How To Make A Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder

November 14, 2024 Post a Comment

How to make a squirrel-proof bird feeder

The idea was to cut the bottom off and cut the sides into these quarter inch strips. These strips

How do I keep squirrels off my hanging bird feeder?

Read on for some tips on keeping those rascals away from your backyard bird feeders.

Offer foods squirrels don't like.
Place bird feeders away from trees.
Get a squirrel-proof feeder pole.
Buy a baffle.
Attach a slinky to your feeder pole.
Get a squirrel-proof feeder.
Use seed laced with hot peppers.

What can I use as a squirrel baffle?

What can I use as a squirrel baffle? For our homemade squirrel baffle we used a stainless steel bowl. But you can use a 5" or 6" galvanized duct pipe to slide over your bird feeder pole. A slinky slid over the feeder pole is also an option.

What is the best bird feeder to keep squirrels out?

6 BEST Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders [That Work in 2022]

#1. Absolute II Bird Feeder.
#2. Yankee Flipper by Droll Yankees.
#3. Audubon Caged Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder.
#4. Brome Squirrel Buster Standard.
#5. Brome Squirrel Solution 200.
#6. Wild Birds Unlimited Eliminator.

What material can a squirrel not eat through?

With that said, when you're dealing with animals that have such strong teeth, you need a remedy that is strong enough to hinder wildlife entry and 16 gauge steel has proven to be the solution.

What can I put on my shepherd's hook to keep squirrels away?

The best way to keep squirrels and raccoons off feeders is to use a pole or shepherds hook with pole baffles installed or hanging baffles installed above the feeder. We DO NOT recommend adding grease, oil or petroleum jelly to a pole or hanger to make it too slippery for squirrels and raccoons to climb.

How do you get rid of squirrels but not birds?

Apply a pepper-based repellent product, such as Critter Ridder® spray, directly to your feeders to keep them away from your offerings. Squirrels hate the taste and smell, but birds don't notice it. Cover poles: Adding layers of plastic tubing around poles may sometimes deter squirrels.

Will Vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeder?

The Center for Wildlife says there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders, however, Vaseline and other lubricants can harm the animals. “Please do not coat your bird feeders in Vaseline, oil, butter, or anything like that.

Does vinegar keep squirrels away from bird feeders?

The pungent smell of pure apple cider vinegar repels the squirrels. ACV is readily available and can be sprayed directly on the plants and flower pots without harming them. Spray it as often as needed to keep the little creatures at bay.

Does onion powder deter squirrels?

They're said to dislike the scent of coffee grounds and peppermint, or you could make up your own recipe with vinegar, garlic and onions or peppermint oil to spray in the garden. Chilli flakes and pepper might put them off, so try a sprinkling of these.

What does vinegar do to squirrels?

Squirrels have an extremely strong sense of smell which is what allows them to thrive during the fall and winter. Due to it's pungent aroma, squirrels are sensitive to vinegar and stay away. You can spray a diluted solution of white vinegar near areas where squirrels frequent to repel them.

How do you make a baffle?

How To Build The Baffle

Step 1: Drill Hole. Clamp the end cap firmly in a vise, or hold it with pliers.
Step 2: Fit End Cap. Hook the stovepipe together, and fit it snugly inside the end cap.
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes. ...
Step 4: Attach Screws. ...
Step 5: Slip Baffle Over Pole. ...
Step 6: Attach Hose Clamp. ...
Step 7: Install Baffle.

Does aluminum foil deter squirrels?

Rodents hate the feeling of foil between their teeth, too, so placing strips of foil in your garden mulch will help deter squirrels and some bugs. If squirrels are eating the bark of your tree, you can also wrap the trunk in foil.

What keeps squirrels away naturally?

Use Strong Odors. Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.

Is there a bird food that squirrels won't eat?

However, some squirrels figure out that they can just launch themselves at baffles, bounce off and eat the resulting seeds that are spilled on the ground, so you can also try offering bird seed that squirrels don't like, such as: Safflower seed, which attracts species such as cardinals, chickadees and titmice.

What smells deter squirrels?

A List of Smells Squirrels Hate

Cider Vinegar. Squirrels object to the scent of cider vinegar, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Spicy Odors. “Hot” and “spicy” scents can be practical for preventing squirrels. ...
Distinctive Smell of Mothballs. ...
Skunk-Like Smells. ...
Animal Urine. ...
Plant Mint to Repel Squirrels.

What size mesh is squirrel proof?

Squirrel Proof Galvanized Wire Mesh 25mm Holes, 16g The 25mm hole is small enough to keep squirrels out, and the 1.6mm wire is thick enough to prevent them from chewing through the wire. It is also a good choice for general garden use and fencing applications.

Does steel wool stop squirrels?

Stuffing up any holes or gaps with steel wool is a great squirrel prevention tip in Alaska, since that's just about the only material these rodents can't chomp through.

Will Vaseline on a pole stop squirrels?

Use a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below a bird table to prevent squirrels climbing up it. Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.

How do you make homemade squirrel repellent?

Instructions

Pour 4 cups water into the spray bottle.
Add ½ of the small 2 oz bottle (1 oz) hot sauce into the water (or 2 Tablespoons if using a larger bottle)
Add 3 drops dish soap.
Close spray bottle and gently shake.
Spray liberally on any garden vegetables or flowers.