How to Stop Squirrels Eating All the Bird Food

Love them or hate them, no one can deny the greediness of squirrels when it comes to bird food. As much as we want to encourage all wildlife into our gardens by setting up feeders and water stations, it can still be frustrating when squirrels are the only ones who benefit from it. They may look adorable, but squirrels aren't a huge fan of sharing and will scare away birds from feeders and store any food they can't eat then. So in today's blog, we'll share some easy and humane ways to stop squirrels from eating bird food so your feathered friends can enjoy it too!

What is the most effective squirrel deterrent?

Chilli suet is an exceptionally effective squirrel deterrent due to its unique use of capsaicin, the active component in chilli peppers that creates a burning sensation. Birds lack the receptors to sense capsaicin, meaning they won't feel the spice, while squirrels and other mammals find it irritating. This difference in sensory perception means that birds can enjoy the suet without any adverse effects, while squirrels are repelled by its spicy taste. This approach is humane and environmentally friendly, avoiding traps or harmful chemicals, making chilli suet an ideal choice for bird enthusiasts seeking a solution to squirrels eating all the bird food.

How to Prevent Squirrels from Eating Bird Feed

Squirrel-proof bird feeders are ingeniously designed to prevent squirrels from accessing bird food in the garden. These feeders employ various mechanisms to block access to the food supply effectively.

Squirrel Buster® Range

The Squirrel Buster feeders are renowned for their durability and effectiveness. These feeders are chew-proof and rust-proof and ensure the safe and humane treatment of pests. They feature closing metal ports that automatically shut when squirrels or larger birds attempt to feed and a secure lid that clasps tightly to prevent squirrels from accessing the food from the top.

Squirrel-proof caged feeders

The caged feeder variety is normally made up of seed, suet, and nut feeders that are surrounded by a cage. The holes of the mesh cage are small enough to stop squirrels and large birds from getting the food, but large enough to let small garden birds in. A good quality caged feeder will be made of metal, so it's chew-proof and can withstand all weather conditions for year-round feeding. Here are a few great quality caged feeders.

How to make a bird feeder squirrel-proof?

Squirrels can be relentless when it comes to accessing bird feed, but there are several effective strategies to make your bird feeder squirrel-proof:

Stop squirrels eating bird food with more feeders

If you notice a squirrel going to a particular feeder or area in the garden, place other bird feeders in different locations. This will allow wild birds to grab some food while the squirrel is distracted at another feeder. 

Install a Ground Guard

Ground feeders work wonderfully to attract various birds with different feeding habits, but it's no use when squirrels take all the food and destroy the feeder. So you may want to opt-in to using a Ground Guard to limit pests like squirrels and large birds from getting to the feeder, so the small colourful birds can have a chance at getting some. Click the video below to watch how the Ground Guard - Small Mesh works well with keeping out most Squirrels. 

Distract squirrels with peanuts!

If the sight of squirrels not being able to get to the bird's food starts pulling at your heartstrings, you don't have to completely stop squirrels eating bird food when you put out a feeder, especially for them too. By placing a Squirrel Feeder in your outdoor space, well away from any bird feeders, squirrels will soon learn this is the area for them to feed. 

This squirrel feeder works most effectively when temporarily taking bird food out of the garden, so squirrels won't get confused about what feeding area to go to.