It is no secret that squirrels are clever enough to climb at poles. These little acrobats-like creatures never miss a chance to invade a bird feeder. Of course, they love to treat themselves with tempting and crunchy bird seeds. Many birdfeeders struggle with squirrels, which disturb the peace you intended to have when you purchased the feeder.
While there are several other ways to keep them away from your birdfeeder, a squirrel baffle ensures to hamper these naughty creatures from getting inside a bird feeder and damaging your nestling.
Squirrel baffles are devices that serve as a protective shield. It can be mounted on birdhouses and deter squirrels from below or above. This guide will help you know how to keep squirrels off bird feeders and much more.
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Do Squirrel Baffles Really Work?
For many birdkeepers, it is always challenging to attract birds into their garden or backyard without having the squirrels stealing the birds’ feed. If you are one of them, you will agree that these cunning creatures always find a way to get to your feeder, no matter how hard you try to keep the birdfeeders away from their access.
Fortunately, there is a great way to keep these critters away from your birdhouse; use squirrel baffles. You may wonder how does a squirrel baffle works. Well, baffles specifically serve as a blocker to thwart squirrels from jumping onto the feeder. They serve as a shield and protect a birdhouse from stubborn animals, including squirrels.
Other than this, baffles help keep the bird seeds in their place, protecting the food from harsh weather conditions. However, a baffle might not be enough to deter the most persistent squirrels from accessing your feeder. Therefore, you must consider choosing a squirrel-proof feeder for your birds.
Which Type Of Squirrel Baffle Is The Best?
Baffles come in different shapes and designs; depending on your needs, you must choose accordingly. Due to the number of designs available in the market, you may find it challenging to buy the one for you. Considering that, here are the most common baffles explained so that you can make the best shopping decision.
Wrap-around – This baffle is like a rectangular piece or cover with a hole in the center. Platform or wrap around baffles divides the bottom half of the pole and bird feeder. Since they feature a flat shape, it is better not to use them.
Torpedo – Unlike cone and oval-shaped baffle, install a torpedo baffle face down on a pole to create a tunnel where rodents or squirrels may climb. These baffles move loosely and cause the naughty squirrels to fall off. This works effectively only when squirrels are coming from the ground.
Dome – Many experienced birders believe it is one of the best baffles. Whether you want to attach it with a hanging or mounted bird feeder, you can use this baffle effectively. Add it in an upside-down position if you are using it on a pole.
Related: 12 Tips on How to Keep Squirrels OUT of Bird Feeders
How High Should A Squirrel Baffle Be?
You may not believe it, but squirrels can jump to higher levels that are beyond your imaginations. Considering that, here are some ideas that you can use to make the most out of your squirrel baffle.
- Choose a location that is 7 to 8 feet away from any structure that squirrels can climb up and leap from.
- Place the squirrel guard on a pole which the top is at least 4 feet high from the ground; add the baffle under the feeder.
- For squirrel baffles for hanging bird feeders, add the baffle 4 feet up from the ground and not so high.
- When it comes to squirrel baffle for trees, choose a branch that is high and long enough to place the feeder 4 feet from the ground and 8 feet away from the tree trunk.
- Hang the squirrel guard with a bird feeder pole that is 18-inches long.
Tips to Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeders
Well, squirrel guard may not be enough to thwart the stubborn and the most persistent of squirrels from climbing to invade your birdhouse. For this reason, many people prefer using baffles alongside other tools to deter these creatures. However, there are several other things you must consider when installing a squirrel baffle to make the most out of it.
- Try treating squirrels at any other place by adding the food they prefer to a separate squirrel feeder. It will help you distract them from feeders.
- Choose specific bird feeders that are squirrel-proof and hold the birdseed and other food securely.
- Consider greasing the poles with birdhouses and add the baffles below and above the feeders on a pole. For greasing, you can use Vaseline, cooking oil, or any other greasy element.
- Make sure to place a squirrel baffle under the feeder and above if you mount your birdhouse on a pole.
- Place a bird feeder away from the trees, fences, and other things that squirrels are able to climb upon. Not to mention, squirrels can easily leap from such heights to get to your birdfeeder.
Related: Best Bird Feeder Cameras in 2021
How to Choose the Right Squirrel Baffle
It is no wonder that squirrels are incredible jumpers and can jump 5-feet. Baffles can protect the feeder from squirrels, rodents, and raccoons yet it is essential to choose the right squirrel guard for your birdhouse. Not to mention, they come in different forms and types. The following are some important factors you must consider when buying the squirrel guard.
- Material – Baffles commonly comprise of plastic and metal (or alloy). Make sure the one you are choosing is resistant to animal chewing. Metal-made baffles can rust if your area is always humid and rainy. However, both materials are effective depending on your requirements.
– - Price – All squirrel baffles come with different features and at different prices. You would want something that provides you with all the essential features within your budget. Therefore, always ensure if the product worth enough for what you are paying.
– - Size – Make sure to measure your birdfeeder first before buying a baffle. You will need to check whether the baffle you are choosing will fit on your birdhouse.
– - Design – A baffle comes in platform, pole, cone, and oval-shaped. Make sure to choose the one that is suitable for your feeder and your place.
– - Hang/Mount – You can install squirrel guards in one of two ways: mounted on a pole or hand with a hook. Make sure you can use the baffle you are choosing in both ways.
Best Squirrel Baffles
1. Woodlink Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle
Preventing squirrels from invading a birdfeeder is quite difficult; you need tools to protect your birdhouse.
If you are looking for a surefire tool, then you must choose Wrap-around Squirrel guard by Woodlink.
The best thing about this baffle is it is portable and compact.
You can attach it to any feeder seamlessly, without using any other tool.
The superb texture of the baffle is smooth enough that makes it harder for squirrels to climb through to the feeder. Woodlink constructed it with powder-coated steel, which is extremely durable and keep the baffle rust-free.
Furthermore, you will find it easy to mount and dismount this baffle. It is a lightweight product yet offers high durability.
Check the price of Woodlink Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle here
What we liked
- Comes with a sleek design
- Made with sturdy steel material
- Easy to install and easy to clean
- Keeps squirrels away from the feeder
- It has a rust-proof coating
What we didn’t like
- Can slide down the pole if not affixed properly
- May not fit around wider poles
How to install it: When it comes to installing this baffle, the process is quite simple. You just need to attach it along with a feeder without using any special tools.
The size: 18-inches
2. Aspects Super Tube Top II Dome
The Aspects Super Tube comes with expansive dimensions that are enough for good coverage.
Along with giving superior protection from predators, this baffle protects a birdhouse from rain and snow.
The 18-inches diameter of this guard prevents squirrels from stretching underneath the feeder.
In fact, the steep curvature of this baffle drops squirrels off and keeps your feeder free from such predators. Other than this, Super Dome ensures to keep the bird seeds dry in the rainy or snowy weather.
As a result, your bird seeds will remain fresh for days. It comes with stainless steel hardware that connects the baffle to the hanging bird feeder securely.
What we liked
- Perfectly fits on small feeders
- Comes with a great warranty period
- Expansive enough to provide good coverage to a feeder
- Made with UV-stabilized material
- Can withstand the harsh weather
What we didn’t like
- It may add a lot of weight to the feeder
- It is not a chew-proof baffle
How to install it: You can simply place this baffle tube over the bail wire and put it on the cap of the feeder.
The size: 18-inches
3. Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle
If you want something unusual to protect your birdfeeder from predators, you should get your hands on this Torpedo Squirrel Baffle by Audubon.
Unlike the dome and wraparound model, this slide-on baffle shapes like a torpedo.
Woodlink has constructed it with durable and sturdy materials.
It uses powdered coated steel that helps withstand unfavorable weather conditions.
It works effectively on many types of poles that are of ½-inch to 1-3/8-inch in diameter.
However, this baffle comes with a diameter size of six inches. Woodlink has designed it with a pole clamp that renders a perfect fit.
Check the price of Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle here
What we liked
- This baffle provides good coverage to a birdfeeder
- Comes with a one-year guarantee
- It can also kill other pests
- It is safe to use
What we didn’t like
- You can only mount it on straight and high poles
- It may not keep squirrels away on short poles
How to install it: You need to install this baffle model by Woodlink below the birdhouse. This prevents squirrels, raccoons, rodents, and other pests from climbing up to access the feeder.
The size: 6-inches
4. Droll Yankees SQG Dome Squirrel Guard
This Droll Yankees baffle provides maximum protection against raccoons, rodents, and squirrel attacks.
You can add this dome guard to any birdhouse that contains a feed that bird-predators find tempting.
However, it not only protects birds and seeds from elements but also keeps squirrels away from the feeder.
It comes with an adjustable dome, which you can set anywhere on the brass rod. It comes with a safety lock that ensures to secure the feeder.
The expansive dimensions of this baffle make it difficult for the squirrels to jump on top. It can withstand rainy, snowy weather, and prevent snow or raindrops from spoiling the feed.
Check the price of Droll Yankees SQG Dome Squirrel Guard here
What we liked
- Comes with a brass rod that you can adjust to adjust the height
- Made with UV-stabilized polycarbonate that resists the sun rays
- Easy to clean and easy to install
- It is a heavy-duty dome that protects feeder from squirrels
What we didn’t like
- Can be pricey for some
How to install it: If you are wondering how to install a squirrel baffle, note that you can simply hang your birdhouse onto this squirrel guard’s lock.
The size: 15-inches
5. Predatorguard Squirrel Guard Baffle
If you are looking for a sturdy enough baffle, then Predatorguard’s Guard Baffle is the best option.
The main purpose of this baffle is to protect the feeder and keep rodents, raccoons, and squirrels away from birdhouses.
It comes with all the mounting hardware; you will not need to purchase anything extra.
However, attaching the components together and installing them is not easy.
You may need an expert’s hand to fix it with your feeder. Nevertheless, Guard Baffle provides maximum protection when hanging on the pole mounted birdhouses.
It uses solid galvanized steel that protects it from rusting.
What we liked
- Can withstand the harsh weather
- Protects feeder from annoying rodents, squirrels, and raccoons
- Extremely durable
- Features an expansive edge that shields birds
- Can be fastened easily if you have the know-how
- It is quite a versatile option- you can fix it above and underneath the feeder
What we didn’t like
- Can be difficult to install for some
How to install it: If you are good at installing baffles, you can easily mount this one by following the instructions given in the manual. Otherwise, you will need an expert to fix it with your feeder.
The size: 17-inches
Conclusion
If you have a birdfeeder, you will agree how bothersome it is to struggle with rodents, raccoons, and squirrels. Not to mention, many birders deal with these annoying creatures regularly, since these animals attempt to treat on bird feeds from the feeders. Well, refilling the seeds quite often causes not only a hassle but also costs a lot.
Therefore, it is imperative to adopt preventative measures to keep your birdfeeders safe from rodents and squirrels. In that case, buying a baffle is the best thing to do. Fortunately, this post includes the best bird feeder squirrel baffle that would help you make the best shopping decision.
I have a TOM CHAMBERS bird table with a square pole but all the baffles are round poles, I can’t be the only one with this problem.
I keep putting in baffles for square poles but a waste of time because round poles keep showing
Thank guys. Your article helps me a lot. Squirrels sure are clever, but with the best squirrel baffle, you can keep them away from your bird feeder.
Have you noticed the diminishing bird seeds from your feeder? If you look closely throughout the day, you might catch some squirrels climbing poles like acrobats. This is the struggle of many who own bird feeders, which led to many possible solutions sold on the market.
Great recommendations, however what would you suggest for larger sized poles? Ours is 38 mm ( Tom Chambers grand bird station), and none of these will fit.