If you’ve been an avid bird watcher and have been putting out bird food in feeders for some time now, you would know by now that there is something other than birds that visit your feeders. You might have found your feeders on the ground, if not chewed to the bone. And who could be the culprit for these bird food stealing, feeder destroying activities? You guessed it – squirrels.
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And although squirrels can sometimes be cute, adorable little critters, most of the time they ruin the feeders and drive birds away. If you want to stop them from breaking another feeder, you need to arm yourself with a baffle. But don’t go for ordinary ones! Choose the best squirrel baffle to make sure these little mammals won’t bother your bird feeder ever again.
6 Best Squirrel Baffles Comparison
Top 10 Best Squirrel Baffle Reviews
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1. Woodlink NABAF18 Audubon Wrap
Preventing squirrels from accessing the nutritious bird seeds that you have prepared requires the right tool. If you are tired of trying everything you can to stop these pesky rodents from eating away the bird seeds on your feeder, then it’s time to try Woodlink NABAF18 Audubon Wrap.
What I appreciate about this product is how it is so compact and portable. I can easily bring it anywhere without straining myself. In addition, I can transfer it to other bird feeders that I placed around my property. It attaches seamlessly without using any special tool or third-party product. I didn’t even need to remove the bird feeders before I can mount this piece.
I also commend the superb texture of this product. The surface is indeed very smooth to the touch. Made of powder coated steel, squirrels and other unwanted animals won’t get a chance to climb up and access the seed chamber. This feature is absolutely important because the smoothness significantly decreases the friction between squirrel’s feet and the surface of the baffle. They would just slide down the ground without getting any seed.
This squirrel baffle is very easy to mount and dismount. It is made of lightweight but durable steel, so I don’t have to worry about it deteriorating in the long run.
What I don’t like about this particular baffle is that the sides don’t clip together well. A light breeze can easily dismantle the baffle. If the baffle is removed, the squirrels will quickly take advantage of the situation and feast on the bird seeds. I used a metal clip to remedy the problem.
Pros:
- Wrap around style
- The smooth texture prevents the squirrels from climbing
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Weatherproof
- Portable
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The sides do not clip together well enough
- Made of textured powder coated steel
- Defeats squirrels every time
- No need to remove bird feeder when mounting
- Secure black coupler (included) around any 1/2-inch to 1-3/8-inch pole or shepherd hook
- Snaps apart with inward pressure on each side of the seam. Additional pieces that will hold the cover are tapped to the bottom of unit.
2. Squirrel Guard Baffle
If you want a good product to secure your bird feeders against intrusions from unwanted animals, the Squirrel Guard Baffle is my top choice among squirrel baffles for hanging bird feeders. This particular product presents many positive features.
First is its flexibility. It can protect hanging bird feeders and bird houses without altering much of its features to accommodate both. In my experience with the product so far, it easily connects to a pole or a shepherd hook. Just wrap this barrier around the pole or over a hanging bird feeder and it will prevent the raccoons and squirrels from raiding the seeds.
I also find the material used in making this product commendable. Made from galvanized steel, this baffle does not rust even after being exposed to rain and sunlight repeatedly. I tested this on one of my bird feeders in an open area, and I can attest to the flawlessness of this particular baffle. The material also provides a slippery surface which prevents annoying squirrels from climbing over or standing on it.
Another delightful feature of this product is the money-back guarantee. The manufacturing company states that if I’m not satisfied with the product, they will refund my money 100% no questions asked. I’m happy to report that I’m really impressed with this product and I have no intention of returning it at the moment.
Although I’m impressed with this baffle, what I don’t like about it is it only fits with round holes. I have bird feeders that are hanging on square metal pegs. The hole cannot accommodate the shape of the pole. This is truly a problem for me because I cannot find a way to keep the baffle from moving without totally altering the round hole that was meant for round poles.
Pros:
- Made from galvanized steel
- Has a slippery surface
- Rustproof
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The hole is only meant for round poles
- Easy Installation: Our baffle is designed for hassle-free installation. Simply slide it over your bird feeder pole, and you're good to go....
- High-Quality Construction: Made from anti-rust galvanized steel, our baffle is built to last. It will withstand the test of time and keep...
- Raccoon and Squirrel Proof: The clever design of our baffle prevents squirrels and raccoons from climbing up your bird feeder poles. It...
- Anti-Rust and Durable: Our baffle is coated with a rust-resistant finish, making it suitable for all weather conditions. It will remain in...
- Versatile Use: Our baffle is not limited to bird feeders alone. It can also be used to protect your birdhouses from unwanted visitors. Its...
3. AUDUBON NACLBAF16 Clear Squirrel Baffle
If you are searching for a squirrel baffle that would not only keep uninvited animals away but also provide you with unobstructed view, the AUDUBON NACLBAF16 might be the one that you are looking for.
I like this product for many reasons. First is the material. Made from clear plastic, this one provides me a good and unobstructed view of the birds. In addition, plastic is a very lightweight material so I can carry this baffle from one place to another without any hassle. In terms of convenience, I find this product remarkable. The baffle is very easy to mount and dismount anytime. It can fit poles with 1-inch up to 1 ⅜ in diameter.
Aside from being an effective guard against squirrels, I find this product to be a good weather shield. This clear squirrel baffle prevents the seeds from getting wet even during a heavy rain. The 16-inch diameter is very good from protecting the contents of the seed chamber. Protecting the seeds against water is important because if it is exposed to water, the seeds will be spoiled. If the seeds are wet, the bird will not come to feed.
One bad feature that I observed about this product is its durability. Since yard squirrels are crafty little fiends, they will try everything that they can in order to gain access on the seeds. I discovered one morning that my AUDUBON NACLBAF16 got chewed in the middle. Although the squirrels were unsuccessful in getting the seeds inside the chamber, the baffle now has a chewed on hole in the center, though it is still attached.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Rustproof
- Provides clear view of the birds feeding or perching
- Good weather shield
Cons:
- Since the material is plastic, it becomes prone to chewing
- Audubon 16" Clear Hanging or Pole Mount Baffle
- Hang it as a weather shield
- Pole-mount for use as a baffle
- Features clear plastic to minimize obstruction of view
- Fits a 1" to 1 3/8" pole
4. North States 2-Way Squirrel Baffle
Protecting the seeds inside your bird feeder against raiders such as squirrels and raccoons should always be effortless. This is exactly what this product aims to provide. If you are searching for a good product which will give your bird feeders complete protection against unwanted beneficiaries, then you need to check out the North States 2-Way Squirrel Baffle.
I like how this squirrel baffle can be mounted in two different ways: by hanging or in a pole. Very lightweight and durable, this baffle can be mounted and dismounted with relative ease. It can also withstand falls and drastic weather changes such as heat, rain, snow, and even wind.
Aside from keeping squirrels and other obnoxious animals away from the bird feeder, I find that this product can also prevent the seeds from getting spoiled. I placed this baffle above the seed chamber and I observed that it can serve as protection against rain which can spoil the seeds inside. I’m always relieved to see the seeds still good for the birds that I’m feeding because of this simple tool.
One thing that I have observed is that this product seems to work with smaller squirrels only. Bigger squirrels can overcome the challenges and access the seeds that are stored inside the bird feeder. A bigger size would solve this problem.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Easy to mount and dismount
- Can be hanged or mounted in a pole
Cons:
- Can only stop smaller squirrels
- PROTECT YOUR FEEDERS: The dark gray free swinging inverted-bowl keeps the most persistent squirrels from touching bird feeders.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY DESIGN: North States has been an industry leader in bringing songbirds to backyards and decks since 1953. Our mission is to...
- CONVENIENCE: Squirrel Baffle can be used with hanging or pole mounted birdfeeders. Mounting hardware included.
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA: Made from durable, UV protected, weather-resistant plastic.
- DIMENSIONS: 15.75" diameter
5. Stokes Select Squirrel-X Squirrel Baffle
This cone-shaped baffle from Stokes Select is another good choice for a baffler which will ensure that squirrels will have a real challenge accessing the fresh seeds that you have prepared for the wild birds.
What I find so fascinating about this baffle is its ease of use. Even my five-year-old daughter can mount this without exerting any real effort at all. She was able to carry the baffle with ease and most of all; she enjoyed helping me mount it on her favorite hanging bird feeder. The unique wrap-around design really helps position the baffle around the pole properly.
I also find it very easy to adjust. Most baffles need tools in order to be adjusted on ideal levels. This one however, needs only simple adjustment and I can go back to bird watching in no time.
This product is highly compatible with any Stokes Select shepherd hooks and poles. This is a positive feature for me because I have plenty of shepherd hooks from Stokes and I was able to reinforce this particular baffle without having to purchase a new pole in the first place.
The only drawback that I have experienced with this squirrel baffle is the fact that it doesn’t fit around 1.5 inch poles. I have plenty of 1.5 inch poles and unfortunately, the Stokes Select Squirrel-X can only be mounted on thinner ones.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to mount and dismount using the wrap-around design
- Easy to adjust
- Weatherproof
- Durable
- Highly compatible with any Stokes Select poles and shepherd hooks
Cons:
- Fits only poles thinner than 1.5 inches
- SQUIRREL BAFFLE: All six spring-loaded feeding perches collapse under the weight of a squirrel
- EASY INSTALL: The Squirrel-X squirrel guard installs easily to a bird feeder poles and sheperd hooks. Includes a coupler for secure...
- MEASUREMENTS: Squirrel baffle is 18" in diameter and can fit any pole between 1/2" - 1-1/2" in diameter
- SQUIRREL-PROOFING TIP: We recommend bird feeders be placed at least 8 feet away from any structure and more than four feet off the ground
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Steel baffle has a weather-resistant finish
6. Woodlink Kay Home Product Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle
If you want a baffle for your shepherd’s hook type of pole, then you shouldn’t look into fixed-sized baffles. Most of them have a fixed small opening that you have to insert to the pole. If your shepherd’s pole has fixed prongs and hooks, there’s no way to insert a baffle through. What you need is a wrap around baffle.
This wrap around squirrel baffle by Woodlink is a good 14 inches in diameter. It has a slit on one side that allows you to open the baffle and enclose it on the pole. It can be placed on half inch to ⅜ inch poles. I love that the baffle easily snaps close to set. This then provides a round wall the squirrels won’t be able to get through from below.
It has a steel coupler that allows it to be loosely placed in your pole. When squirrels grab the edge of the baffle and try to hoist themselves up, they will find that they couldn’t since the baffle angles down.
The only problem I encountered with this Woodlink squirrel baffle is that one squirrel found that one part of the baffle can only angle down at a certain point so he has tried climbing over that spot. I went over to check it out and found that the excess part of the screw of the coupler stops the baffle’s movement at some point. What I did was replace it with a shorter screw and problem solved! You can also cut the excess part of the screw if you don’t want to buy another one.
I love this baffle’s powder coated, black exterior. It doesn’t fade and prevents the steel from rusting. I’ve had it for two years now and it still looks new. Other users said theirs lasted for more than ten years, and I’m hoping mine will last that long as well, maybe even more. Just make sure to clean it up regularly because sometimes birds make a mess on it.
Pros:
- Powder coated to prevent rusting
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Can be easily installed on bird feeder poles that have prongs and hooks
Cons:
- Angles up to a certain point in some areas because of the long screw
- 14-inch wrap around squirrel baffle prevents squirrels and small raccoons from raiding your bird feeders
- When the baffle is mounted, it creates a rounded "wall"
- Textured black powder coated steel construction with steel coupler withstands the elements
- Installs on any 1/2-inch to 1 3/8-inch diameter pole, for best results. Dimensions: 14" Dia x 5.25" H
- Included metal coupler clips easily around the pole and the baffle which also clips easily around the pole
7. Perky-Pet 340 Transparent Squirrel Baffler
If you need a baffle with a large diameter, this one from Perky Pet is big enough. Sixteen inches wide, this transparent baffle can do the job for you. It has a curved dome surface like other baffles, which prevents squirrels from using it as a platform to step on. The smooth plastic causes squirrels to slide down; hence they won’t be able to stay at the top without falling off.
I like that this dome baffle is large enough, so that even bigger squirrels won’t be able to just stretch out from above or beneath it. You can use the Perky Pet 340 as a hanging baffle or a pole post baffle.
If you want to use it as a pole baffle, you have to knock out the center that is attached to a hook, so you can insert the baffle into your pole, right beneath the feeder. Keep in mind though that once you use it as a pole baffle, you won’t be able to convert it back to being a hanging baffle.
The plastic is thick enough to last a while, and I haven’t seen any cracking even after it’s been exposed to intense heat of the sun and then some heavy rains a few days later. My only problem with this baffle is that even the hooks are plastic. Yes, it can hold up to 50lbs when hung, but for me, it should have been made metal. Squirrels are able to chew through them when they get frustrated that they couldn’t reach their intended meal.
Perky Pet has always been one of my favorite brands when it comes to bird feeders and accessories because they offer replacement or refund if the baffler gets damaged during use.
Pros:
- Weatherproof
- Wide 16-inch coverage
- Smooth, dome shape causes squirrels to slide off
- Can be used either as a hanging baffler or a pole mounted baffle
Cons:
- Not as durable as others because of the plastic material
8. iPrimio Deluxe Squirrel-Raccoon Wrap Around Stopper
I have encountered and used a lot of squirrel baffles, but this is the one I that I was so excited about ever since I saw the design. iPrimio created their very own baffle that doesn’t look like any other you’ve seen – this one is shaped like a torpedo! It also has that slick army green color that looks great on the pole.
I was able to install this wrap-around baffle easily. All I had to do was place the stopper, tighten it, snap the torpedo squirrel baffle together and place the metal ring over and I was done! No tools necessary.
However, this baffle can’t be placed on poles thinner than half an inch, else the stopper will slide down. It can be placed on poles with a maximum of 1.5 inches.
The torpedo tilts whenever squirrels try to climb over it. However, because of its small diameter, it will only angle up to a certain point. If you have large squirrels in your area, you would have to place the baffle at least five feet off the ground for it to really stop these critters.
I love that it’s easy to clean. When you have a few bird feeders at the top, chances are the baffle will be piled up with bird poop in just a couple of days. But with this baffle, you can just hose it over and it’s clean again. No need to take it apart and remove it from the pole.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
- Unique design
- Can be installed on shepherd’s hooks
Cons:
- Only tilts up to a certain point, so must be installed higher to prevent larger squirrels from jumping over it
- EASY TO INSTALL - iPrimio's 18" Squirrel Baffle can easily install the baffle to your bird feeder pole in minutes. The universal design fits...
- PROTECT AGAINST ANIMALS - This bird feeder pole cover by iPrimio is designed to help you protect your bird feeders from anything trying to...
- FITS MOST BIRD FEEDER POLES - This squirrel baffle by iPrimio fits poles ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 and 3/8 inches in diameter.
- WEATHER-RESISTANT MATERIAL -The iPrimio 18" Squirrel Baffle is made with weather resistance in mind to ensure it will maintain its shape and...
- PREVENTS CHEWING - A metal plate at the bottom of the baffle helps to prevent chewing from animals trying to make their way up the pole.
9. Woodlink Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle
Very similar to the baffle I mentioned above, this Audobon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle (Natorpedo model) is one of my favorites. Aside from having that sleek torpedo design, this stainless steel baffle is meant to last a really long while.
It is powder coated black, giving it that sleek look that will match any garden. The material is thick enough to last a lifetime; I just hope the coating will last as long as that because rusting can be one of its issues in the future. But I’m sure it will last at least 10 years. Because it is a full baffle with no openings on the sides, squirrels won’t have anything to hold on to and they surely can’t chew through the metal.
It works really well on my three-piece pole. However, because it is an insert-only baffle, you can’t use it on a shepherd’s hook. Most shepherd’s hooks have stabilizing prongs at the bottom, and the top is curved for the hook, so there is no way to insert this baffle. This can only be used on poles whose either bottom or top part can be detached to allow the baffle to be inserted through. Also, your pole must not be thicker than 1 ⅜ inches. The opening at the top of this baffle is 1.5 inches only. Even if it can fit through a 1.5 inch pole, it won’t be effective as the swaying will be nullified.
Like any baffle, install it at least five feet from the ground, and the bottom part of the bird feeder must still be higher than the top of the baffle so that the squirrels won’t be able to reach it.
Installing is easy with the help of the Audubon squirrel baffle instructions, and cleaning is a cinch. Just hose it over once bird poop has gathered on top of it.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- Will definitely last a long while
- Very effective against squirrels
Cons:
- Can only be used on multi-piece poles
- Torpedo shaped steel squirrel baffle
- Made of textured powder-coated steel
- Includes coupler for mounting to any pole 1/2" to 1 3/8" in diameter (Pole not included)
- Torpedo baffle is 6.125-inch in diameter
- The baffle is a “slide on”.
10. Squirrel Stopper SQUB05 Squirrel Stopper Universal Baffle
Squirrel Stopper’s most popular product is their bird feeder pole with squirrel baffle. However, if you have already purchased a pole and would like a just the company’s baffle, you’re in luck. The Squirrel Stopper Universal Baffle is a good choice of tool to drive the menacing squirrels away.
Inside this baffler is a spring system that moves the baffle up and down, and side to side whenever squirrels try to jump past it. The cone design with smooth top is good enough to prevent squirrels from clinging on to it. Because it is a wrap-around baffle, you can install it on virtually any type of pole — whether they be shepherd’s hook or detachable poles. It works even on thicker poles which are two inches in diameter.
It is very effective in keeping squirrels and raccoons at bay. It is completely made of metal so squirrels won’t be able to chew through it, plus it is powder coated to prevent any form of rusting.
If there is one thing I don’t like about this metal squirrel baffle, it’s that it is a bit hard to set up. Other baffles take you a few minutes; this one might take you a full hour to do it, especially if you are alone. And the instructions make things more complicated than they seem. To install it faster, I would suggest watching an instructional video on Youtube as the instructions they have on paper is a bit more complicated than it should be.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Can be installed on any type of pole
- wrap-around style
- Can be installed on poles of up to 2 inches in diameter
Cons:
- Hard to install
- Installation instructions need to be improved
- Stops the Squirrels
- Galvanized to prevent rust
- Easily mounts to poles from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter
- Requires straight access from top or bottom of existing pole for mounting
- 3 stainless steel springs allow the baffle to move up and down and side to side
What To Look For When Buying A Squirrel Baffle
If you’re a bird keeper like me, it’s a challenge to lure the birds into your backyard without the squirrels stealing their food. No matter how hard you try to put the feeders away from their reach, they always find a way to get there. And that’s pretty much unacceptable, especially if your feeds are imported and cost a lot. What a waste!
But there’s always a nice way to solve this without harming the critters: use squirrel baffles. Squirrel baffles are basically made to prevent squirrels, or other mammals like cats, skunks, mice, and rats, from pestering the food intended for the birds. They come in different forms and materials for different kinds of setups. So, what should you consider when you plan on getting one?
Material
This should be one of the first things that you should put in your checklist. The most common materials in the market are plastic and metal (or alloy). Some also use their old PVCs or metal plain sheets for D. I. Y. projects. For plastics, I always make sure that it is tough and resistant to animal biting. I usually go for hard plastics.
This is ideal if the weather in your place is always rainy or humid. Unlike plastics, metals can rust if not properly painted or coated. But most people are satisfied with metal squirrel baffles. These types are durable and can last long, plus they’re heavier than plastic. Both are effective materials especially if made with appropriate design.
Design
While all baffles function the same, there are those types that may be suitable for your place and common problems with squirrels. You can choose from oval-shaped, cone, platform, or pole baffles.
- Dome-Shaped baffles
This is one is the best kind. You’ll just have to place this baffle on the pole in an upside-down position (the top of dome facing the bottom). Putting it like this will make the squirrel slide off and fall on the ground. How? Imagine a squirrel climbing up on an inverted dome. As it goes up, it also goes away from the pole. When it loses its balance, BAM! The poor thing will fall with nothing to hold on to.
You can also use this on hanging bird feeders, with the mouth facing downward. With its smooth surface, the squirrel will just slide down and off the baffle without reaching the feeder.
- Cone
It pretty much works like the dome type, except that the sides on this one are straight. This baffle is loosely placed on poles or hanging strings so that they easily move when squirrels try to jump on top of them, causing the little mammals to fall off.
- Platform
It’s like a plain sheet that divides the feeder and the bottom half of the pole. You can choose something that has wider dimensions so you can be sure that there’ll be no access. However, this can cause more harm than good if squirrels are able to jump and hold on to its edges. The squirrels can easily hoist themselves up and use the platform to jump to the feeder. Hence, this type is not as effective as the rest.
Size
Yes, size matters. Better to get measurements of the necessary dimensions for your baffles. You want to make sure that what you buy will fit perfectly.
Price
While some are effective, durable, long-lasting, etc., you would still want something that will be right for your budget. Always check if what you’re paying for is what you can get.
Warranty and/or Service Agreement
Like any other purchases, there should be a policy included to protect us, customers. Check if there’s warranty or service agreement – especially those more expensive ones. Also, look into the company and see if they are easy to reach once warranty is being claimed or service is needed. If they are hard to reach, this feature would be useless.
Securing feeds and feeders is a bit of a challenge. But finding a good squirrel baffle to solve the problem is much easier if you have a ready checklist. Your baffles should be well-designed and made with quality materials at a reasonable price. You might also want to check if there’s something that can make you an assured consumer.
Other Important Factors To Consider
What is a squirrel baffle?
You may have problems in attracting birds to your feeders because of the sneaky little mammal pests like squirrels, cats, and raccoons. They take the food meant for the birds. It would be such a waste to have your resources taken by the unintended species, right? To solve this, what we need is a squirrel baffle.
The word “baffle” means “to restrain or block”. Essentially, a squirrel baffle is a device made to prevent squirrels or other mammals from pestering the food intended for the birds. It comes in different forms and kinds. The types may also depend on the use and the environmental setup. These things may serve as additional roof of a hanging bird feeder or it may be placed around the pole and under the feeder.
How does it work?
It deters pests by barring them to the entrances that may lead them to the birdfeeder. Squirrels may slip, fall, and tremendously fail at getting those bird seeds and suet cakes. They can never go near any feeder with these baffles.
What are the different types of squirrel baffles?
We can identify baffle types either by the materials used or by its design.
For the first type, there are two common types of materials that these baffles are made of. It can either be plastic or metal, but some are also made of PVC. These two are both fine to use in any environment, but there are some details that make each type more suitable. I, for example, buy because they are heavier and they usually last longer with proper care, of course. Some, however, prefer plastics because they are convenient to use during sunny or humid days. Plus, plastics are cheaper.
The next classification is according to the design or shape of the squirrel baffles. Each is specifically designed for its purpose. The ones that you can usually see when you shop are these:
- Dome or Cone
This is considered the best kind of baffle that can fit in almost all kinds of environments. Why this? This is because you can use this baffle either as a pole baffle or a hanging baffle. If used on a pole, it will be placed in an upside-down position, with its top dome facing down. This will cause the squirrels to slide off.
Now, if these very clever squirrels can climb from a tree, stick to a branch and try to reach the bird seeds by jumping off these things, you may just reorient it. Simply put the top of the dome up, with the mouth facing down. It will cause the squirrel to get confused and fall. You must be careful not to place it close to the bird feeders but still far from the areas where the squirrels can jump off from. Those clever little ones will always find their way, so do not let them outsmart you!
- Platform
It’s like a flat cover or a rectangular piece with a hole in the center. It divides the feeder and the bottom half of the pole. You can choose something that has wider dimensions so you can be sure that there’ll be no access. I saw something like this that is custom-made from a metal plain sheet. This surrounds the tree where the feeders are placed. Again, this can also work against you. If the squirrels can jump from the ground and reach the edge of your platform, you’ll be in trouble, which is why I don’t recommend this type of baffle.
- Torpedo
The way that this type is installed is a bit different than the oval and the cone shape types. Here, the baffle is placed face-down on a pole creating a tunnel where the squirrel might climb. Similar to the dome type, this moves loosely at the littlest of movements, causing the squirrels trying to climb to fall off.
This is effective only when you expect the squirrels to come from the ground. It does not support aerial plan-Bs of the rodents. You might need this if your area does not have any branch or higher platform surrounding the feeders. This means that you can use this in an environment without bushes, shrubs, or trees that surround the feeder where a rodent might jump from. The diameter of the pole must be also observed so that the squirrels could not go through the pole space.
People usually buy squirrel baffles, while there are those who opt to make our own. Any way is fine, as long as you have baffles that serve its purpose to shoo away those squirrels.
Why do you need a squirrel baffle?
Aside from the obvious shooing-away mechanism, you need a squirrel baffle because of two reasons:
- It is an investment and can save you more money in the long run.
Think of these baffles as your long-term savings account. You may need to shell out some amount to buy these, but you can gain a lot more in return. Remember that you would like to have an effective and comfortable bird feeding. You wouldn’t like to spend more money to buy more and more feeds because of added mouths. It is highly inefficient and counterproductive. So, getting one of these would ensure that the birds directly get the feeds and none of it is going to waste! Just take one and see how much you can save.
- It makes you and the birds happy.
For birds flapping their wings on the skies all day, having to feed on a safe place is a delight! Using these squirrel baffles are sure to give them the comfort that they look for while eating. Undisturbed feeding will allow you to have more and more birds to come and visit your feeders. Happy birds, happy you, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular squirrel baffle brands?
There are many baffle brands out there, and there are even those that are no-name brands. However, since squirrel baffles are exposed to harsh elements night and day, it would be best to stick to well-known brands for the quality.
Based on what I’ve tried, the brands that I would recommend are as follows:
- Woodlink
- Audobon
- Squirrel Stopper
- iPrimio
- Perky Pet
- Stokes
- Squirrel Guard
How high to put squirrel baffles?
Squirrels are springy little mammals that can jump three to four feet from the ground. Some would recommend placing the baffle at least four feet from the ground, but I would recommend at least five. Also, make sure to place your pole at least 10 feet away from the nearest jump off point. Squirrels can jump long distances horizontally; even longer diagonally. A baffler that confuses squirrels from the ground will not be effective if they can jump from somewhere else.
How to install squirrel baffles?
There are different ways to install a baffle, and it usually depends on the type that you have. Some can be slipped through the pole, others can simply be wrapped around. It usually comes with a stopper that prevents the baffle from slipping down to the ground as it needs to be loose enough for movement when the squirrels try to jump on or over it.
There are also those that require more complicated installation, such as the Squirrel Stopper Universal Baffle, which needs more than just a few screws to set it in place.
How to keep squirrels from climbing bird feeder pole?
You can use oil or rub banana peels on the pole to make it slippery for squirrels. However, this needs to be done daily as the slippiness tends to wear off quickly. Using a squirrel baffle can help prevent the critters from getting to your bird feeder.
How to Make Squirrel Baffles?
There are times that a commercially-sold squirrel baffle cannot provide the kind of protection that you are looking for. After all of the careful selection, squirrels still find a way to munch on all of the fresh seeds inside your bird feeders. This is where you need to improvise and take matters into your own hands.
Here’s what you need to make a good squirrel baffle:
- 1 stainless mixing bowl
- 1 pole
- Collar brackets, hose clamps
First, measure the diameter of the pole that you are going to use. If it’s 1 inch, then you need to drill 1 inch hole at the very center of the stainless mixing bowl. Place the pole inside the mixing bowl. Attach collar brackets to prevent the mixing bowl from sliding down. Add washers and a nut on top of the bowl to prevent it from moving. That’s it! You have your homemade squirrel baffle from an old mixing bowl.
How to Clean?
Baffles not only serve as protection against squirrels, it also becomes an unintended collecting dish for bird poop. In order to prevent the spread of diseases such as salmonella, histoplasmosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis among many others, cleaning your squirrel baffles should always be on your top priority.
You can clean your squirrel baffles by rinsing it thoroughly. There are others that use vinegar and water to completely remove the harmful elements that soap and water cannot remove.
There are also some baffles that are super easy to clean; you just need to hose it down and you’re done!
Where to Buy?
You can buy squirrel baffles in any pet stores near you. If you are the type of person who are very selective, you can try to visit Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart. However, if the design is not available in any of these stores, you can always visit Amazon.com. Shopping online will provide you with almost unlimited choices.
Conclusion
Squirrels are cute little creatures, but all their cuteness disappear once they eat all your bird feed. You may even begin to hate them if they destroy your expensive feeders! But there is a way to drive them away without having to hunt them down, and that is by installing the best squirrel baffle that you can find. I hope my reviews gave you enough insight on which squirrel baffle to choose for your needs. Get one soon so that you can say goodbye to spending a lot of money on wasted bird feed, and say hello to the sight and sound of wild birds visiting your home.
Also check out our most viewed posts: Top 10 Best Bird Feeding Stations – Review Of 2023
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I am really interested to know more about which materials/finishes allow for the easiest cleanup of bird poop (i.e., just rinsing off with a hose). I would think the surfaces in question include the painted metal that is more like an enamel finish (popular on some ‘weather guards’), the hard clear plastics, and the ever popular black “powder coated” metal (though there seem to be subtle differences from brand to brand on this).
I just really don’t want to have to remove and reinstall my baffles often just to clean them.
Thanks.
When it comes to materials and finishes that are easy to clean bird poop off of, there are a few options to consider. Hard clear plastics, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, are often easy to clean with just a quick rinse. Powder-coated metal can also be relatively easy to clean if it has a smooth, non-textured finish. Enamel-coated metal can be trickier to clean if the enamel is chipped or damaged, as bird droppings can get stuck in the rough surface.
To make cleanup easier, you can try applying a non-stick coating to surfaces that tend to accumulate bird droppings. For example, some bird feeder manufacturers offer non-stick coatings for their products. You can also try spraying a non-stick cooking spray, such as PAM, onto the surfaces of your bird feeders or weather guards.
Regular cleaning is also key to making cleanup easier in the long run. Try to remove bird droppings as soon as you notice them, and give your bird feeders and weather guards a thorough cleaning every few weeks to prevent buildup. Using a mild soap and water solution, or a bird-safe cleaner, can help to break down and remove any stubborn droppings.