You will definitely need baffles if you are looking to reliably protect your bird feeders from squirrels, and we have the solutions you are searching for. A baffle is simply a device, such as a plate, wall or screen, that deflects or impedes someone, or something, from reaching their goal – or birdseed in this case. Squirrel baffles are usually a small plate, or tube wrapped around a bird feeder pole to combat rodents. A squirrel baffle is a contraption that stops squirrels from climbing up a feeder pole or jumping down to the feeder from above. The lowest part of your bird feeder is typically higher than the top of the baffle, after installation.
There are three styles of baffles currently available. The first type of squirrel baffle wraps around your feeder pole, placed beneath your feeders. The second style fits around your bird feeder pole, resembling a long cylindrical tube, that makes it impossible for squirrels to climb and maintain grip. The third type of squirrel baffle hangs ABOVE your bird feeders and looks like an inverted bowl.
Best Squirrel Baffle Top 5 Review
Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle, 18-inch
With an adjustable fit to a wide range of pole diameters, from as little as 1/2 inch, to as big as 1-3/8 inches. This baffle is shaped like a cone, which slopes down like a volcano from the top. As squirrels climb to the baffle they quickly discover they’re unable to get past it and, because it’s made of steel, they cannot chew through it, either. A final powder coating on the baffle helps to resist rust.
Conclusion: You can quickly snap the baffle together by utilizing the included coupler, before attaching it to your bird feeder pole.
iPrimio Deluxe Squirrel-Raccoon Stopper
This type of baffle is shaped like a torpedo, which prevents squirrels from reaching your feeders. While many styles make it necessary to take down your feeder pole in order to install, this design does not. You simply wrap both halves around the pole and use wire rings to hold them together. It’s crucial to ensure that this baffle is not placed beneath any tree limbs, or fences, and is installed 4 to 5 feet above the ground.
Conclusion: Whenever a pest such as a squirrel, raccoon or rodent attempts to climb the baffle, the Torpedo tilts and rocks under their weight.
PREDATORGUARD Squirrel Guard Baffle
Providing the ability to be fixed above or underneath your feeder, this style is a versatile option. It’s also made from solid galvanized steel, which further prevents the baffle from rusting in the weather.
Conclusion: This is a very easy baffle to install, and I was able to mount it to many of my bird feeders, and poles, without putting in too much effort.
Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle
As the name implies, this design is also shaped like a torpedo, featuring powder-coated steel for added rust protection. Because this baffle rotates on a coupler/clamp underneath, it rotates whenever a pest attempts to grab the bottom of the torpedo. Unfortunately, the coupler that’s included seems to be weak and is one you may consider replacing with something stronger. Just ensure it is strong enough to hold the torpedo, while also allowing it to rotate.
Conclusion: This is a unique baffle to add to your feeder, especially if you want something unusual to ward off unwanted predators.
North States 2-Way Squirrel Baffle
This design features a dome with a width of 15-3/4-inches, in order to prevent squirrels and chipmunks from getting through. Whenever a rodent puts their weight onto the baffle it tilts and, because there’s nothing to grasp, they fall off. This baffle hangs over the feeder from the top.
Conclusion: Unfortunately this style isn’t suitable for larger pests, and doesn’t work well with large squirrels, etc.
Do Squirrel Baffles Actually Work?
It’s always challenging, for mos bird keepers, to attract birds to their yards and gardens, without first having squirrels steal their birdseed. If you happen to be one of these individuals, you know exactly how capable these rodents are at finding your feeder, regardless of how hard you work to keep bird feeders out of reach.
Thankfully, there is a great way to prevent these pests from getting to your bird feeders, through the use of squirrel baffles. You may be curious as to how these contraptions work. Baffles serve as a shield in order to protect feeders from climbing and jumping animals, especially squirrels. These add-ons are specifically designed to block and thwart critters from jumping to your feeder.
Further Advice
Squirrels can ruin your peaceful backyard setting, unlike any other. While bird watchers wait to observe a variety of birds at their feeders, squirrels are busy throwing seed around, eating everything and scaring birds away – backyard hobbyists loathe squirrels.
Once you have already invested such hard work into creating a welcoming, well planned out yard aimed toward the birds, you should be able to enjoy watching them. If you are interested in learning more tips in regards to attracting birds, and controlling squirrels, please read on.
- 10 Ways to Squirrel Proof a Bird Feeder - February 7, 2020
- How to Keep Squirrels Out Of Bird Feeder - January 2, 2020
- How To Get Rid Of Squirrels - January 1, 2020