Squirrels have become a plague on bird feeders throughout the country. While many efforts have been made to deter squirrels from eating birdseed, it is a difficult task.
Havahart® offers great squirrel control solutions from squirrel repellents to squirrel traps as well as other ways to squirrel proof your bird feeders:
Squirrel Repellents
A squirrel repellent is an affordable and effective way to keep squirrels off the areas surrounding your bird feeder. We offer several squirrel repellent solutions:
Havahart® Critter Ridder® is a pepper based, OMRI Listed, deterrent that is available in both liquid and granular applications. Critter Ridder® can be used indoors (granular) and outdoors (granular and liquid). One application of Critter Ridder® works as a squirrel repellent up to 30 days. Deer Off®is a patented dual deterrent that repels by smell and taste. Havahart® also offers Get Away®, a ready-to-spray repellent that lasts 7-10 days.
In severely populated areas or for a long term squirrel repellent solution, Spray Away may be the best alternative. Convenient, easy-to-use and harmless to animals and pets, Spray Away is a motion activated water repellent that will chase squirrels away from your bird feeders.
Squirrel Traps
Trapping is another humane and effective alternative method of squirrel control. Havahart® squirrel traps come in a variety of sizes and are safe for transporting animals. Before setting squirrel traps, check state and game regulations regarding squirrel traps and squirrel control within your state. Check out our recommended squirrel baits to use in your squirrel traps for a more successful trapping experience!
Tips to Squirrel-Proof Your Feeders
Location, Location, Location!
Find a spot for your bird feeder with a good view from the house but far enough away (at least 20 feet) from it. If you have a pole mounted feeder, position it at least 10 feet away from any potential perch (trees, garage, etc.). Many squirrels can also jump 4 feet vertically so make sure the feeder is at least 5-6 feet off the ground, if it is pole mounted. While keeping all of this in mind, don't forget about the birds! Some birds are more nervous than others so while you should keep the feeder away from any launch points, nervous birds appreciate some cover within 12-20 feet of the feeder. Also keep in mind that ground cover is an ideal hiding place for predators so keep feeders away from that as well.
Change The Seed
While squirrels will eat almost anything, there are some kinds of bird seed a squirrel will not go through hoops to get. Squirrels don't like:
• Beef Suet
• Safflower Seed
• Nyger or thistle seed
While the above seed doesn't appeal to squirrels, it also doesn't appeal to a large majority of birds so the variety of birds at your feeder will decrease as well. Fortunately, safflower seeds do appeal to cardinals, doves, titmice, nuthatches, and house finches.
Tips for Pole-Mounted Feeders Baffle Them
Baffles have proven to be a good defense against squirrels infiltrating the bird feeder when installed properly. Keep in mind when installing a baffle that squirrels don't always approach the feeder from the bottom or top; you may need a baffle at both ends for effective squirrel control. Spin Them Off
Fitting sections of plastic or PVC pipe over the metal post makes it difficult for squirrels to grab on to climb up to the feeder. When using this method make sure the plastic or PVC is as smooth as possible, any edges or rough spots will be just enough for a squirrel to grab on.
Red is the Answer
Some studies suggest squirrels don't like the color red. The reason behind this is that the natural enemy of the squirrel is a red-headed woodpecker which competes for similar grounds. By adding red into your backyard color scheme you may deter squirrels while adding a little color.
Havahart® offers a variety of squirrel repellents and squirrel traps to help you with your squirrel control needs. | 
