If you are tired of squirrels eating all of your valuable bird seed, we are here to help! In this guide we cover four things that can help keep the squirrels out of your wild bird seed. 1. Feeder Location, 2. Squirrel Proof Feeders, 3. Baffles, 4. Seed Selection
1. Feeder Location:
Squirrels are quite the gymnasts! They can jump 4 to 5 feet without any problem which makes feeder placement key! It's a good idea to place your feeders at least 4 feet away from anything that a squirrel can jump off from. If you feeder is by a fence, roof, or tree branch, they will easily leap onto your feeder and eat your seed!
2. Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
These types of feeders typically work by having a spring weighted perch, so when the squirrels get on the feeder the seed ports are closed off. This blocks the squirrel from getting the seed. We think the Squirrel Buster line of feeders are absolutely great. They are well made and backed with a lifetime warranty and do a pretty good job of keeping the squirrels out of your previous seed.
3. Baffles
Baffles come if many different shapes and sizes, but all serve the same purpose - prevent a squirrel from getting on your feeder. If you feeder is on a pole, a squirrel can still run up the pole and get to your feeder, by installing a pole baffle, they have a much harder time running up and down your pole. Hanging feeders can benefit from a dome type baffle, which prevents squirrels from an attach from above!
4. Seed Selection
Squirrels don't eat all types of seeds! An easy approach to keeping song birds at your feeder without being hassled by squirrels is to use safflower seed. They will also avoid nyjer seed as well as hot pepper seed mixes. Unfortunately, a real hungry squirrel may deviate from this plan and eat just about anything for nourishment.