How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Bird Feeders: 7 Effective Tips for Birdwatchers

Birdwatching is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but attracting birds often means attracting squirrels too. These clever little creatures can quickly raid your feeders, scare off birds, and waste seed. Fortunately, there are several ways to outsmart them. Here are seven effective strategies to help you protect your feeders and keep the peace in your backyard.

1. Install Squirrel Baffles

Baffles are one of the most effective squirrel deterrents. These dome- or cone-shaped barriers are typically installed above or below bird feeders and are made of smooth materials that squirrels can’t grip or climb. You can also wrap slippery metal or plastic tubing around feeder poles to make climbing nearly impossible for them.

2. Eliminate Launch Points

Think like a squirrel! Check the area around your feeders and remove anything that could help them jump or climb onto the feeder. Keep feeders at least 8 to 10 feet (about 2.4 to 3 meters) away from trees, fences, deck railings, or large garden decorations. Also, clear away items like statues, flower pots, or furniture that could give squirrels a boost.

3. Use Cayenne Pepper as a Natural Repellent

Squirrels hate the spicy kick of cayenne pepper, but birds aren’t affected by it. Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder or spray cayenne-infused repellent on birdseed. After a few unpleasant experiences, most squirrels will learn to stay away. Just be sure to reapply after rain or if the seed gets wet.

4. Use Springs to Deter Squirrels

A clever and low-tech solution to outsmarting squirrels is to hang your bird feeder using a spring-loaded mechanism. Here's how it works:

When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder or tries to reach it, the spring causes the feeder to bounce, wobble, or even drop slightly—startling the squirrel and making it harder for them to stay balanced. Birds, being much lighter and more agile, won’t trigger the spring in the same way and can still enjoy their meal in peace.

You can either:

Purchase a ready-made squirrel-deterring spring hanger, orDIY it by attaching your feeder to a sturdy coil spring suspended from a pole or hook.

5. Hang Feeders on Poles

Avoid mounting feeders directly on trees, since squirrels are expert climbers. Instead, use a freestanding pole with a built-in squirrel stopper or baffle. Make sure the pole is securely anchored and placed in an open area away from any jump-off points.

6. Shift Your Perspective: Feed the Squirrels

Sometimes the best way to stop squirrels from raiding your bird feeders is to give them their own food. Set up a squirrel feeder filled with peanuts or dried corn in a different part of the yard. With their own snack station, they’re more likely to leave your bird feeders alone.

7. Use Squirrel-Proof Feeders

Look for bird feeders designed to prevent squirrel access. Popular types include:

Weight-sensitive feeders: Automatically close the feeding ports when a heavy animal (like a squirrel) climbs on.

Caged feeders: Surrounded by a wire cage that allows small birds to enter while keeping squirrels out.