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How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Bird Feeder

Squirrels are notorious for invading bird feeders. Not only do they rob birds of food, they monopolize the feeder and often damage feeder parts as well. Although some people find success with erecting special squirrel feeders located some distance from bird feeders, this is often ineffective and simply provides squirrels with more places to feed. To keep squirrels out of bird feeders, you need to create a barrier or deterrent at the site of the feeder.

Things You'll Need

Squirrel baffle Petroleum jelly Clothesline/heavy wire Recycled two-liter soda bottles Ground red pepper

Instructions

- 1
  Install a squirrel baffle between the feeder hanger and the feeder. For pole-mounted feeders, install one between the ground and the feeder. You can purchase a squirrel baffle for a few dollars wherever bird feeders are sold. When the squirrel attempts to climb on the baffle, it tips and throws him to the ground. Unless the squirrel finds an alternate route to the feeder, such as jumping from a bush or from the side of a building, squirrel baffles are an effective way to prevent squirrels from reaching bird feeders.
- 2
  Coat poles or wires with petroleum jelly to prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder. The petroleum jelly will make it impossible for the squirrel to maintain a grip and poses no health risks to the squirrel. The petroleum jelly must be reapplied often to maintain its effectiveness.
- 3
  Drill a hole through the bottom of a two-liter soda bottle. Remove the cap from the bottle and thread clothesline rope or heavy wire through the hole at the bottom and out the mouth of the bottle. Repeat with four to six bottles and hang the line horizontally. Suspend the bird feeder between the soda bottles. Two or three bottles on either side of the feeder works well. When the squirrel tries to run along the line, the bottles will spin, throwing him off.
- 4
  Mix ground red pepper in the birdseed. It does not bother the birds, but will deter squirrels. Unfortunately, the effects of red pepper wear off quickly and squirrels will soon return. Repeat the application of red pepper often to keep squirrels away.

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