We’ve all been there. You head outside, ready to fill up the bird feeder, excited to see your favorite feathered friends stop by for a snack. But wait—why is the seed disappearing so fast?

You fill it up, step back, and watch. No birds. Instead, a bushy-tailed bandit scurries up, stuffs its cheeks full of seeds, and makes off like a little thief in the night. You try to scare it away, but you know it’ll be back before you even turn around.

So, what can we do to stop feeding squirrels and start feeding birds? The truth is, squirrels are smart—one trick won’t keep them away forever. The key is a multi-step approach to outwit these clever critters. Here’s how!

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1. Location, Location, Location!

The easiest way to keep squirrels out of your feeder is proper placement. Since squirrels can jump up to 10 feet, make sure your feeder is:

At least 10 feet away from trees, fences, or launch points
At least 5 feet off the ground to prevent climbing
Hung from a thin wire with a baffle or bowl above it to block access

Think of it like setting up an obstacle course—the harder it is to reach, the better!

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2. Grease the Pole!

Want to turn your feeder pole into a squirrel slip ’n slide? Apply petroleum jelly or cooking oil to the pole to make it too slippery to climb. Just make sure to reapply after it rains!

Pro Tip: Use a metal pole instead of wood—wooden poles are easier for squirrels to grip.

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3. Upgrade to a Squirrel-Proof Feeder

If placement and slippery poles aren’t enough, it might be time for a squirrel-proof feeder. Some great options include:

Weight-activated feeders – These close off the seed if anything too heavy (like a squirrel) lands on it.
Spinner feeders – These literally spin squirrels off when they try to cling on (hilarious AND effective).
Cage feeders – Designed to let in small birds but keep out larger pests.

Squirrels may be smart, but these feeders are smarter!

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4. The High-Tech Approach

If you want to level up your squirrel defense, try using an ultrasonic deterrent. These devices emit a harmless but annoying sound that squirrels hate (but birds won’t even notice).

While they require batteries and a little investment, they can be a long-term solution to your squirrel problem.

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5. The Distraction Technique

Sometimes, the best way to win is to surrender (a little). Squirrels are just looking for food, so why not give them their own?

Place corn or peanuts on a peg or tray feeder away from the bird feeders
Move the food source occasionally so they don’t get too comfortable

This way, squirrels get what they want, and your birds get their seed in peace. Everybody wins!

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Final Thoughts

Squirrels are persistent, but with a mix of smart placement, deterrents, and distractions, you can keep them from raiding your bird feeders. They might not be leaving anytime soon, but at least you can keep them from stealing the show.

So, get out there, make some adjustments, and enjoy watching your birds—without the uninvited guests!

Have any squirrel-proofing tricks of your own? Drop them in the comments below!

Need a bird feeder?? Check out our bird feeder blog here!