Ways to Keep Squirrels Off a Shepherd’s Hook Pole
- Baffles. Often the best way to deter squirrels, a baffle sits above or below the feeder (usually below, for a shepherd’s hook feeder).
- Slinkies. Slinkies are also effective for deterring squirrels. ...
- Irish Soap. Squirrels and other rodents are repelled by the scent of Irish Soap. ...
- Copper Poles or PVC. ...
How to keep squirrels off a shepherd’s hook?
You have a few different options when it comes to keeping pesky squirrels off of your shepherd’s hook. You can use copper poles, which are thought to be effective because of the metal’s natural repelling qualities to squirrels. Alternatively, you could use PVC piping, which is less expensive and lightweight than copper.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole?
Popular cylindrical pole baffles are proven to prevent squirrels and raccoons from climbing up to your feeders. Since the top of the cylindrical baffle is closed off, these pests have nowhere to go when they climb the pole. They can’t grasp the smooth metal sides of the baffle and will slide right off!
How to keep squirrels and raccoons off feeders?
Keep Squirrels and Raccoons Off Feeders. The best methods. The best way to keep squirrels and raccoons off feeders is to use a pole or shepherds hook with pole baffles installed or hanging baffles installed above the feeder.
Can squirrels climb cone Poles?
The top of the cone is the narrow part while the wide part at the bottom may be up to 18” in diameter or more. This means that a squirrel trying to climb the pole must reach or jump to the sides of the wide part of the cone and somehow work its way up which is virtually impossible.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my metal pole?
2. Baffle the Squirrels. Squirrels are amazing climbers, even on metal poles. Buy a squirrel baffle and attach it to the pole to prevent them from climbing up from below.Feb 3, 2022
How do you make a squirrel baffle for shepherd's hook?
2:373:48Do-It-Yourself Shepherd's Hook & Squirrel Baffle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe piping between 8 to 12 inches into the ground fill around the bottom of the shepherd's hook andMoreThe piping between 8 to 12 inches into the ground fill around the bottom of the shepherd's hook and PVC pipe with dirt pound. The soil down around the bottom to secure the hook and pipe into.
How do I keep squirrels out of my platform feeder?
Apply a pepper-based repellent product, such as Critter Ridder® spray, directly to your feeders to keep them away from your offerings. Squirrels hate the taste and smell, but birds don't notice it. Cover poles: Adding layers of plastic tubing around poles may sometimes deter squirrels.
How do you stabilize a shepherds hook?
Keep your shepherd's hook stable and upright with this in-ground stake stabilizer. Triangular shaped sides insert into soil to be level with ground surface. Slide the stake or rod inside the 0.5 inches square opening; designed to accommodate most standard shepherd's hooks.
Can squirrels climb shepherd hooks?
If you hang or mount your feeder on a shepherd's hook or other pole, you instead need a barrel squirrel or raccoon baffle that attaches to the pole below feeder level to keep squirrels out. This ensures that squirrels can't climb up the pole to get to the feeder.Nov 5, 2018
How do I stop squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole?
If the feeder is hung from a washing line, thread the line through a length of hosepipe or a plastic drinks bottle on each side. Use a downward-opening cone or a biscuit tin fixed to the pole below a bird table to prevent squirrels climbing up it. Vaseline or other grease on a smooth pole will also help.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole Slinky?
Use a slinky You can buy a slinky in any store near you. Then, insert that in the bird feeder pole, attach it at the very top, and then just let it fall. When a squirrel attempts to climb up the bird feeder pole with a slinky, it will just be brought back down to the ground.Jan 9, 2022
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
Yes, coffee grounds do keep squirrels away in the majority of cases. Humans love the smell but squirrels find it bitter and off-putting so will avoid areas that smell of coffee.Jul 2, 2021
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole?
There are two things. The Squirrels can beaffled. Squirrels are great climbers, even on metal poles. Attach a squirrel baffle to the pole to prevent the animals from climbing over it. Make it Rain. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you can use a rain barrel to catch rainwater and store it for later use.
Will Vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeder?
According to the Center for Wildlife, there are many ways to deter squirrels from climbing feeders, however, they can be harmful to the animals. It can be harmful to the birds if you coat your bird feeders.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my bird feeder pole Slinky?
Squirrels can climb your bird feeders if you use a slinky to stop them. It’s a very common solution, as it’s cheap and easy. You can find a slinky in any store. Attach it at the top of the bird feeders pole, and you’re good to go. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to make one. Here’s how to do it.
What smells keep squirrels away from bird feeders?
Squirrels don’t like the smell of garlic, onions, peppermint, cinnamon, and clove. You can use these to make sprays by mixing the ground spice with water and putting the blend into a spray bottle. A variety of fragrances can be created using essential oils.
How do I keep squirrels from climbing my shepherds hook?
The best way to keep animals out of feeders is to use a pole or shepherds hook with pole baffles installed above the feeders. We don’t recommend putting grease, oil or petroleum jelly on a pole.
What is a good squirrel repellent?
Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food and shelter. Squirrels hate certain smells, such as coffee grounds, and you can use those to repel them.
Will anti climb paint stop squirrels?
Squirrels can be stopped from reaching the feeders by using safe on animals’ anti- climb materials. Black anti- climb paint can be used to paint your feeding station pole. If you don’t want to paint your feeder pole, you can also use a piece of plywood to cover the top of the pole.
How to keep squirrels off feeders?
The best way to keep squirrels and raccoons off feeders is to use a pole or shepherds hook with pole baffles installed or hanging baffles installed above the feeder. We DO NOT recommend adding grease, oil or petroleum jelly to a pole or hanger to make it too slippery for squirrels ...
What is the best baffle for squirrels?
Torpedo Pole Baffles. When properly installed these baffles are highly effective in preventing squirrels and raccoons from raiding seed or nectar, damaging feeders and houses, or harming your birds. The Squirrel and Raccoon Defeater Cylinder Pole Baffles are the BEST protection from squirrels and raccoons.
What animals can climb a feeder?
This can be disastrous for hummingbirds when they are coated with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. Squirrels and raccoons are excellent climbers and easily scale a pole or shepherds hook to reach a feeder.
Why use a red baffle over hummingbird feeder?
When used over hummingbird feeders, the red baffle will help to provide shade over the nectar prolonging the freshness and preventing spoilage from the heat of sun. And still another benefit; If a red baffle is used the red color can help to attract hummingbirds! New! Comments.
Can you put petroleum jelly on a hummingbird pole?
We DO NOT recommend adding grease, oil or petroleum jelly to a pole or hanger to make it too slippery for squirrels and raccoons to climb. It can coat the animals’ fur as well as birds’ feathers. This can cause illness and vulnerability to predators. Ornithologists have warned that this is a bad practice because hummingbirds are fantastic flyers ...
How to stop squirrels from climbing bird feeder poles?
Use a Slinky to prevent squirrels from climbing the pole. A Slinky is another quick and inexpensive solution to stopping the squirrel menace. All it requires is attaching the Slinky to the top of the bird feeder pole and letting it hang down to the ground.
What to put in bird food to keep squirrels away?
Put crushed cayenne pepper in the bird feed. Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder. Since mammals have taste buds, the hot spices bother small animals like squirrels and chipmunks. Putting crushed pepper in the bird food can act as a deterrent.
Can squirrels eat sunflower seeds?
Use safflower seeds instead of sunflower seeds. Many observers have noticed that squirrels tend to avoid bird feeders with safflower seeds. Though they have been spotted on occasion eating safflower seeds, squirrels tend to dislike its bitter taste.
Does crushed pepper hurt birds?
More importantly, the crushed pepper does not have any negative health effects on birds. In fact, one scientific study that monitored the effectiveness of using capsaicin-treated sunflower seeds found that areas with large bird populations saw an increase in visits, while deterring squirrels from stealing seeds.
Can squirrels steal bird food?
Here are a few tips to squirrel-proof your birdfeeder. If you have a bird feeder, you likely already know the damage a hungry squirrel can do .

Required Materials
- To Keep Squirrels From Climbing Your Shepherds Hook, You Will Need the Following Materials: 1. shepherds hook 2. wire mesh 3. zip ties 4. chicken wire 5. A spray bottle of water 6. A bucket or other container The easiest way to keep squirrels from climbing your shepherd’s hook is to wire mesh. First, cut a piece of wire mesh that is big enough to fit around the shepherd’s hook, and us…
How to Keep Squirrels from Climbing Shepherds Hook Step by Step Guide
- Step 1: Location:
Location is too important; you need to place your shepherd’s hook in an area where the squirrels are not likely to climb. Also, try to place it in an open space where there is plenty of room for the squirrels to move around. Before you purchase your pole, be sure you choose the right place. Ma… - Step 2: Clear Away the Area:
When selecting the right pole area, it is important to find a spot easily visible to you but not accessible to the squirrels. This will help you keep an eye on them and prevent them from climbing up the hook. Additionally, remove any objects from the surrounding area that could pro…
Some Other Ways to Keep Squirrels Off A Shepherd’s Hook Pole
- Baffles:
There are a few different baffles that can be effective at keeping squirrels from climbing a shepherd’s hook pole. One option is to use a cone baffle, which slips over the top of the pole and has a small opening where the plant or feeder hangs. The squirrels cannot fit through this openi… - Slinkies:
One way to keep squirrels from climbing shepherd’s hooks is to use slinkies. Place a slinky over the top of the shepherd’s hook, and the squirrels will not be able to climb up. The slinky will bounce them back down every time they try. This is an easy and affordable way to keep squirrel…
Frequently Asked Question
- Can Squirrels Climb a Greased Pole?
No, squirrels cannot climb a greased pole. - Does Aluminum Foil Deter Squirrels?
There is some debate over whether aluminum foil deters squirrels, as they seem to get around it fairly easily. Some people have suggested using a combination of wire and foil. In contrast, others have had success with a metal cone or pyramid. Experiment until you find what works best for y…
Conclusion
- You can keep squirrels from climbing your shepherd’s hook and stealing your bird feeder by following these simple tips. Keep your yard looking beautiful and Squirrel-free with a little effort – and remember to have fun while doing it! Thanks for reading our post about how to keep squirrels from climbing shepherds hook. You can check it out toKeep Rats Away From Your House