Stopping Squirrels
Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Garden and Bird Feeders
Squirrels are clever, persistent and surprisingly athletic. While they can be entertaining to watch, they often become a nuisance when they raid bird feeders, dig in garden beds or scare away songbirds.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep squirrels out of your garden and bird-feeding areas while still enjoying backyard wildlife.
Start With Squirrel-Resistant Feeders
One of the easiest places to begin is with your bird feeder. There are many squirrel-resistant or squirrel-proof bird feeders available that use weight-sensitive perches or spinning mechanisms to block squirrels while still allowing birds to feed. While no feeder is 100% squirrel-proof, these designs significantly reduce access and are a strong first line of defense.
Use Baffles to Block Access
Squirrel baffles are highly effective at stopping squirrels before they ever reach the feeder. Baffles come in several shapes, including cone, dome and cylinder styles and can be purchased or easily made at home.
- For pole-mounted feeders:
A baffle can be installed directly onto the pole below the feeder. A simple DIY option is to drill a hole in the bottom of a large metal can or bucket and slide it onto the pole a few inches below the feeder. This creates a physical barrier squirrels can’t climb around. - Make the pole slippery:
Greasing the pole or lightly spraying it with cooking spray (like Pam) makes it difficult for squirrels to gain traction. This method works best when combined with a baffle. - For hanging feeders:
If your feeder hangs from a wire, string empty plastic containers (with lids on) along the wire. As squirrels attempt to cross, the containers spin, causing them to lose balance and fall off.
Reduce Seed on the Ground
Spilled seed is one of the biggest reasons squirrels linger around feeders.
- Add a seed tray:
Attaching a tray beneath your bird feeder catches falling seed and keeps it off the ground, making the area less attractive to squirrels. - Choose the right seed:
Avoid mixed bird seed blends. Birds often toss aside seeds they don’t like, which then become an easy snack for squirrels. Instead, choose single-seed options like black oil sunflower seed that birds eat more completely.
Keeping the ground clean beneath feeders goes a long way in discouraging squirrels from hanging around.
Create a Separate Squirrel Feeding Area
Another effective strategy is diversion. Instead of fighting squirrels constantly, give them their own food source away from bird feeders and garden beds.
Set up a squirrel feeding station far from your bird feeders using foods squirrels love, such as dried corn or nuts. When squirrels have an easy food option elsewhere, they’re less likely to compete with birds or dig in the garden.
Protecting the Garden
In garden beds, squirrels often dig while searching for buried food rather than eating plants themselves. To reduce damage:
- Use wire mesh or garden netting just below the soil surface in newly planted beds.
- Mulch lightly and avoid burying bulbs or seeds where squirrels are active.
- Clean up fallen nuts or fruit that may attract them.
Consistency Is Key
Squirrels are intelligent and adaptable, which means using a combination of methods works better than relying on just one. Feeder placement, seed choice, and diversion feeding all work together to create an environment that’s less appealing to squirrels and more welcoming to birds.
With the right setup, you can protect your garden and bird feeders while keeping backyard wildlife activity balanced and enjoyable.