Make Your Bird Feeder Squirrel-Proof With A Simple Item You'd Usually Trash

If you've ever had a squirrel raid your bird feeder, you'll understand how cunning and acrobatic these pesky critters can be. Squirrels can leap from nearby branches or structures like power lines to reach bird seed, or even climb up feeder poles. There are lots of ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, some of which involve directing them to another food source, and some that simply involve making the seed inaccessible. Although you can purchase a baffle to serve as a barrier between the ground and bird food, an old plastic lid is an effective DIY substitute. Not only will it protect the seeds, but it will also keep plastic out of the landfill.

For this project, most large, plastic lids will work. You can reuse the top of a Tupperware container that's been warped by the dishwasher, save a plastic casserole lid, or hold onto disposable produce packaging. With a few modifications, the lid will block squirrels from climbing your bird feeder pole and allow you to keep attracting the type of birds you want in your yard. For this project, you'll also need a ruler, a permanent marker, and an X-Acto knife. When finished, the pole that holds up the bird feeder will fit through a hole in the center of your plastic lid.

To start the project, you'll first need to measure the diameter of your feeder pole. Mark those dimensions in the center of the lid and cut out an opening. Make sure you don't go too wide, or your plastic lid may slide right off the pole. An X-Acto knife will work for this step, but you can also use a soldering iron if you have one on hand. If you opt for this method, work outside and use a respirator with P100 filters to protect your lungs. Now, your plastic lid will be able to slide onto the pole — it should fit snugly, without risk of slipping down. You'll want to position it at least 5 feet above the ground; otherwise, squirrels may try to jump onto it.

They can also attempt to access your feeder from an adjacent branch or an overhanging roof. If bird seed is still mysteriously disappearing, use another plastic lid to block squirrels from above, as well as below. For an even more effective barrier, you can cut a hole in the bottom of a bowl to create a sloped surface instead of using a flat lid. Go the extra mile by sprinkling cayenne pepper inside your bird feeder to keep the squirrels away.

With that, your garden can become a more welcoming space for birds again. Just don't let your guard down, as squirrels are infamously persistent, and some still might try to get past your careful diversions.