Homemade Squirrel Baffle

A squirrel baffle is a dome or cylinder that protects a hanging feeder or post-mounted feeder.

Hanging Squirrel Baffle

A bird feeder that hangs from a tree or post can be protected with a dome or cylinder, made of metal or plastic, that is placed above the feeder. This type of baffle works by stopping a squirrel from crawling over it to the seed. Before fitting a hanging feeder with a baffle, determine how squirrels are getting to the seed: jumping from below, the side, or above, or climbing down the hanging wire. If squirrels are jumping, the feeder should be moved. If they are climbing down the wire, a minimum 12-inch-wide baffle will deter them. An overhead baffle is disk-shaped or curved and mounted umbrella-style above a feeder. Two metal salad bowls can be used to make a squirrel baffle. Wrap strong wire around an isolated tree branch. Attach a large hook and attach four 8-inch pieces of wire. Drill four holes at the rim of a 10-inch metal salad bowl. Thread one wire through each hole, securing them under the bowl with a large washer. Twist another hook to a 6-inch piece of wire, pass it through a hole in the bottom of an 18-inch metal bowl and twist it securely to the large washer. Hang the bird feeder from the hook under the 18-inch bowl. Metal can lids or resin disks can also be used, if the surface is slick enough to repel a squirrel.

Post-Mounted Squirrel Baffle

Pole-mounted bird feeders should be located where squirrels cannot leap or drop onto them. If the only access to a bird feeder that is mounted is by the pole or post, it requires a baffle under the feeder. The baffle should be placed 4 feet or higher on the pole. PVC pipe, 5 inches in diameter, slipped around the pole might be effective if the feeder is placed at least 5 feet high. An aluminum stove pipe may also be a solution; the pipe should be buried in gravel at the base of the pole. A simple baffle can be made by cutting a 1-1/2-inch hole in the center of a metal garbage can lid, putting it over the top of the pole, positioning at least 4 feet high, and securing with clamps around the pole. Mount the bird feeder on the top of the pole.

If You Can't Beat Them

Sometimes, squirrels can be distracted from a bird feeder with an alternate "squirrel feeding station." Offer corn cobs and other treats away from the bird feeder.