1. Elevation, elevation, and more elevation
Birds are equipped with wings. Squirrels, however, do not. Unless, of course, you have a flying squirrel infestation, in which case, yikes! This advice is all about maintaining bird feeders high enough (and far enough away) from squirrels to keep them away from every feeder pole and bird feeder in your yard.
2. Use wire to keep squirrels at bay.
Still having trouble wrapping your head around our prior suggestion? Wire is your solution. Because squirrels are too large to walk on vertically positioned wire, they will have to jump up and down it instead. Squirrels should be kept at bay if you can suspend bird feeders at least nine or ten feet from a pole and at least five feet above ground.
Because you're making a squirrel-proof bird feeder out of wire, you'll have the added benefit of being able to choose any bird feeder you like. What is our recommendation? This traditional red and white suet feeder.
3. Get a squirrel baffle.
Yes, there is such a thing as a squirrel baffle. (I understand. We, too, think the name is ridiculous.)
Squirrel baffles are shaky metal pieces that are attached to the tops of bird feeders and bird houses.
Here's how it works: They truly confuse the squirrel with their slippery, no-grip surface once fitted. Baffles also act as a protective shield, shielding bird seed from the weather. (It's crucial to understand that baffles are intended to deter and reroute squirrels, not to kill them.) Any baffle that you suspect could endanger a squirrel should be avoided.)
4. Select your bird seed carefully.
Birds aren't fussy when it comes to scavenging. They'll eat almost anything. Squirrels, on the other hand, appear to dislike safflower seeds. Put some in your bird feeders. Including a less-than-appealing seed in your bird mix may be enough to drive squirrels away from your bird feeders for good.
Squirrels dislike nyjer seeds and white proso millet, so mix some in with your regular sunflower seeds.
This low-maintenance approach should be enough to keep squirrels at bay. You don't have to discard all of your seed, either. Simply add these three "squirrel repellent" seeds to your mixture.
5. Add some spice to your feed
Birds and squirrels have quite diverse taste receptors. Birds, it turns out, do not detect heat and spiciness in the same way that humans (or acorn-gobbling squirrels) do.
It's unclear whether this tip genuinely works or is merely an old wives' tale. However, putting a teaspoon or so of desiccated cayenne pepper into your bag of seed is said to squirrel-proof bird food.
Why? Capsaicin, a chemical found in spicy foods, is responsible for the spicy sensation we get when we eat them. Mammals have nerves in our mouths that respond to hot peppers... and squirrels are mammals! Birds, on the other hand, are not. Birds enjoy the seeds of hot peppers, but squirrels despise them.
So, if you're looking for a squirrel safe feeder, what's inside may be more important than you realize!