They can jump about 9ft across with a running start.Squirrels can jump 4ft high from the ground.I’ve done some research into the matter and the results are pretty surprising. Learning more about this cunning creature will definitely help you keep them out of your bird feeders.Īs cute as these furry creatures are, they have an amazing ability to empty your feeders in no time at all, sending your favorite birds elsewhere, with empty bellies. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.īefore you can start formulating your strategy, you need to know a few things about the athletic abilities of squirrels. These options might not be practical depending on the types of birds you're trying to attract, so you'll need to do a little more research first.Seabird Sanctuary is reader-supported. There are special birdfeeders with cages that keep squirrels from reaching the feed, and there are even feeders that close shut when too much weight is put on them. When all else fails you can try setting up a different feeder or using a different post. Unfortunately, many squirrels will come back as soon as your dog comes inside, but hey - do you really need an excuse to get a furry best friend? This can work well not only for squirrels, but for rabbits and even deer. Many people see success with this 'method'. Having a dog, specifically a larger breed can help keep squirrels out of your yard. They won't be tempted to go out of their way to climb trees and shimmy their way down to a birdfeeder if they have something that is easily accessible. Providing a feeding area specifically for the squirrels might deter them from getting into the birdfeeders, especially if you add their favorite snacks. Use about a quarter cup of cayenne pepper for 10 pounds of seed. The spices can wash and blow away, so it must be applied consistently in order for it to be effective. Capsaicin is the compound that makes hot peppers hot, and while birds do have capsaicin receptors, they've adapted to be able to eat spicy peppers with ease. This means your birds are not able to taste the spiciness, but the squirrels will, and they do not like it at all. You can also try mixing in some spices, such as cayenne pepper or flakes into your birdfeed. Our Squirrel Guard Baffle is made out of black coated powder steel, and it's slippery no-grip surface defeats even the most persistent squirrel.Ĥ.

They can be installed underneath the feeder, if it's on a pole, or above, if it's hanging from a chain or wire. It's certainly worth a try.Īdding a baffle to the pole or chain of your bird feeder ensures that squirrels can't get to the feed. Unfortunately, this doesn't always work, and if there are still yummy treats in the mix, squirrels could continue sifting through for the seeds they want. As you know, squirrels love nuts, sunflower seeds, fruit, and corn.īut squirrels are not fans of safflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, or white proso millet.īirds have no problem with these seeds, so it could be a win-win. If moving your bird feeders is not a possibility, you can always try using a different bird feed. Taking this into consideration, you should try to elevate your birdfeeder over 4 feet high and 10 feet away from anything the squirrel can climb The average squirrel can jump about 4 feet straight up in the air, between 8 to 10 feet sideways, and even further when jumping down from above.

Some areas you should avoid include under or near trees, walls, fences, or anything else that squirrels can climb. It's important to take into consideration where your birdfeeders are located. Move Your Birdfeeders To A Different Location

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Keeping squirrels out of bird feeders