Making A Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

PVC Pipe Bird Feeder Cut a few openings in one end of the PVC pipe and line the inside with hardware cloth. Fill the tube with bird seeds, put the cap on and hang the pipe from a tree. That's all you need to do to complete this bird feeder DIY.

How do you make a homemade squirrel baffle?

The idea was to cut the bottom off and cut the sides into these quarter inch strips. These strips

What can I use as a squirrel baffle?

What can I use as a squirrel baffle? For our homemade squirrel baffle we used a stainless steel bowl. But you can use a 5" or 6" galvanized duct pipe to slide over your bird feeder pole. A slinky slid over the feeder pole is also an option.

What can I grease my bird feeder pole to keep squirrels off?

Many people use products such as Vaseline, WB-40, axle grease or another greasy or oily products, with the idea that this provides a slippery barrier that the squirrel can't get past.

What material can a squirrel not eat through?

With that said, when you're dealing with animals that have such strong teeth, you need a remedy that is strong enough to hinder wildlife entry and 16 gauge steel has proven to be the solution.

Does aluminum foil deter squirrels?

Rodents hate the feeling of foil between their teeth, too, so placing strips of foil in your garden mulch will help deter squirrels and some bugs. If squirrels are eating the bark of your tree, you can also wrap the trunk in foil.

What can I put on my shepherd's hook to keep squirrels away?

The best way to keep squirrels and raccoons off feeders is to use a pole or shepherds hook with pole baffles installed or hanging baffles installed above the feeder. We DO NOT recommend adding grease, oil or petroleum jelly to a pole or hanger to make it too slippery for squirrels and raccoons to climb.

Will PVC pipe stop squirrels?

(3) Another method you might consider is using PVC pipe, available at local building supply stores. They can't climb on the PVC pipe if its diameter is large enough.

Does onion powder deter squirrels?

They're said to dislike the scent of coffee grounds and peppermint, or you could make up your own recipe with vinegar, garlic and onions or peppermint oil to spray in the garden. Chilli flakes and pepper might put them off, so try a sprinkling of these.

What smells keep squirrels away from bird feeders?

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, which they use food sources and shelter. You can repel squirrels using scents they hate such as, capsaicin, white vinegar, peppermint oil, coffee grounds, cinnamon, predator urine, garlic, dryer sheets, Irish Spring Soap, and rosemary.

Can squirrels chew through metal mesh?

Squirrels are inherently resourceful, and you shouldn't put it past them to find any and all unsecured entries to your home, garden, or shed. Although chicken wire and other lightweight wire mesh materials with large weaves are easy for them to breach, heavy-duty woven mesh with a tight weave should do the trick.

How do you make a baffle?

How To Build The Baffle

1. Step 1: Drill Hole. Clamp the end cap firmly in a vise, or hold it with pliers.
2. Step 2: Fit End Cap. Hook the stovepipe together, and fit it snugly inside the end cap.
3. Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes. ...
4. Step 4: Attach Screws. ...
5. Step 5: Slip Baffle Over Pole. ...
6. Step 6: Attach Hose Clamp. ...
7. Step 7: Install Baffle.

Will Vaseline on a pole stop squirrels?

Use a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below a bird table to prevent squirrels climbing up it. Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.

Does WD 40 keep squirrels away?

It's time to grab your trusty blue and red can of WD-40® Multi-Use Product. This high-performance lubricant will make the surface too slippery for squirrels and other pests to climb, so they will have no choice but to stay away. Simply shake the can well and coat all external surfaces of the feeder and pole.

Will Vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeder?

The Center for Wildlife says there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders, however, Vaseline and other lubricants can harm the animals. “Please do not coat your bird feeders in Vaseline, oil, butter, or anything like that.

What do squirrels dislike the most?

Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.

What size mesh is squirrel proof?

Squirrel Proof Galvanized Wire Mesh 25mm Holes, 16g The 25mm hole is small enough to keep squirrels out, and the 1.6mm wire is thick enough to prevent them from chewing through the wire. It is also a good choice for general garden use and fencing applications.

Can squirrels get through steel wool?

Seal ALL other holes with galvanized steel sheeting or heavy wire, squirrels can simply chew through wood, plastic, aluminum or steel wool.

What is the best homemade squirrel repellent?

Try sprinkling cayenne pepper, ground chili peppers, or pepper flakes around your plants when they are ready to bloom. Peppers have “capsaicin” which squirrels hate, so it's a natural squirrel deterrent. Or, make a pepper spray; you can mix dried pepper with apple cider vinegar.

How do you make homemade squirrel repellent?

Instructions

1. Pour 4 cups water into the spray bottle.
2. Add ½ of the small 2 oz bottle (1 oz) hot sauce into the water (or 2 Tablespoons if using a larger bottle)
3. Add 3 drops dish soap.
4. Close spray bottle and gently shake.
5. Spray liberally on any garden vegetables or flowers.