If you’ve got a squirrel problem, the squirrel baffle is going to be your best bet for a solution.
There is no shortage of backyard birders who can’t stand the sight of so many squirrels getting their paws into the seed that was designed for wrens and Juncos and sparrows and the like.
And those homeowners can get very creative when it comes to trying to figure out how to frustrate the squirrels. But for many, it’s simply an uphill struggle with no end in sight.
A squirrel baffle can end your worries very quickly.
Squirrel baffles have but one design – their job is to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. Under the best of circumstances, the baffle will actually be so effective the local squirrel population literally ups and moves away.
When you get into the market for squirrel baffles, take your time. You want to consider the various options. You can certainly buy online, but you might want to begin your search at a local birdwatchers shop or pet store. Sometimes, actually getting a visual on what you are going to buy is very helpful.
And picking the brain of someone who knows that they’re talking about can also be a good move. Explain your dilemma and ask them what they recommend. And then ask what sort of results they have seen with their proposed solutions?
It’s a good idea to get a return policy – if the squirrel baffle you buy doesn’t work, there’s no other good reason to own it.
If you have pole feeders for your birds, then you want a simple inverted dome baffle. Place it approximately two thirds of the way up the pole. When the squirrel tries to climb up, there is not way for it to get around the dome.
Squirrels aren’t stupid. After they’ve had a few tries and realized that it won’t work, they are likely to give up and try something new. Remember, they need to eat. There is only so much time they can spend trying to get around difficult obstacles.
Another type of baffle is the metal – sometimes hard plastic – brace that slips around the feeder. It can make your birds look like they’re feeding at a prison! These will keep squirrels out of the feeder, but these enterprising rodents might discover that swinging the feeder back and forth will dislodge the seeds
It pays not to underestimate the brain power of your average hungry squirrel.
Bottom line? You spend a lot of time and energy – and sometimes money – bringing birds to your window and yard for viewing. You have the right to enjoy that without squirrels making it all but impossible.
But remember – if you find that no baffle works, then take it back to the store and trade it in for a peace offering of some sort. Corn on the cob or peanuts, maybe. In other words, if you can’t beat them, feed them!
Still trying to figure out what type of squirrel baffle you need? Check out more of Jasper Bailey’s articles on keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder.