How to stop squirrels from eating bird food?

Squirrels are agile climbers and experts at raiding bird feeders. While they are fascinating creatures, they can be a real challenge when it comes to providing food for wild birds. Here, you’ll learn how to prevent squirrels from stealing bird food—without harming them.

Squirrel trying to eat from a bird feederSquirrel trying to eat from a bird feeder

Why do squirrels eat bird food?

Squirrels are constantly searching for high-energy food, especially during the colder months. Bird food such as sunflower seeds and nuts provide them with an ideal food source. However, if they have unrestricted access, there may not be enough left for the birds. Additionally, they can damage feeders and scatter food on the ground.

Tips to keep squirrels away from bird food

1. Use squirrel-proof feeders

There are special squirrel-proof bird feeders designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the food. These include:

  • Feeders with metal cages: Small birds can access the food, but squirrels cannot.
  • Weight-activated feeders: These close when a heavier animal, like a squirrel, lands on them.
  • Smooth-walled feeders: Metal or plastic feeders offer no grip for squirrels to climb.
A squirrel-proof bird feeder during winter, with 3 blue tits eating bird foodA squirrel-proof bird feeder during winter, with 3 blue tits eating bird food

2. Choose the right feeder placement

The location of your bird feeder is crucial. Make sure that it is:

  • At least 2 meters away from trees, fences, and buildings, as squirrels can jump up to 2 meters.
  • Mounted at least 1.5 to 2 meters high to make it harder for squirrels to reach.
  • Attached to a smooth metal or plastic pole, which squirrels cannot climb.

3. Install squirrel baffles on feeder poles

If your bird feeder is on a pole, you can add a squirrel baffle to prevent climbing:

  • Metal or plastic collars: These stop squirrels from climbing up the pole.
  • Spinning or unstable elements: Squirrels struggle to hold onto moving surfaces.

4. Use specific bird food

Certain types of bird food are less attractive to squirrels but still nutritious for birds:

  • Seed mixes with chili: Birds do not taste spice, but squirrels avoid it.
  • Niger and thistle seeds: Preferred by many birds but not by squirrels.
Squirrel eating from a special squirrel feederSquirrel eating from a special squirrel feeder

5. Provide a separate feeding station for squirrels

Sometimes, offering squirrels their own food source can help keep them away from bird feeders. Ideal options include:

  • Squirrel feeding stations with nuts and seeds
  • Special squirrel-friendly feeding boxes

If they have an easier food source, they are less likely to raid bird feeders.

Squirrels are intelligent and persistent, but with the right strategy, you can stop them from stealing bird food. Squirrel-proof feeders, strategic placement, and specific food choices help protect bird feeding stations. By providing an alternative food source for squirrels, you can also keep the peace in your garden.