Gardeners swear by using baffles to keep squirrels off bird feeders, and it is not as strange as it sounds

There's nothing more frustrating than filling your bird feeder only to watch squirrels swoop in, scare off the birds, and devour every last seed. If you're tired of playing defense against these bushy-tailed bandits, there’s a smart, affordable fix to keep squirrels away from bird feeders that works – baffles.

Of course, squirrels have their charm. They're clever, lively, and fun to watch – and we do love seeing them in our gardens. Just not dangling from the bird feeder like it's their personal snack bar.

Baffles are dome- or cone-shaped shields that act as physical barriers, blocking squirrels from climbing up poles or dropping down from branches to reach feeders. They don’t harm the animals – they just outsmart them. And when used correctly, they work brilliantly as a way to get rid of squirrels.

‘Squirrels are a charming part of garden life, but when they start dominating the feeders, it’s time to intervene,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. ‘Baffles are a brilliantly simple, humane solution – they create a physical barrier without disrupting the look or feel of your outdoor space. I always recommend them to readers who want to feed birds while keeping things in balance. With the right placement, they’re incredibly effective and really do bring the birds back.’

Squirrels are famously agile and persistent. They’ll leap, stretch, and even hang upside-down to raid a feeder. But a well-placed baffle throws off their acrobatic ambitions, giving birds a fair chance and restoring peace to your garden.

There are two main types: pole-mounted baffles, which sit below a feeder to stop squirrels from climbing up, and hanging baffles, which hang above the feeder to block access from above. Both can be found in sleek, stylish designs that blend into your landscape – think matte black metal or rustic copper domes that look like part of the décor.

The key to success? Placement. A pole-mounted baffle should be at least four feet off the ground and at least eight to ten feet away from trees, fences, or anything squirrels can launch from. Hanging feeders with baffles needs the same clearance – squirrels are Olympic-level jumpers, so don’t underestimate them.

Choose durable materials such as chew-resistant metal or thick polycarbonate. Avoid flimsy plastic; squirrels will gnaw through it in days. And once installed, check your baffles regularly to ensure they haven’t shifted or loosened over time.

The best part? Baffles are inexpensive, easy to install, and incredibly effective. They allow you to enjoy your garden the way it was meant to be – filled with birdsong, not squirrel antics. It’s a small investment with a big payoff: a squirrel-free, stress-free feeder that truly belongs to the birds.

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If squirrels are still causing trouble in your garden, there are a few natural deterrents worth trying. Planting marigold flowers to deter squirrels can help keep them at bay, as their strong scent tends to be off-putting to squirrels.

Rachel Bull also recommends sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper to deter squirrels around bird feeders or flower beds– a simple, natural trick that squirrels find unpleasant but won’t harm them.