How to Build Your Own Squirrel Baffle for a 4X4 Post
Squirrels are fun to watch but they can be very destructive. Damage to your bird feeders, bird houses and other garden ornaments can be costly and frustrating. If you have a feeder, bird house or other ornament installed on a four-by-four post, a squirrel baffle made of sheet aluminum, installed with common tools, may help prevent squirrels from invading. In addition to preventing damage and saving both money and frustration, you will ensure that your feathered friends won't have to compete with squirrels for their dinner.
Getting Started
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Lay the aluminum out flat and use the tape measure and carpenter's square to mark a rectangle 24 by 18 inches.
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Use tin snips to cut along the lines.
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Use a hammer to bend down any rough or twisted edges left by the snips.
Attaching to the Post
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Using either a hammer and roofing nails or a drill with screw bit and sheet metal screws, securely fasten one 24-inch edge to the post. The 18-inch edge should be flush with the top of the post. Use five nails or screws evenly spaced, keeping metal flat and tight.
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Use a hammer and pliers to bend the metal at the first corner. Fasten the second side in the same way.
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Repeat step two for the remaining three corners. The metal should overlap approximately two to three inches. Fasten the end securely, avoiding driving nails or screws into your original fasteners.
References
Tips
- If possible, it is simpler to attach the squirrel baffle before installing your four-by-four post in the ground. Try placing it on a picnic table or saw horses.
- Holding the metal for the initial attachment can be difficult. If you are working alone, a pair of C clamps or quick-grip clamps may be useful to hold the metal.
- If you have trouble bending the metal at the corners, a small vertical snip at the top and bottom of the sheet may make it fold more neatly.
- If using screws, a pilot bit or self-tapping screws may pierce the metal more easily.
Warnings
- Be careful of metal edges as they can be very sharp. A good pair of leather work gloves can help prevent injuries.
- Safety goggles should be worn when drilling, cutting or pounding metal to avoid broken shards from entering your eyes.
Writer Bio
Mark Morris started writing professionally in 1995. He has published a novel and stage plays with SEEDS studio. Morris specializes in many topics and has 15 years of professional carpentry experience. He is a voice, acting and film teacher. He also teaches stage craft and lectures on playwriting for Oklahoma Christian University.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
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