can give squirrels the leverage they need for a quick leap.

Use Squirrel Baffles – How To Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders
Now that your feeder is out in the open, it’s time to protect the pole and make it impossible for squirrels to climb up! One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to use squirrel baffles.
Squirrel baffles are affordable and easy to install on most bird feeders and poles. These are large, dome-shaped metal covers that can be attached to the top or bottom of your bird feeders. They create a barrier that prevents squirrels from climbing up, ensuring that your birdseed stays safe and secure for your feathered friends.
The slippery dome shape of these baffles makes it nearly impossible for squirrels to grip the sides; they simply slide off and have to jump away in frustration. When installed on top of the feeder, baffles also deter flying squirrels from swooping down from above, while those placed underneath prevent squirrels from climbing up to reach the feeder.
For the baffles to be most effective, it’s crucial to ensure your feeder is installed at least five feet off the ground. This height prevents squirrels from easily jumping from the ground and bypassing the baffles altogether, maximizing your chances of keeping them away from your birdseed. (Affiliate Product Link: Predator Guard Squirrel Baffle)
Use A Slinky – How To Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders
It might sound a bit unconventional, but a metal slinky can be surprisingly effective at keeping squirrels away from your bird feeders. Much like a baffle, the slinky creates a challenging obstacle for these clever critters.
To set it up, simply slide a metal slinky over the top of the bird feeder post and let it extend downward. Secure it in place with zip ties at the bottom of the feeder. Make sure to choose a metal slinky, as plastic versions won’t withstand cold weather or the gnawing of persistent squirrels. This simple trick can add an extra layer of protection against those pesky visitors!
As long as your feeder is positioned at least 5 feet high, squirrels will likely try to grab the post to climb up. However, with a metal slinky in place, they’ll just end up grasping that instead, causing them to tumble back down to the ground. Over time, this will discourage them from trying to access the feeder.
For an even more effective squirrel deterrent, consider using a slinky in combination with a baffle. Together, they create a formidable defense against those crafty critters, making it much harder for them to feast on your birdseed!
Doctoring Your Feed – How To Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders
In addition to using baffles and slinkies, you can also make your bird feed less appealing to squirrels. One effective strategy is to add ingredients that squirrels tend to avoid. Squirrels typically gravitate towards peanuts, dried fruit, and sunflower seeds, which are also favorites among many birds.
To deter squirrels, consider incorporating safflower seeds into your bird feed mix. Squirrels generally dislike safflower seeds, but most birds enjoy them. By adding these seeds to your feeder, you can help discourage squirrels from making frequent visits while still attracting your feathered friends!
Affiliate Link: Safflower Bird Seed

The Spicy Trick
Another effective method for deterring squirrels from your bird feeders is to add hot pepper spice to your birdseed mix. While humans and other mammals can feel the burn from capsaicin—the compound that makes peppers spicy—birds are unaffected by it.
By incorporating a small amount of hot pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or any other hot pepper powder into your birdseed, you can create a mix that squirrels will find unappealing. Just a sprinkle is sufficient, as a little goes a long way.
If you prefer not to make your own spicy mix, you can also find commercially available birdseed that already contains hot pepper. Just remember to keep any spicy products away from children and pets, as they may not appreciate the heat! (Affiliate Product Link: Wild Delight Sizzle N’ Heat Bird Food)
Keep Bird Feeder Areas Tidy – How To Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders
Finally, it’s essential to keep the area under your bird feeders clean. Birds can be quite messy eaters, often pushing seeds out of the feeder and onto the ground below. This fallen seed can attract not only hungry squirrels but also raccoons and other pests.
If squirrels notice that there’s a steady supply of food on the ground, they may start bypassing the feeders entirely and go straight for the source instead. By regularly cleaning up fallen seeds, you can reduce the chances of attracting these furry visitors, making it less likely that they’ll raid your bird feeders.

You can tackle the mess in one of two ways: clean up the fallen seeds every few days, or add a seed tray to the bottom of your feeder. A seed tray helps catch the seeds and debris, preventing them from spilling onto the ground. While this method may not completely eliminate the issue, it can significantly reduce the chances of attracting squirrels to your property and feeders.
Cheers to keeping squirrels at bay and enjoying birdwatching throughout the year!