Keeping the Darn Squirrels Away From Your Backyard Bird Feeder

According to National Geographic, an estimated 2,373 squirrels live in New York City’s Central Park.

The most common type of squirrel is the Eastern Gray squirrel which is often considered to be a rodent across North America, Europe, the UK, and South Africa. Eastern Gray squirrels aren’t only found in parks, they can often be found snacking on your bird nuts and seeds in your garden.

Backyard Bird Feeder

The last thing you want for your perfect bird haven is squirrels invading and eating all the food you put out. Luckily, we have a few ideas and tips for you to try to stop the squirrels from eating all the food in your backyard bird feeder.

Introduce Motion Sensor Sprinklers

One way to prevent squirrels from eating your seed is by setting up motion sensor sprinklers in your garden. Squirrels can scare quite easily, so by introducing motion sensor sprinklers to your garden, you might be able to get rid of them.

It’s not an easy task to discourage squirrels from coming into your garden, especially if you put bird feed out. Squirrels are very determined creatures and very food-oriented, so if they believe they can get the food they will try, but sprinklers should deter them.

Spray Apple Cider Vinegar

Another way to stop squirrels from eating all your bird food is by spraying apple cider vinegar in your garden. The smell of the vinegar repels squirrels so you can enjoy watching the birds in peace without having to see the squirrels. You can find apple cider vinegar in your local supermarket and can then spray it in your garden.

Try a Different Bird Feed Mix

Try mixing up your bird feed by adding safflower seeds to your bird feeder. Safflower seeds have a bitter taste that squirrels don’t like, however, birds don’t mind the taste of the safflower seeds, so it’s a great and natural way to deter squirrels from eating all your bird feed.

Grow Mint

Mint is also another great and natural way you can stop squirrels from eating all your seeds. Mint plants have a strong smell that squirrels don’t like and are an essential herb you can grow; so this option is a win-win! Put a few pots of mint around your garden or near your bird feeders to stop the squirrels.

Use Fox Urine

This tip isn’t the nicest, but spraying fox urine in your garden may help to deter squirrels. If a squirrel smells fox urine in your garden then they’ll be less inclined to enter it because they’ll be afraid of fox predators.

You can buy fox urine online or even from your local zoo. Spray the fox urine around your garden to stop the squirrels from eating all your bird feed.

Invest in a Squirrel-Proof Feeder

And finally, another excellent time-saving option is to invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed so that birds can still easily eat the feed, but so that squirrels cannot access them.

What Types of Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders Are There?

Squirrel-proof bird feeders are a cost-effective and easy way to protect your bird feed. There is a range of squirrel guards and squirrel-proof feeders to choose from that should stop the hungry squirrels from eating your bird’s feed.

Caged Feeders

Caged feeders are a common squirrel-proof bird feeder as they offer a simple design that is easy to use. Essentially this design uses a metal (chew-resistant) frame, or cage, around a bird feeder.

The birds are able to still get to the food. However, larger birds and animals (such as squirrels) can’t access the bird feed. You can either buy a squirrel cage guard to complement your bird feeder or if you want a new feeder, then you can buy a caged bird feeder.

Pole-Mount Feeders

Another commonly used squirrel-proof bird feeder is the pole-mount feeder. Most people hang bird feeders in trees or close to fences or bushes, however, this could be encouraging the squirrel to eat the bird food. These are all ways in which squirrels can easily climb up and access your bird feed, but the pole-mount bird feeder uses a large pole making it more difficult for squirrels to climb up.

You need to make sure the metal pole of the pole-mount bird feeder is away from trees, bushes, or anything a squirrel can jump from. (Remember squirrels can jump ten feet or more.)

You can also get a squirrel baffle or a squirrel guard, such as this one https://nature-niche.com/products/squirrel-baffle-squirrel-guard, to go on your pole-mount feeder, which can help to deter squirrels.

Weight Active Feeders

Weight active feeders are a bit more technical than the simple caged and pole-mounted feeders. These cleverly designed feeders are weight-sensitive and have a feature that closes the seed ports when a squirrel stands on the feeder. Once the squirrel gets off the feeder the ports open again, allowing the birds to continue enjoying their lunch.

Some weight active feeders come with adjustable weight settings, meaning that you can cater to different sized birds and still prevent squirrels from eating your seeds.

Stop the Squirrels Eating the Seed From Your Backyard Bird Feeder

Birdwatchers and nature lovers alike thoroughly enjoy creating a bird haven in their gardens but know all too well the struggles of squirrels eating all the bird food. Try out some of our tips to deter squirrels from eating all the seeds in your backyard bird feeders.

We’ve got an abundance of other home and garden improvement articles that can help you get the very best out of your space, so don’t forget to check them out before you go.