Keep Squirrels Off Of A Bird Feeder With A Tray That Makes All The Difference

Squirrels are undoubtedly fascinating creatures, but the last place you want to see them is on your bird feeder. Once they find them, these rodents can be relentless as they devour seeds and possibly scare off birds who might now be too intimidated to visit the feeders. What's more, squirrels and other wildlife can also damage feeders over time. To help save seed for backyard birds, you might consider a squirrel-proof feeder. While no squirrel-proof bird feeder can prevent squirrels from accessing seed entirely, these durable metal devices are just one step you can implement to help keep unwanted wildlife from your feeders. A weight-sensitive bird feeder with a separate seed catching tray may help deter squirrels, and these should be used in conjunction other squirrel-proofing strategies for the best outcome possible.

Despite their marketing, no bird feeder brand is 100% squirrel-proof, but there are certain types that work better than others. The best squirrel-deterring feeders are those that have weight-sensitive perches. While small backyard birds can sit on these and eat seed with ease, squirrels and other larger animals will cause these perches to activate and snap shut. Depending on the brand, some also are equipped with cages that surround the seed with small openings intended for the types of birds you want in your yard. One example is this weight-activated squirrel-proof bird feeder from LCSeven. In theory, any squirrel that tries to climb onto these types of perches will lose access to the feeder while doing so.

Once you've installed a weight-sensitive feeder, you can add a tray to catch scattered seed. These disc-shaped trays are placed directly underneath the feeder and are designed to help catch fallen seed that birds might drop. While the tray may not directly stop a hungry squirrel from trying to access the feeder, catching seed and emptying it throughout the day can prevent seed from scattering on the ground. A relatively clean area underneath the feeder will subsequently not become a source of food for squirrels and other rodents. These seed-catching trays are different than platform tray style feeders, which you want to avoid. While these are easy to fill with seed, they are the worst choice when considering squirrels and other rodents.

You can also make it more challenging for squirrels to access your feeder by determining the best place to hang a bird feeder in your yard. To that end, experts recommend keeping feeders 10 feet or more away from any object a squirrel might jump from. Examples include your home, nearby trees or bushes, fences, and sheds. You can also consider adding bowl-shaped barriers to bird feeders that hang from trees or posts. Also called baffles, these structures may be added either above or below the feeder, depending on how squirrels tend to access the feeders. These types of deterrents should be your first steps when trying to find ways to get rid of squirrels.