Why squirrels target feeders
Bird seed, especially sunflower seed and cracked corn, is an easy, high-energy meal. Squirrels are agile climbers and jumpers, so a feeder that is easy for birds to reach is usually easy for squirrels too. There is rarely one perfect fix. Most people get the best results by layering a few methods.
Start with placement
A widely used guideline is the 5-7-9 rule, though sources interpret the numbers a little differently:
- at least 5 feet above the ground,
- about 7 feet away from fences, shrubs, trees or other launch points,
- about 9 feet below overhanging branches or roof edges.
Few yards meet all three numbers, but moving a feeder away from jumping points is often the most effective single change. Squirrels can jump surprisingly far, so treat the numbers as a goal.
Use a baffle on a pole
A smooth metal pole with a baffle is the most commonly recommended setup. Mount a cone or dome baffle on a pole below the feeder so squirrels cannot climb past it. For a hanging feeder, a dome baffle above it can stop animals coming down from a branch or wire. Make sure the baffle is large enough and mounted high enough that a squirrel cannot reach around it from the ground.
Some people thread a Slinky onto a pole as an extra obstacle. Results are mixed, so think of it as a cheap experiment rather than a guarantee.
Squirrel-resistant feeders
If a baffle is not enough, a feeder designed to resist squirrels can help. Weight-activated feeders close access to seed when a heavier animal lands, and cages block bodies that are too large to pass through. Our review of squirrel-proof bird feeders compares these designs and their trade-offs. A standard hopper feeder will usually need a baffle and good placement, because the tray is easy to reach.
Seed squirrels tend to dislike
Safflower seed is the most common suggestion, since many birds, including cardinals, eat it and squirrels often seem less interested. Nyjer (thistle) is another seed squirrels commonly ignore, though it is aimed at finches. These are tendencies, not rules, and a hungry squirrel may eat them anyway. Switching seed can also change which birds show up (see which seeds different birds prefer), so you may need to experiment.
Hot pepper seed and sprays
Birds are generally thought not to taste capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, while mammals do. Products with hot pepper added to seed or suet are sold for this reason. Some people mix cayenne into seed themselves. Experiences are mixed, and some report that persistent squirrels eventually put up with it. If you try it, use products intended for bird food, avoid handling it near your eyes, and do not spray unknown chemicals on feeders or seed.
Smells and foods squirrels dislike
People often mention chili, pepper, peppermint or garlic as smells squirrels dislike. Evidence that these protect a feeder is mostly anecdotal, and scents tend to fade with rain. Of all the home remedies, hot pepper in the seed itself is the one most commonly discussed.
Try distraction feeding
Some birders set up a separate squirrel station well away from the bird feeders with items such as whole corn cobs or peanuts in the shell. The idea is to give squirrels an easier meal elsewhere. It can reduce raids on the main feeders, but it may also draw more squirrels to your yard, so it is a judgment call.
Keep the ground clean
Spilled seed under a feeder attracts squirrels and other rodents. Sweep up hulls and spills regularly, or use a tray to catch them. This also helps with another feeder visitor; see how to deter sparrows from feeders, since sparrows also forage on dropped seed.
A simple plan
- Move the feeder away from jumping points if you can.
- Put it on a smooth pole with a baffle.
- Try safflower or a pepper-treated seed.
- If squirrels still win, buy a weight-activated or caged feeder.
- Clean up spilled seed and refill with only as much as birds will eat quickly.