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Edited by Firewhisker, Teresa, Carolyn Barratt, Kurt Foster and 3 others

Squirrels can make themselves a real pain when it comes to birdseed and suet. They will also destroy plastic and wooden feeders. Stop these rascals from being regular guests at your feeders with these steps.



  1. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 1.jpg
    Hang bird feeders at a decent place. If they are hung near tree limbs that allow squirrels easy access, you will have some unwelcome visitors.
  2. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 2.jpg
    Mount feeders on poles away from trees. A tall metal pole will be hard to climb. Also, a predator baffle (used on the pole) is a good idea if squirrels are climbing up.
  3. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 3.jpg
    Use squirrel-proof bird feeders. Although they may not always work (some squirrels have been clever enough to figure them out), they are effective at lowering the number of squirrels hanging out at your feeding stations.
  4. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 4.jpg
    Buy or make a squirrel baffle. It's a cone shaped baffle above feeders. A simple plastic cone like bowl will work (no flat top). They are available at birding stores or online.
  5. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 5.jpg
    Don't use cheap birdseed mixes. The millet and cracked corn will attract a furry nuisance (and the invasive pest the House Sparrow). Sunflower, safflower, thistle, and nyjer thistle seed generally are avoided (except when squirrels are really hungry).
  6. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 6.jpg
    Suet can be a problem, too. Squirrel-proof suet feeders work really well, the small spaces only let birds reach the food, and are hard to gnaw through. Traditional cage feeders may not deter squirrels completely, but prevent squirrels from taking off with the entire cake.
  7. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 7.jpg
    Feed them. If they are unbeatable, providing food may get them to mind bird feeders. Offer peanuts and other nuts in special squirrel feeders.
  8. Deter Squirrels from Bird Feeders Step 8.jpg
    Watch and wait for results. If these methods don't prove effective, you may have to do something about the squirrel population in your backyard.

Add your own method


  • Squirrel baffles are great for tube birdseed feeders and cage suet feeders.
  • Don't use wood(especially softer wood) to make feeders. They won't last long.
  • You can also trap squirrels, but only if they're a huge problem, and it's absolutely necessary. Remember, when trapping, be humane.


    • If squirrels happen to be in your birdhouses, do not touch. (Don't learn the hard way, they've got sharp teeth). Remove nesting material and babies, although you should check your state's laws first.

Things You'll Need

  • Slippery metal pole (you can use grease)
  • Pole and squirrel baffle
  • Squirrel proof birdseed and suet feeders
  • sunflower, safflower, and nyjer thistle bird feed
  • Peanuts
  • Bowl (if making your own squirrel baffle)

Article Info

Categories: Feeding Birds

Recent edits by: Chris, BR, Kurt Foster


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