How can I keep the squirrels off the bird feeder? I have oiled the pole, put up a baffle, and let the dog chase them off. Nothing works, we are spending a fortune in bird food. I don't want to harm them in any way.
By AJ
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We put PVC pipe around the poles on our feeders. It must be big enough around so they squirrels cannot grasp it. It has worked for us but a friend has had her squirrels just ignore the pipes and run up as if not there. We also put velcro tape around the poles - using just the stick side out portion of the two pieces. Glued it around the pole in a spiral shape with outdoor glue. Haven't had a squirrel run up a pole since. Good luck!
My brother hung part of a fan cover upside down on the pole with a 5 gal plastic pail under it to keep them out.
We have now exchanged the plastic pail for a metal one as these rodents have chewed the plastic one almost to the fan cover!
What about a couple of tiny bird feeders instead? With nothing the squirrels can grab onto, or will support them.
Another idea is to have a very high, very slender pole (metal or make one of wood) with a hook to hang the bird feeder on. Thin and strong enough to hold up the feeder, but not a squirrel.
I have also heard of someone who made a lever, either part of or near the bird house (not sure of this design), a basic 2x4 or slat or anything long and slender - I'd say make it slippery) with a string and knot, so that the squirrel will topple the 2x4 or simply make them fall down because of their heavier weight, whereas the birds can simply light on this support.
I've seen videos of using a slinky. The squirrels can't hang on, and get frustrated. Also heard that the foil dryer vent works too.
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