Keep squirrels off your feeder

Height and distance

• Squirrel deterrence: pole-mounted feeder at least 5 ft (1.5 m) off the ground, cone-shaped baffle below, pole at least 10 ft (3 m) from shrubs, trees or structures squirrels can jump from. (Birdfy)
• Keep a pole-mounted feeder at least 10 ft (3 m) from trees or structures squirrels can climb; squirrel baffle on the Nature Station pole at least 5 ft (150 cm) above ground. (Bird Buddy)
• Protect the antenna from squirrels/raccoons with a zip tie (optionally plus adhesive mount). (Birdfy)
• Modular pole system, 92 in / 234 cm high, 27.5 in / 70 cm wide; ground stakes, extension arm, squirrel baffle, larch branches; rubber mallet and Phillips screwdriver needed. (Bird Buddy)

Source: support.birdfy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com

Baffles that work

• Cone baffle at least 17 in in diameter below a pole feeder about 5 ft up; pole at least 10 ft from shrubs, trees or tall structures (Audubon).
• Audubon (Fall 2025): baffle 4–5 ft off the ground; set-up 8–10 ft from anything solid.
• Moving (spring-loaded) baffles give squirrels no grip: Squirrel Stopper baffles move up/down and side to side on 3 stainless springs.
• Check pole diameter: wrap-around baffles here fit 1/2 to 1-3/8 in poles; Squirrel Stopper standard up to 2 in; 4x4 posts need a post baffle.
• Raccoons and snakes need a long cylinder: Sialis recommends an 8 in x 24 in stovepipe baffle; Brome's Raccoon Buster is explicitly not squirrel-proof.

Source: Audubon, Audubon, jcswildlife.com, wildbirdstoreonline.com

Food squirrels like less

Safflower seed is unpopular with most squirrels, but some learn to eat it; nyjer and no-waste mixes without corn or peanuts attract fewer squirrels. Food alone rarely solves the problem – combine it with a baffle.

Source: Mass Audubon