Repel Bird Feeder Pests With An Amazon Find That Helps Keeps Most Squirrels Out

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Squirrels are savvy backyard pests that gardeners and bird enthusiasts know all too well. If they aren't eating all your vegetable plants or digging up seedlings in their quest for nuts, they're probably wreaking havoc on your bird feeder. Thankfully, someone might have cracked the code. The Whipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder on Amazon might be worth a try if you're tired of burning through birdseed mix and replacing damaged feeders. Instead of a spinning base that would send some squirrels flying, the Whipper has weight-sensitive levers. If anything that weighs 2 ounces or more tries to perch on it, it drops out from under it like a trap door, causing critters like squirrels to fall in defeat. To add to its benefits, it can hold up to 5 pounds of feed, which is distributed to four individual feeding stations via a clog-resistant layout. This style of bird feeder is also made to last through the seasons as it's constructed with weather-resistant plastic and durable metal components, so you can feed the local birdlife all year-round.

Overall, customers rave about this product, with some saying that it's the first squirrel-proof bird feeder that actually lives up to its name. It's so good at keeping out the tree rodents that one person noticed that the squirrels resorted to chewing the top of the feeder (unsuccessfully). To remedy this, use garden pest-control methods like these deterrent spikes, which can be cut and glued on the lid. This addition may help dissuade critters from plotting and planning on the feeder itself. Other reviews noted that even raccoons couldn't break into the feeder. However, one commenter remarked about a bear successfully getting in — so beware if you live in a bear-prone area. 

Perhaps the only downside of this product is that it doesn't come with a hanging pole or chain for ground- or tree-based installations. However, this just means you can choose the method that works best for you and your outdoor space. A hanger pole is nice if you don't have nearby trees. Plus, you can put it close to your patio or by a window to birdwatch from. This Ottsuls Bird Feeder Pole comes in different heights and stakes into the ground. For tree-mounting, make sure to use heavy-duty hanger cables that squirrels and other critters can't easily knock down. For feeder poles, you may need to put a baffle mechanism on it to keep squirrels from climbing up and knocking off the feeder.

Make filling your bird feeder easier by using a funnel to transfer bird seed from the bag into the tube. This will keep everything neat and tidy and allow you to spend more time enjoying watching the birds and less time cleaning up. You can always make a funnel using rolled up paper or by cutting the bottom off of a large plastic beverage container and placing it spout-down in the tube. Between the tube's capacity and the thoughtful pest-warding design, you may not need to refill it as often. However, some customer reviews cautioned that depending on the number and size of the birds using your feeder, you may need to check it more frequently. If you find that you're running out quickly, consider putting a second one nearby to accommodate all your feathery friends.