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Squirrel deterrents
Squirrels are persistent scavengers. They’re expert climbers, and can easily jump on bird feeders from nearby branches and fences, but with the right feeder you can keep them away from your garden bird food. Our squirrel deterrent range includes weight-activated closures, feeder guardians, and feeder pole cones. You can trust in quality when you buy with RSPB:
- Strong and durable design
- Easy-clean mechanisms
- Humane deterrents
- No-quibble free returns policy
Need a ‘squirrel-proof’ seed, suet or peanut feeder - or a pole baffle to stop them climbing? You'll find it here.
Feed seasonally, feed safely:
To help prevent the spread of disease, we have paused the sale of seed and peanuts from 1 May to 12 October. RSPB seed and peanut feeders are easily dismantled to enable thorough cleaning. As this is vital for reducing disease transmission, you can still buy these products year-round, ready to start feeding seed and peanuts again from November to April.
Find out more
Squirrel deterrent FAQ
How do I stop squirrels eating bird food?
You can either use one of the many different types of squirrel deterrents or squirrel-proof feeders, or switch to bird foods that squirrels dislike. Seeds like nyjer are naturally less appealing to squirrels (they often ignore them) but are still loved by many finches and other small birds.
What is a squirrel deterrent and do they work?
A squirrel deterrent or repellent is designed to keep squirrels (and often larger birds such as pigeons and crows) away from bird food. There are different types of deterrents:
- 'Squirrel-proof' feeders - Weight-activated (spring-loaded) anti-squirrel bird feeders are made so that the weight of the squirrel or large bird landing on it closes the feeding chamber, preventing access to food
- Pole-mounted, metal cones - These can be used on a feeder pole or feeding station, below bird feeders to deny access from the ground.
- Overhead dome baffles - Hung above a feeder suspended from a branch or wall bracket, these stop squirrels climbing down from above and force them to slide off before reaching the food.
- Feeder guardians (caged feeders) - A metal cage surrounds the feeder, allowing small birds through while physically excluding adult squirrels and larger birds.
How do I stop squirrels climbing my bird feeder pole?
The most effective way is to fit a pole-mounted cone below the feeder. When installed correctly, the smooth, angled surface prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole to reach the feeder. For best results, use a freestanding metal pole, position the cone around 4–5 feet above the ground, and place the feeder well away from trees, fences or walls that squirrels could jump from.
What's the difference between a squirrel baffle and a squirrel-proof feeder?
A squirrel baffle is a physical barrier that blocks squirrels from reaching a feeder by climbing up from below or down from above. It controls access to the feeder but does not affect how the feeder itself works. These are usually a metal cone placed below a bird feeder on a pole, or a dome that sits above the feeder, used on feeders hanging from trees or wall brackets.
A squirrel-proof feeder, by contrast, is designed to stop squirrels once they reach the feeder. Many use weight-activated (spring-loaded) mechanisms that close the feeding ports when a heavier animal lands. These control feeding, not access.
In squirrel-prone gardens, the most reliable setup often combines both: a squirrel-proof feeder and a correctly positioned baffle.