Growing up in the suburban New York City area, surrounded by beech/oak forest, we sat in a wonderful place to enjoy the seasonal comings and goings of a wide variety of birds. And since my parents were avid gardeners, we were even better situated to enjoy the local bird populations. Feeding the birds, especially during winter, became an annual family ritual … and a battle.
Throughout the year, we had cardinals and blue jays, grackles and starlings, chickadees, warblers, and a long host of what I later heard described as LBJs — little brown jobs. (I’m working on getting better at ID’ing those!) Indeed, one summer when I was about 10 years old, I read in the Audubon Encyclopedias sitting on the family room shelf that there was this bird called the ivory-billed woodpecker. Not bothering to read the details about habitat and, likely extinct status, I organized the neighborhood posse of other 10-year-olds and we spent the entire summer scouring the woods.
Meanwhile, my dad was embroiled in a multi-decade battle with the local suburban New York City squirrel population that had been reared in an atmosphere of lifelong vendettas and other cultural grudges. So, being the good, family-heritage-carrying son, I have spent a good deal of my adult life alternating between feeding/attracting birds, battling devious and relentless squirrels … and a short few stints of just throwing in the towel. But I keep coming back for more.
And then a couple of years ago, a dear friend offered to let my wife Carolyn and I use her cabin in the Smoky Mountains for a fall stint. It is a lovely place, and the visit was a great tonic toward the end of a busy season. But one of the highlights of the trip was sitting on the deck and watching the birds devour the seed offered on two feeders. The species variety was amazing and there was nary a single squirrel.
I was dumbfounded. A little investigation revealed the seed cylinders were the type that have a hint of hot pepper oil (capsaicin) to help shoo away the would-be squirrel invaders. As it turns out, birds have far fewer taste buds compared to humans, and bird taste buds don’t process capsaicin the same way. They don’t feel the burn! I pulled out my phone on the spot and ordered a feeder and box of capsaicin-laced seed cylinders that were sitting on the front steps when we returned home from our trip.
The results in our Louisville garden were remarkable. Between the pepper-laced seed cylinders and a suet feeder, we had loads of woodpeckers, sparrows, chickadees, cardinals, and more. We also have a large American holly in the backyard that provides an annual boatload of fruits for the local robins, wax wings, and a host of others, and a few seed-producing perennials that provide for the finches and last remaining warblers. And the best part — no squirrel problem.
Now, being an obligate tinkerer, I thought to myself, “Why not just buy some seed and dust it with some cayenne pepper?” I got to work, picked up a couple of those feeders that suction cup to the window, and filled them up.
For about a week or two, I had glorious bird-watching from the living room couch. The two window feeders, doused with cayenne dust, each with a slightly different seed mix, attracted more birds, a wider species list, and perfect viewing. I even about-faced one of our home security system cameras to watch the birds up close. The camera is motion-activated so when it picks up motion, it saves a 15-second video clip. I can log in from anywhere and see who’s been on the feeder — a cardinal, a Carolina wren, a titmouse, etc.
Then one day, while pausing to sip my coffee at work, I pulled out my phone to see what was happening on the feeders. I opened the app, clicked on the camera link and … that’s no bird! What the heck? Turns out, there’s at least one squirrel in my neighborhood that either has a very high pain tolerance or, quite possibly, is a biologically unanticipated hybrid between a house sparrow and a Kentucky squirrel!
So, what, you might ask, have I learned about attracting and enjoying birds in my home garden? Here’s my list:
Squirrels can be the bane of any bird lover’s existence. You spend time and money attracting beautiful birds to your yard, only to have pesky squirrels scare them away and hog all the birdseed But don’t despair – with some creative strategies, you can outsmart those bushy-tailed thieves and enjoy a squirrel-free bird feeding experience
Why Squirrels Love Bird Feeders
Squirrels are highly intelligent creatures with incredible acrobatic abilities. This makes them master bird feeder thieves. They can leap astonishing distances, climb anything, chew through obstacles, and problem-solve their way into just about any feeder.
Birdseed is an irresistible, high-energy food source for squirrels. While acorns and other native nuts provide a balanced diet birdseed offers a concentrated protein and fat meal that squirrels can’t pass up. Once they discover your bird buffet they will stop at nothing to partake.
Squirrel-Deterring Strategies
Luckily, ornithologists and backyard birders have come up with numerous techniques to foil squirrels. Here are the 13 best methods for keeping squirrels off your bird feeders
1. Ensure Proper Placement
Strategic feeder placement is key. Squirrels can leap 10 feet horizontally, so feeders should be at least that far from trees, fences, poles, etc. They can jump about 5 feet high from a standing start, so elevate feeders at least 6 feet high or more. Also, give them a 9 foot circle of bare space around the feeder. Squirrels won’t risk jumping into unknown territory.
2. Invest in Squirrel-Proof Feeder Poles
Specialized poles like the Squirrel Stopper have cages or baffles to prevent climbing. For DIY, add a slick plastic or metal baffle below feeders on regular poles. Dome and cone baffles work well. Position at least 5 feet high so squirrels can’t jump over.
3. Choose Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Try feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close when heavy squirrels land on them. Those with wire cages or battery-powered spinning mechanisms also deter squirrels. Chew-proof feeders made of steel, glass, or hard plastic are best.
4. Offer Foods Squirrels Don’t Like
Feed safflower seed, nyjer thistle, and white millet. Squirrels dislike these. Avoid peanuts, corn, sunflower seed, and other nuts. Also, consider adding dry cayenne pepper to seed – it deters squirrels but not birds.
5. Provide Separate Squirrel Feeders
It may seem counterintuitive, but giving squirrels their own feeders can keep them away from bird feeders. Fill squirrel feeders with inexpensive seed, corn, or peanuts to satisfy them. Position far from bird feeders.
6. Use Natural Repellents
Squirrels apparently don’t like the smell of predator urine or piperine extracts. Coat feeder poles with fox or bobcat urine or spray feeders with liquid bird repellents containing piperine derived from black pepper. Strong minty smells may also deter squirrels.
7. Employ Physical Barriers
Wrap feeder poles with a slick plastic or metal barrier to prevent climbing. Sheet metal shields staked around feeder poles also work. For hanging feeders, encircle the suspension wire with a smooth plastic pipe or lubricate with petroleum jelly.
8. Scare Them Away
Use deterrents like plastic owls, rubber snakes, aluminum pie pans, pinwheels, and clanging pie tins to frighten squirrels. Shiny spinning pinwheels are especially effective. Move deterrents regularly so squirrels don’t get used to them.
9. Block Access Routes
Prune back branches overhanging the feeder area. Squirrels use these as launch points. Also prune branches of trees near feeders. Cut off any limbs within 10 feet of feeders to block aerial routes.
10. Try Habanero Peppers
For an all-natural squirrel repellent, thinly coat dry seed with habanero pepper powder. The capsaicin in peppers bothers squirrels but not birds. Reapply powder after rain or every 2-3 days. Handle peppers carefully and don’t inhale powder.
11. Install Solar Lights
Strategically place solar-powered LED spotlights around feeders. The random flashing lights will startle and scare off nocturnal squirrels. Position lights high up pointing down at feeders. Use multiple lights for full coverage.
12. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Coat feeder poles and suspension wires with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Squirrels will avoid the greasy poles and wires. Reapply frequently, as the jelly wears off. Ensure poles are still safe for birds to perch on.
13. Try Chili Pepper Flakes
Mix a few tablespoons of chili pepper flakes into each batch of birdseed. The spiciness bothers squirrels but not birds. Replenish the flakes every time you refill the feeder. Wear gloves when handling peppers to avoid skin irritation.
When All Else Fails…
If squirrels outsmart your every deterrent, all hope is not lost. As a last resort, consider installing a squirrel feeder at least 50 feet from bird feeders. The further their food source is from yours, the less likely they’ll raid bird feeders. Just be sure to keep it stocked so squirrels don’t get desperate.
With persistence and creativity, you can win the battle against these nut-loving bandits. Try different methods and use multiple deterrents at once. This will prevent squirrels from adapting and will keep your birdseed where it belongs – in your feeders and birds’ bellies!
A variety of seed type and feeders is essential
Variety is essential. Not just variety in the seed you put out for the birds, but a combination of feeders of different types, seeds of different types, and garden plants that offer annual crops of seed/fruit will yield the greatest results and the widest variety of birds.
Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
FAQ
What repels squirrels from bird feeders?
Squirrels can be repelled from bird feeders using physical barriers like baffles and by altering the environment to make it less appealing.
What is the most effective squirrel deterrent?
How much cayenne pepper do you put in bird seed to keep squirrels away?
To deter squirrels from bird feeders, use about 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper per pound of birdseed. Mix the cayenne pepper thoroughly into the seed to ensure even distribution.
Is there really such a thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeder?
… our favorite, go-to recommendations are from the Brome Bird Care Squirrel-Buster series and The Droll Yankees’ family of Squirrel-Proof Feeders