How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole Slinky?
- Offer foods squirrels don't like.
- Place bird feeders away from trees.
- Get a squirrel-proof feeder pole.
- Buy a baffle.
- Attach a slinky to your feeder pole.
- Get a squirrel-proof feeder.
- Use seed laced with hot peppers.
A Slinky is another quick and inexpensive solution to stopping the squirrel menace. All it requires is attaching the Slinky to the top of the bird feeder pole and letting it hang down to the ground. When squirrels try to jump on the pole or climb it, the Slinky simply dumps them back to the ground.
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. At least initially, the animal slides down the pole while trying.
DIY Squirrel baffle: Simple and effective - YouTube
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.
If the pole is wooden or made from metal, these are easy for squirrels to climb, so try a slinky if you have one of these. Squirrels find it harder to climb copper piping or PVC poles, so try one of these with a slinky for added benefit.
Squirrels are notorious for robbing bird feeders at will. With their nimble footwork and ability to spring and fly great distances, they can often foil even the best efforts to keep them away.
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.
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.
How I Designed a Squirrel Proof BirdFeeder - YouTube
How do you attach a Slinky to a bird feeder pole?
If you have a Slinky from your childhood laying somewhere around your house, you're in luck. If not, you can buy the original Slinky for about $2.99. Just hook the metal spring around the pole of your bird feeder and attach it to the very top. Gravity should pull the spring down, and that's all you need to do.
Consider a lubricant.
If your bird feeder stands on a yard stake or pole, consider lubricating the pole with cooking oil or grease to make it nice and slippery. This way the squirrel won't be able to get a decent grip on the pole and will slide back down, hopefully giving up. Coconut oil is a super safe option too!
Hungry squirrels are no match for a Slinky. It's a simple, cost-efficient way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders. The green space called your backyard has seen it all—neighborhood cookouts, family gatherings, potlucks and more.
Squirrels have met their match with the Scram, Squirrel by Slinky! The iconic Slinky brand spring toys have been made in the USA for over 75 years. The Scram, Squirrel by Slinky serves as an effective squirrel deterrent when placed around bird feeder poles. It also serves as humane entertainment while birdwatching.
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 climb PVC pipe? No, they cannot, especially when it's wide enough.