Squirrels and Their Love-Hate Relationship with Birdfeeders

For bird lovers, seeing feathered friends flock to their backyard feeders is a delightful experience. However, it's not uncommon to find squirrels raiding those same birdfeeders, leaving nothing for the birds. Here, we explore the relationship between squirrels and birdfeeders, and offer some tips on how to keep squirrels out of your birdfeeder.

The Fascinating World of Squirrels

Squirrels are fascinating creatures that can be found all over the world. They belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and flying squirrels. Squirrels are known for their sharp teeth and claws, bushy tails, and acrobatic skills that allow them to easily navigate through trees.

One of the reasons squirrels are so interested in birdfeeders is because they are natural hoarders. In the wild, squirrels collect nuts and seeds to store for the winter months when food is scarce. Birdseed is a convenient source of food for squirrels, especially during the colder months.

A squirrel eating from a birdfeeder.

The Battle Between Birds and Squirrels

As much as we might love squirrels, they can be a nuisance when it comes to birdfeeders. Squirrels are notorious for stealing birdseed and damaging birdfeeders. They also scare away birds, making it difficult for them to get any food.

One reason why squirrels are so successful at raiding birdfeeders is because they have excellent problem-solving skills. Squirrels can jump up to 10 feet horizontally and 4 feet vertically, which means even "squirrel-proof" birdfeeders are no match for them. They can also chew through plastic and wood, so they can easily access the birdseed inside.

A squirrel perched on top of a bird feeder.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Birdfeeder

If you're tired of squirrels taking over your birdfeeder, there are several things you can do to keep them out:

• Choose a birdfeeder that is designed to keep squirrels out. There are several types of birdfeeders available that are specifically designed to be squirrel-proof. These include weight-activated feeders, caged feeders, and baffled feeders.
• Hang the birdfeeder high enough so that squirrels can't reach it. Squirrels can jump up to 4 feet vertically, so make sure your birdfeeder is at least that height off the ground. You can also use a long hook or pole to hang the birdfeeder.
• Use a baffle to deter squirrels. A baffle is a cone-shaped device that is placed above or below the birdfeeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up or down. Baffles can be made from metal or plastic and come in various sizes.
• Place the birdfeeder in an open area. Squirrels are less likely to approach the birdfeeder if it's in an open area where they feel exposed. Make sure there are no nearby trees, fences, or other structures that squirrels can use to climb up to the birdfeeder.

A squirrel-proof birdfeeder.

The Bottom Line

Squirrels can be both entertaining and frustrating when it comes to birdfeeders. While it's fun to watch them perform acrobatics to reach the birdseed, it's not so fun when they scare away the birds or destroy the birdfeeder. By following the tips above, you can help keep squirrels out of your birdfeeder and ensure that your feathered friends are well-fed.

Squirrels, Birdfeeders, Wildlife, Backyard Birds, Squirrel-Proof Feeders, Birdseed, Hoarding