Squirrels may be adorable little acrobats when they’re darting along fences, but they become absolute menaces when they’re pillaging your bird feeders. You fill up the feeder in the morning, and by noon, it's empty except for the smug-looking squirrel hanging upside down from it. Sound familiar?
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While squirrels can be delightful garden visitors, they can quickly become a nuisance when they start raiding your bird feeders. If their constant raids on your bird food is becoming costly or frustrating and you're constantly battling these relentless raiders, you're not alone.
Squirrels are intelligent, determined, and equipped with problem-solving skills that would put some humans to shame. But don’t worry, we’ve got a bundle of tried-and-tested tricks to help you keep them at bay while making sure your feathered visitors get their fair share.
At Ark Wildlife, we understand the challenges of maintaining a thriving garden ecosystem where both birds and squirrels can coexist. We've compiled our expert knowledge to help you protect your bird feeders while ensuring your garden remains a welcoming space for all wildlife.
Before we delve into solutions, it's worth understanding squirrel capabilities. These agile creatures can leap 5 feet (1.5 meters) vertically and an impressive 10 feet (3 meters) horizontally. Some particularly athletic individuals have been known to clear gaps of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters)!
This remarkable agility means careful planning is essential. Simply placing a feeder on a pole isn't enough - these resourceful animals will survey their surroundings and calculate the perfect approach. For effective deterrence, position your feeders at least 12 feet from potential launching points and install appropriate baffles.
Bird Food: How to Stop Squirrels from Eating It
If you think your bird food is safe just because it’s in a feeder, think again! Squirrels will go to extraordinary lengths for an easy meal. They’ll leap from trees, dangle from their toes, and even team up to solve feeding challenges (yes, squirrels are that smart).
So, what’s the secret to keeping your bird food squirrel-free? It starts with choosing the right food and a few clever deterrents.
1. Choose the Right Bird Food
Not all bird food is equally attractive to squirrels. While they’ll devour sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet without a second thought, there are some options they’re less keen on:
- Capsaicin-treated seed – Birds can’t taste spice, but squirrels find it unbearable.
- Niger Seeds – Too tiny and fiddly for squirrels, but perfect for goldfinches.
- Safflower seeds – These have a bitter taste that birds love but squirrels tend to avoid.
2. Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
A standard bird feeder is no match for a determined squirrel. Luckily, there are squirrel-proof feeders designed to outwit even the most persistent thief. Look for:
- Weight-sensitive perches that close when something as heavy as a squirrel lands on them.
- Caged feeders that let small birds in but keep squirrels out.
- Dome or baffle designs that make it difficult for squirrels to climb down.
3. Add Spices to Bird Food
This one feels almost too simple, but it works. Cayenne pepper is a natural squirrel deterrent, just sprinkle a little in the bird seed. Birds don’t have the same receptors for spicy heat, so they won’t notice, but squirrels will take one sniff and back away.
Bird Feeders: How to Keep Squirrels Away
Squirrels see bird feeders as an open invitation to an all-you-can-eat buffet, but a few smart adjustments can make them think twice.
What Smells Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders?
Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell, which means certain strong scents can send them running. Try:
- Peppermint oil – Dab some on the feeder pole or nearby surfaces.
- Garlic or onion powder – Sprinkled around feeding areas, this creates an unappealing scent barrier.
- Cayenne or chili flakes – Mixed into bird seed, this keeps squirrels away without harming birds.
How to Stop Squirrels on Bird Feeders
Squirrels are nimble, but they can’t defeat physics. To make your feeder squirrel-proof:
- Mount it on a metal pole – Wood gives them traction to climb.
- Use a baffle – A dome-shaped guard above or below the feeder makes it much harder to reach.
- Hang it wisely – Squirrels can leap up to 10 feet, so keep feeders away from trees and fences.
How to Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders
If squirrels are already making a meal of your feeder, here’s how to fight back:
- Apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline to the pole (but not the feeder itself—it can harm birds).
- Offer an alternative—a separate squirrel feeding station stocked with nuts can distract them.
- Invest in a weight-sensitive feeder—it closes when a heavier visitor (like a squirrel) tries to access it.
Bird Feeder Pole: Keeping Squirrels From Climbing
Watching a squirrel shimmy up a bird feeder pole like a tiny firefighter can be both amusing and frustrating. If they can’t get to the food, they’ll try a different approach—scaling whatever’s in their way.
How to Stop Squirrels Climbing Bird Feeder Poles
To stop them in their tracks, try these methods:
- Install a squirrel baffle – A smooth, sloped barrier that prevents climbing.
- Use a metal pole – Harder to grip than wood or plastic.
- Apply cooking oil or wax – A little grease makes it impossible for them to get a grip.
What to Put on Bird Feeder Poles to Keep Squirrels Off
If you want to make your feeder pole completely off-limits, consider:
- PVC pipe – Slippery and too wide to grab onto.
- Soap or wax – A slippery pole is a squirrel’s worst nightmare.
- A metal baffle – Placed 4 feet off the ground, this makes climbing impossible.
Garden: Keeping Squirrels Out Naturally
Sometimes, the problem isn’t just the bird feeder—squirrels can take over your entire garden, digging up bulbs, stealing fruit, and causing general chaos.
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden
The best way to stop squirrels from making themselves at home is to remove their incentives:
- Fence off vegetable patches – A fine mesh barrier can keep them away.
- Keep food sources secure – Fallen fruit, compost, and unsecured bins attract squirrels.
- Plant squirrel-repellent flowers – Daffodils, alliums, and marigolds are unappealing to them.
How to Stop Squirrels Coming Into Your Garden
If squirrels keep finding their way in, try these:
- Trim overhanging branches – Reduce their access to fences and roofs.
- Use scent deterrents – Coffee grounds, vinegar, or citrus peels can help.
- Invest in a motion-activated sprinkler – A quick spray of water will startle them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aluminium Foil Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders?
Yes! Wrapping feeder poles in aluminium foil can be an effective deterrent because squirrels dislike the texture and the reflective surface. The smooth, slippery feel of foil makes it difficult for them to get a proper grip, while the shine can sometimes startle or confuse them. However, this method works best on metal or PVC poles and may need occasional replacement if squirrels persistently attempt to climb.
That said, aluminium foil is not a fool proof solution. Squirrels are determined creatures, and if they find a way around the foil, such as jumping from a nearby tree, it won’t stop them entirely. For a long-term fix, combine it with a squirrel baffle or reposition your feeder away from launching points.
What’s a Home Remedy to Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders?
One of the simplest and most effective home remedies is mixing cayenne pepper or chili powder into your bird seed. Birds don’t have receptors for spicy heat, so they eat it without issue, but squirrels find the scent and taste unbearable. Adding garlic powder can enhance the effect, as squirrels dislike strong, pungent smells.
Other natural deterrents include:
- Spraying diluted peppermint oil on feeder poles or nearby surfaces (squirrels hate the smell).
- Scattering citrus peels around the base of feeders.
- Placing coffee grounds or vinegar-soaked cloths near feeding areas.
While these home remedies can reduce squirrel visits, their effectiveness varies based on weather and persistence. Rain can wash away scents, and particularly hungry squirrels may tolerate mild deterrents. Reapply regularly for the best results.
Will Vaseline Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders?
Vaseline or petroleum jelly can make feeder poles too slippery for squirrels to climb, temporarily preventing access. However, it is not a recommended solution because:
- It wears off over time and needs frequent reapplication.
- If squirrels persist, they may end up covered in Vaseline, which can affect their fur.
- More importantly, birds can accidentally come into contact with it, which can damage their feathers, making it harder for them to stay warm and dry.
A better alternative is using a squirrel baffle, a sloped or dome-shaped barrier that prevents climbing. If you want to make poles slippery, a dry lubricant like PTFE spray is a safer, non-sticky option.
Will Squirrels Eat Bird Seed?
Absolutely! Squirrels are opportunistic feeders with a taste for many of the seeds and nuts commonly found in bird food. Their favourites include:
- Sunflower seeds (especially black oil sunflower)
- Peanuts (whole or shelled)
- Suet and fat balls
They’ll also eat dried fruits, cracked corn, and mealworms if given the chance. In short, if it’s in your bird feeder, a squirrel will likely find it appealing.
To reduce their interest in your feeders, opt for seeds they dislike, such as:
- Safflower seeds - birds will eat them, but squirrels aren’t fans.
- Niger Seeds - too tiny for squirrels to bother with.
- Capsaicin (chilli powder) treated bird seed - a spicy coating that deters mammals but doesn’t affect birds.
Alternatively, setting up a separate squirrel feeding station with unsalted nuts or corn can help distract them from your bird feeders.
Will Bird Netting Keep Squirrels Out?
Not really. While bird netting can help protect fruit and vegetable patches, it’s not an effective barrier against squirrels. They have strong, sharp teeth and can easily chew through most plastic netting. Even fine metal mesh isn’t a guarantee, squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps or simply gnaw their way in.
A better alternative is a caged bird feeder, which allows small birds to access food while keeping larger animals (like squirrels and pigeons) out. If you’re protecting plants, opt for hardware cloth or metal mesh with holes smaller than 1 cm to prevent squirrels from chewing through.
Will Cayenne Pepper Keep Squirrels Away from Bird Feeders?
Yes! Cayenne pepper is one of the most reliable natural deterrents against squirrels. Birds lack the receptors to detect spicy heat, but squirrels find the smell and taste unbearable.
To use it effectively:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper per 1 kg of bird seed and shake well.
- Alternatively, coat feeders or nearby surfaces with a cayenne-infused oil spray for longer-lasting effects.
This method is safe for birds but needs regular reapplication, especially after rain. While it won’t harm squirrels, some people prefer to provide a separate food source for them instead of relying on deterrents.
Final Thoughts
Squirrels are intelligent, resourceful, and persistent, but with the right strategies, you can keep them from raiding your bird feeders. Whether you choose natural deterrents, squirrel-proof feeders, or strategic feeder placement, a combination of methods will give you the best results.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your bird food safe, your garden squirrel-free, and your feathered visitors well fed. And if all else fails well, at least you’ll have front row seats to some Olympic level squirrel acrobatics!
Looking for the best squirrel-proof bird feeders? Check out our expert range and keep your feeders for your feathered friends, not those furry bandits!
