How to Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Keeping feeders full, using good quality feeders with metal ports or using open-tray style platform feeders where the seed is readily available will help eliminate squirrel damage to bird feeders. However, if you aren't sure what will work best, here are some good ways to stop squirrels from taking over your bird feeders.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Targeting the feeder itself

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Use squirrel-proof feeders.^{[1]
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Research source} There are several on the market that are weight-activated, allowing birds to feed but not squirrels. Some have better features, and might last longer, but are also a bit on the expensive side.
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Use a squirrel-resistant feeder if you are budget minded. These tend to be less expensive, and are not quite as sturdy but will do the trick. These feeders will definitely slow down the seed consumption and might work if you only have an occasional squirrel, but are not truly squirrel-proof like the choices above.

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Use baffles to prevent a squirrel or raccoon from climbing to a feeder. Baffles can be hung or placed on poles or posts and they work if used correctly.^{[2]
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Research source} The magic formula is ten feet by five feet. That is, athletic squirrels can jump ten feet horizontally and five feet vertically.
- Pole baffles are the easiest to situate. You can use either a straight pole or a shepherd's staff pole, just make sure that it is tall enough. Place the pole ten feet away from any trees, fence or other structure from where the squirrel might jump. Mount the baffle five feet high on the pole.
- Make sure that feeders hang above the top of the baffle. If you want to hang a baffle, the best way is to string a wire between two trees, place the baffle in the middle, ten feet away from either tree, and hang the feeder underneath the baffle.
- Make sure the bottom of the feeder is above five feet. Metal baffles tend to be most effective.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Using the right foods

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Buy foods that squirrels do not like. Nyjer seed, millet, safflower, canary seed and canola seed all are ingredients that squirrels avoid. Unfortunately a hungry squirrel will eat anything that will provide it nourishment.
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Mix hot pepper (capsicum) into birdseed. It is a non-toxic ingredient and will not harm or kill birds.^{[3]
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Research source} It will not lower body temperature and will not freeze birds in cold climates. Pepper seeds are disseminated naturally by birds eating these seeds in the wild.
- The only caveat might be the use of powdered hot pepper. This powdered form is not natural to birds and if wind-blown could cause temporary discomfort to the eyes due to nerves about the mucous membrane. An alternative would be the use of crushed hot pepper flakes, hot pepper seeds, hot peppercorns (whole or cracked) or coarsely ground hot pepper.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Using decoys

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Try diversion feeding. It doesn't always work that well, but if you can't beat the squirrels, at least enjoy them!^{[4]
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Research source} Get a squirrel feeder and give them a little corn or some critter munchies. They can be very entertaining when pursuing their own food.
- If you prefer the entertainment value, make the feeder difficult to reach and enjoy their gymnastics trying to reach it.
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Hang some suet in a small suet wire cage several feet from the feeder, in the squirrels' trees. Suet is very cheap and it bribes the squirrels to eat the suet, which can help encourage them to leave the bird feeder alone. Once again, the entertainment factor will be high.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Relocating the squirrels

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Consider relocating the squirrels if there isn't much else working. Relocation is not as effective as some of the other method. You can eliminate problem squirrels by using live traps to harmlessly catch them. However, be aware that relocating squirrels to another area is often a death sentence for the squirrels.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
Go to source} Moreover, squirrel populations tend to build back up quickly, so this can be an ongoing effort.
- Make sure to take the squirrels several miles away and give them a nice, new home with lots of trees.
- Do not relocate nursing females.
- Know the local regulations concerning relocating wild animals.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I stop squirrels from eating from my window bird feeder?

Community Answer

Try crushed pepper in there as a deterrent; they hate it. Birds won't mind.
Question

Do squirrels hate pepper or cayenne pepper?

Community Answer

Mammals, such as squirrels, raccoons, and other pests, cannot tolerate the spiciness of peppers. To them, it's like eating ghost peppers. Birds, however, don't seem to mind. I've had some finches eat jalapenos from my garden (which I wasn't too happy about) and they kept returning for more.
Question

Is it safe for wildlife if I use white lithium grease to grease a bird feeder pole?

Community Answer

No. Squirrels cannot get rid of grease or oil. They need to fluff up their fur for winter and grease stops them from doing so. Mix hot pepper such as cayenne into the bird seed. Squirrels hate it but it does not harm the birds.