Why Install a Squirrel Baffle?

Installing a baffle and/or deflector will more than likely stop a pesky squirrel from getting access to your bird feeder.If you have mounted your feeder on a pole or you have mounted your feeder on a wooden post, taking the time to install a baffle will create an obstacle that a squirrel will not be able to pass.Quite a few of us only have the option to hang our feeders from a wire and if this is your situation then you can install a baffle or deflector above it. These are effective but not guaranteed to work one hundred percent of the time.

Baffles and deflectors are designed with a smooth surface and are usually made of either metal or plastic. This will make it very difficult for a squirrel to get any kind of grip to hold on which makes it almost impossible for them to climb. I say almost impossible because I have witnessed some very crafty and acrobatic squirrels get on my feeders that have a deflector above them.

The big mistake most consumers are guilty of is not considering how far or how high a squirrel can jump. Squirrels are extremely strong and very determined. Some have been known to jump up to 6 feet, so make sure you take this into account before attaching your baffle and do not place it near a tree or anything they can climb up on and just leap on to your bird feeder. Also check for any overhead wires because a squirrel will even try to jump on to your feeder from above.

There are squirrel baffles or deflectors that attach above to stop them from climbing down the wire and getting on to your bird feeder. These can be effective but as I mentioned earlier, some squirrels are clever and crafty enough to figure out how to get by them. The bonus to installing one of these is it will help protect your feeder from rain and snow which will in turn keep the seed from getting wet and becoming moldy. The birds will thank you for that and it will not need to be cleaned quite so often.

Both methods can be effective to win the battle in your backyard and they are very simple to install. Make sure that you check the diameter specifications of the baffle before you purchase it so it will fit the post or the pole you are mounting it to. They are available for both applications but they do come in different sizes. I also recommended that you check to make sure that it comes with all the necessary hardware or you will be making an extra trip to your neighborhood hardware store.

Hopefully this information will help you come up with a solution to your particular situation dealing with squirrels. They may be cute but they can also drive you nuts with their determination. Purchasing a baffle or deflector will save you money in the long term because you will spend a lot less on bird seed!

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