All About Squirrel Baffles

SQUIRREL BAFFLES –

ALL ABOUT SQUIRREL BAFFLES and RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION

Squirrels are cute, entertaining, and found in most woody habitats. But if you feed birds, they can become a nuisance, eating the precious wild bird feed intended for the birds in your backyard and going as far as to destroy the bird feeders you carefully position so you could watch you feathered visitors from a deck, porch, or window.

There are only three methods to discourage squirrels from robbing a bird feeder. Use safflower seed exclusively which 99.9% of squirrels will leave alone. But only using safflower seeds may limit the number of bird species you’d like to attract. Purchasing squirrel proof bird feeders that can deter them from accessing wild bird feed. Or install a squirrel baffle to prevent them from getting on the bird feeder in the first place.

If you opt for the squirrel baffle method, proper installation and placement is necessary for the baffle to be effective. Many folks often follow all directions of squirrel baffle installation but then overlook the close proximity of a small rock, a nearby log on the ground, or a forgotten lawn chair left out. Any object near a bird feeder can be used by a squirrel to launch themselves successfully at the bird feeder, even with a squirrel baffle installed properly.

First off realize that most any type of wild bird feed you put out for the birds will attract squirrels. Second, remember a squirrel has from sunup to sundown to figure out any number of ways to outsmart you and they are quite good at it. Squirrels have proven to outmatch some of the most ingenious and complicated methods devised by man to thwart them from bird feeders. So, credit must be given where credit is due when it comes to a squirrel’s abilities.

But a properly sized, functional squirrel baffles will do the trick if installed correctly as well as place logistically no matter if you are installing a hanging bird feeder or a feeder mounted on a wooden post or steel pole.

Installing a squirrel baffle on a post or pole:

To properly install a squirrel baffle, place the baffle on the pole or post at a height of at least 4 to 5 feet off the ground and ensure the feeder pole is at least 8 feet away from any structures that a squirrel could jump from, such as: tree branches, deck railings, fences, a window ledge, or buildings. The baffle should be at least 14-18 inches in diameter and made of metal or polycarbonate plastic with a slick surface. Make certain there are no objects on the ground near the post or pole where you’ve installed the squirrel baffle to protect the bird feeder.

Quick-Tips: For post or pole mounted squirrel baffles:

1. Determine the height: The top of the baffle should be at least 4 to 5 feet above the ground.
2. Create distance: Place the pole at least 7 to 8 feet away from any potential jumping-off points, like trees, decks, or fences.
3. Install the baffle:

• For a split baffle, secure it around the pole using the provided hardware. A simple screwdriver is the only tool you will need to tighten the mounting bracket. Then wrap the baffle around the pole and lock in place.
• For a continuous cylinder or cone-style baffle you may need to remove the feeder first to install the included hardware and baffle over the pole.

NOTE: Split baffles are designed for Sheppard hooks with a continuous hook on the top but can be used on steel poles as well. Shepard hooks sold at Wild Bird Habitat have a removable hook which allows for the installation of just about any squirrel baffle, even continuous cylinder style baffles.

1. Secure it: Make sure the baffle hardware and baffle is firmly attached to the pole. If the baffle slips down the steel pole, consider wrapping a small amount of black tape around the pole where the hardware is attached.
2. Check the setup: Ensure the baffle is as close to the feeder as possible without allowing a squirrel to jump from the pole to the feeder itself, or to reach out to a feed
3. 
   er hanging from a hook and grab it. 

Quick-Tips: For a hanging squirrel baffle above a bird feeder

1. Determine the height and distance: Place the hanging baffle at a height so the bottom of the bird feeder you will be hanging is least 4 to 5 feet off the ground. The hanging feeder should be at least 7 to 8 feet away from any jumping points including other tree limbs if hanging the feeder from a single tree limb.
2. Place the baffle: Position the baffle above the feeder ensuring that a squirrel cannot jump from a nearby structure onto the baffle or feeder.
3. Consider the mechanics: The baffle should be able to twist or move freely and have a slippery surface causing the squirrel to lose its footing if it tries to climb down from above.

General tips for success

• Baffle size: Choose a metal baffle that is at least 14-18 inches in diameter to prevent squirrels from reaching over it. The larger diameter baffles allow for hanging larger sized hopper or platform style bird feeders.
• Baffle material: Use a metal baffle or one made from durable polycarbonate.
• Baffle placement: Hanging baffles should be positioned to force the squirrel to approach from the top, causing it to slide off.
•  For post or pole mounted baffles the wider the base of the baffle or the longer cylinder length is, the harder it is for squirrels to climb around or over the baffle.
• Maintenance: Check your baffle periodically to ensure the baffle hasn’t been damaged and the baffle is still securely attached to the pole or above the hanging bird feeder. 

Squirrels ignore a thistle bird feeder filled with just Nyjer thistle seed. But if you use Wild Bird Habitat’s special finch mix you may need to consider protecting the bird feeder from squirrels. Our finch mix is a blend of 99% pure Nyjer thistle seed and fine sunflower chips. It is those sunflower chips in the finch mix that will certainly get the attention of any squirrel who will then figure out how to get to that feeder.

At the Wild Bird Habitat Stores we have functional squirrel baffles for every pole or Sheppard’s hook or hanging squirrel baffles if your bird feeder is in a tree. The squirrel baffles at Wild Bird Habitat are 99% effective. I would never commit to 100% as there is occasionally that one Olympian squirrel that that seems to defy all odds.

If squirrels are reaching any of your bird feeders, ask our staff how to prevent it with a squirrel baffle. Many folks enjoy these furry little rodents, they can consume enormous quantities of wild bird feed, keep birds at bay from coming to the bird feeders, and possibly destroy the feeder in their attempts to reach the pot of gold.

Wingtip: The brown enamel on the teeth of rodents such as squirrels, beaver, and mice, is extremely hard and are very durable. It permits rodents the ability to gnaw on a variety of hard materials without damaging their teeth.